My First Anime Movie

Remembering one’s first anime is surprisingly easy, but recalling the first anime movie can prove to be quite the challenge. As I prepared for this week’s Anime Talk Tuesday, I realised that this would be the topic I’d explore, and I’ve dedicated the past week to crafting this post. The intro you’re reading now is the final piece of the puzzle, and it took me the entire week to sift through my memories and unearth the details of these “firsts.”

Last week was my first anime experience, both known and unknown, which set me off on my anime journey. This time I am delving into my “My First Anime Movie” experiences. While I share my own experiences, I’m eager to learn about yours too.

My First Unknown Anime Movie

It’s fascinating how certain experiences from our past can leave an indelible mark on our memories. “Pokemon: Spell of the Unknown” holds a special place in my heart, not only because it was my first encounter with anime movies but also because of the circumstances and emotions surrounding that moment.

I can still remember where I watched it and the whole scenario around it. Even though I watched this movie around 20 years ago, about 2003/4. The weather was miserable, it was after exams had ended, and there was about a week left until the end of the school term. The teacher’s classroom we were in had a TV and she had said we were welcome to bring videos in from home. Through a class vote, we would decide what movies to watch. Pokemon: Spell of the Unknown was one of the videos brought in and voted upon. Little did I know then that this seemingly ordinary day would become a cherished memory, continuing the early beginnings of my journey into the world of anime.

I was absolutely captivated by this movie. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. I can vividly recall the moment when I watched it. I was sitting in a classroom, bent over my desk, in an uncomfortable lab chair, but none of that mattered because my attention was entirely focused on the movie. What drew me into the film were the captivating elements it introduced and its bright colours. The concept of the “unown” (unknown) was both mysterious and intriguing. Their enigmatic nature added a layer of mystique to the Pokemon world that I found absolutely fascinating. Entei, one of the central characters in the movie, was a standout for me. I adored Entei’s presence and the role it played in the storyline. It was a powerful and majestic creature that left a strong impression on me. I was disappointed when the movie revealed that it was not the real legendary Pokemon but only another imaginative element brought to life.

Seeing Togepi again was a delightful surprise. I had not seen it in a while since the 5 p.m. cartoon had changed to another. Togepi had a special place in my heart from the earlier seasons of Pokemon, and its return brought back a wave of nostalgia and fond memories. But what truly resonated with me was the idea that there was a power in the Pokemon world that could bring imagination to reality. This concept was not only magical but also deeply inspiring. It made me appreciate the boundless creativity that the Pokemon universe offered. Even though I’ve only made it to season 4 of Pokemon, I find myself yearning to see more of the unown explored in the series. Their potential for storytelling and adventure is immense, and I hope that future seasons will delve deeper into their mysteries.

I recently decided to revisit this movie, driven by a sense of nostalgia and the fond memories I had associated with it. To be completely honest, my initial excitement didn’t quite align with the experience of watching it again. It’s often said that nostalgia has a way of casting a rosy tint over our recollections, and in this case, reality didn’t quite live up to the heightened expectations I had built up over time. There’s something undeniably comforting and heartwarming about revisiting a piece of your childhood, even if it doesn’t live up to your memories.

One thing I found particularly satisfying was finally knowing the name of the movie after all these years. It had remained a distant memory from my past, a hazy recollection of a Pokemon adventure. It wasn’t until I embarked on my Pokemon journey again, that I felt the urge to revisit this particular movie. Discovering its title was like solving a long-standing mystery, and it brought a sense of closure and satisfaction. It’s remarkable how a simple classroom activity could become a pivotal moment in my anime journey and a lasting memory that I would carry with me for years to come.

The First Known Anime Movie I Watched

Trying to remember which movie was the first was an incredible challenge, and I switched a few times. First, I thought it was Wicked City, then Your Name, but I knew something wasn’t right. My brain then suggested Perfect Blue or Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry. After re-reading my first anime post, I realised I had been silly. The answer comes with only two options: “BLEACH: Memories of No One” and “BLEACH: Diamond Dust Rebellion.” Either way, my first known anime movie was a BLEACH movie. The memory of which one I watched first might be hazy, but the impact it had on me remains crystal clear. The series had me hooked, and I was eager to uncover the next twist and turn in the story. However, as I approached the last available episode, a sense of longing settled in. I yearned for more, for the story to continue unfolding.

Two “BLEACH” movies were beckoning me, promising an extension of the world I had grown so fond of. It was a moment of decision, and I chose not to pick between the two but to embrace both “BLEACH: Memories of No One” and “BLEACH: Diamond Dust Rebellion” in one sitting. It might have been the Diamond Dust Rebellion, because, Hitsugaya. Or it could have been Memories of No One because of the numbering.

I do recall only getting a few hours of sleep before needing to go to work in the morning. To time it, this would have been roughly in 2012/3. I had stayed up watching both movies until my room lightened, I could hear birds starting to chirp, and my father’s 4:30 a.m. alarm went off. Personally, the sleep deprivation was worth it.

The Anime Movie I First Watched on the Big Screen

The first time I had the privilege to watch an anime movie in a proper cinema setting was a truly unforgettable experience. Watching “Your Name” on a big screen was an experience that blended the magic of the big screen with the immersive world of Japanese animation, creating memories that have stayed with me ever since. This special occasion took place at Brooklyn Mall during the Japanese Cultural Expo in 2019, and it was an event that added a unique layer of enjoyment to an already beloved film. What made this experience even more fun was the fact that I wasn’t alone. I had the pleasure of sharing this screening with my friends and fiance.

As the movie began, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cinematic presentation. The big screen stretched out before us, inviting us into the breathtaking landscapes and intricate details of “Your Name.” The visuals were nothing short of stunning, and they seemed to come alive in a way that can only be fully appreciated on the big screen. The surround sound system further heightened the immersion. The film’s score and sound effects enveloped us, creating an audiovisual spectacle that fully captured the emotional depth and intensity of the story. It was as if we were transported into the world of the movie. 

While I had assumed that the screening might feature an English-dubbed version of the film, I was surprised that it was screened in its original Japanese language with English subtitles.

My First “Spoiled” Anime Movie

I can remember this so easily. I had watched this Anime Music Video (AMV) before I had watched the movie. It encouraged me to source the anime and watch it. This song and the way they paired it with the movie pretty much summarised the whole move and effectively gave away the entire movie’s plot, but I do not mind; it was done beautifully. I am talking about the AMV that paired the song You Can Be King Again by Lauren Aquilina with the anime Hotarubi no Mori e.

What was your first anime movie?