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Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle

Name: Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
Director: Tetsuo Yajima
Released: 2020
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

7.9/10

Good

2020

TV-Y7

Director

Tetsuo Yajima

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film dismantles biological determinism by focusing on 'chosen family.' By centering a human child raised by a Pokémon, the story challenges traditional lineage and species-based hierarchies. Though the film lacks direct representation of LGBTQ+ or disabled characters, it uses metaphor to explore belonging and neurodivergent experiences. The protagonist's unique navigation of the world serves as a subtle exploration of difference. Overall, the film's strength lies in its rejection of rigid social and biological structures, favoring subjective emotional bonds over institutional or species-based rules, offering a progressive view of community.

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Category Breakdown

Does Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film doesn't include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships, but the concept of 'chosen family' reflects non-traditional kinship models.

How does Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle portray gender?

Fair

Gender hierarchies are minimized in favor of survival roles. Zarude, the parental figure, offers nurturing care that goes beyond typical masculine or feminine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle?

Good

Diversity is shown through various Pokémon species. The protagonist's journey to find belonging among non-human Pokémon mirrors struggles within a dominant group.

How does Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes emotional truth over biological facts. It questions human authority figures in favor of the natural world's autonomy.

Does Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle include disability representation?

Fair

There are no characters defined by disabilities, but Koko's inability to use standard moves hints at a unique developmental or sensory condition.

Present on Screen

Deconstructs biological determinism through 'chosen family' dynamics.
Uses non-human ecosystems to avoid traditional human gender roles.
Explores belonging and 'otherness' through metaphorical storytelling.

Limited or Absent

Doesn't feature explicit LGBTQ+ characters or identity-based representation.
Limited human-to-human ethnic diversity in the narrative.
Doesn't explicitly address or categorize specific disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the Forest of Okoya, Koko is a feral child who has been raised as a Pokémon by the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. Koko has grown up never doubting that he is a Pokémon even though he can't really use any sort of moves. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu meet Koko and help him protect the Great Tree from the crooked scientist Dr. Zed.

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