Movie

Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us

Name: Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us
Released: 2018

2018 • Unknown

Woke Score

out of 10

Plot

A young athlete whose running days might be behind her, a compulsive liar, a shy researcher, a bitter old woman, and a little girl with a big secret—the only thing they have in common is the annual Wind Festival in Fula City. The festival celebrates the Legendary Pokémon Lugia, who brings the wind that powers this seaside city. When a series of threats endangers not just the festival, but all the people and Pokémon of Fula City, it’ll take more than just Satoshi and Pikachu to save the day! Can everyone put aside their differences and work together—or will it all end in destruction?

Overall Series Review

The film centers on a diverse group of flawed people—a liar, an anxious researcher, a hesitant athlete, and a bitter old woman—who are forced to cooperate with the established hero, Ash, to save their city. The narrative focuses almost exclusively on universal moral principles: finding the courage to act, facing the consequences of personal dishonesty, overcoming anxiety, and confronting past emotional trauma. Success is achieved through individual effort, overcoming personal character defects, and community cooperation. The city's ancient traditions and spiritual foundations are celebrated as the source of its prosperity and a solution to the crisis. The story is a straightforward appeal to meritocracy and community spirit.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

Characters are defined by personal, changeable flaws (lying, timidity, bitterness, reluctance) and their meritocratic efforts to overcome them, not by immutable characteristics or race. The focus is on universal virtues like courage and honesty. There is no evidence of race-based lecturing or vilification of any group.

Oikophobia2/10

The plot revolves around the annual Wind Festival, which is explicitly framed as a celebration of Fula City's ancient traditions, its founding legend with Lugia, and its technological power source (wind turbines). The city’s institutions and heritage are respected and restored, not demonized. The goal is to honor the ancestors' promise and tradition.

Feminism2/10

Both male (liar, anxious researcher) and female (reluctant athlete, bitter old woman) characters are flawed and must show personal growth and courage to contribute to the resolution. The female lead, Risa, is not instantly perfect but earns her role through effort and overcoming her physical and psychological hurdles. The dynamics are complementary, valuing individual effort from all people.

LGBTQ+1/10

There is no presence of sexual ideology. The movie is a family-oriented adventure that focuses on friendship, community, and personal moral arcs. The narrative structure is entirely normative and avoids any lecturing on alternative sexualities or gender theory.

Anti-Theism1/10

The core of the city is the Wind Festival, which is based on an ancient spiritual belief and a promise with the Legendary Pokémon Lugia. This 'faith' is what guides the final actions to save the city. The movie portrays this spiritual foundation as a source of strength and order, not as a root of evil or bigotry. Objective truth (personal integrity, community cooperation) is necessary for salvation.