‘Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children’: Exceptionally Well-Crafted but Almost Bankrupted SE

The news of a sequel animated film to the video game Final Fantasy VII (FF7) was first announced around 2003. Since then, fans of FF7 have eagerly awaited its release, downloading numerous leaked images from magazines and watching various trailers showcased at exhibitions. Finally, after multiple delays, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children made its highly anticipated debut.

From the very beginning, its production company, Square Enix, made it clear that this animated film was primarily intended for fans. This indirectly implied that the animation's main features would be familiar faces and impressive CGI. Newcomers who haven't played the game often marvel at the beauty of the characters, the stunning visuals, and the questionable storyline. The dialogue is filled with phrases recognizable to fans, but for FF7 enthusiasts, this CG cinematic movie holds undeniable significance and serves as a milestone in the franchise's history.

Let's begin with the male protagonist, who draws the attention of all. Cloud, the hero, remains sensitive and aloof in the theatrical version. Despite having completed the heroic mission of saving the world with a group of friends two years ago, he still can't resolve the issues in his heart (or perhaps he's burdened by new ones?). He leaves them all behind and, unfortunately, becomes a member of the 'Geostigma' afflicted. While Tifa and the orphan Marlene quietly care for Denzel at Seventh Heaven, Cloud saves a heartwarming photo in Tifa's possession. He then goes to the church, carrying only a small box and some basic medical supplies, to lick his wounds in the serene sunlight, surrounded by flowers and a bubbling spring. However, this peace doesn't last long. Cloud is reluctantly pulled back into battle by the trio with silver hair and the remnants of Sephiroth. Of course, there's something to be thankful for during these battles. Throughout the animated film, our male lead, aside from being knocked down and losing his sunglasses once, emerges nearly unscathed. In the end, his arm is even miraculously healed. As everyone celebrates jubilantly in the closing scenes, Cloud finally smiles radiantly in the brilliant sunlight.

When it comes to female characters, we must acknowledge that Advent Children has elevated Tifa's popularity to new heights. In FF7, Tifa and Aerith's fans were evenly matched, with neither side conceding to the other. However, in Advent Children, Tifa generally outshines Aerith, despite the latter being supported by Zack Fair. One reason for this may still be related to the ending of FF7: a deceased Aerith, of course, can't compete with Tifa, who remains by Cloud's side. But the second reason—the character's image—is Tifa's trump card. Countless people have undoubtedly fallen for her enchanting black leather dress and her gorgeous face and figure. Indeed, from the moment she appears, her large blinking eyes, long eyelashes, and silky black hair are bewitching. Her graceful movements between different expressions, whether it's tilting her head, looking up, turning her profile, smiling, taking a few steps—her combat attire blends perfectly with the vibrant and gentle church. Throughout the animated film, Tifa's visage remains consistently beautiful. However, during the heartwarming grand finale, Tifa's smile at Cloud, who is still soaking in the spring, is profoundly meaningful. It's safe to say that the audience watching this scene may be equally captivated and moved.

On the other hand, the other female lead, Aerith, is thoroughly deified alongside Zack in Advent Children. Every time she appears, it's accompanied by light and echoes. Sometimes, it seems you can hear her voice but can't see her, giving off the impression of a Bodhisattva guiding all beings. Especially during the battle with Bahamut, when one might have expected Tifa to be the one to give Cloud the final push, a liquid (crystal?) suddenly appears in the sky, granting Cloud strength while gently speaking a few words. It's impossible not to be amazed by her supreme status, both abstract and tangible. The scene where she and Zack turn and leave the church bathed in milky white light, with her serene smile and the animated film's perfectly timed slow-motion effects, is undoubtedly an invitation for immediate adoration."

In the realm of antagonists, the silver-haired trio's leader, Kadaj, possesses a character marked by neurotic fragility. He exudes arrogance but is also prone to descending into states of excruciating mental anguish. Moreover, there's a hint of an Oedipus complex, if Jenova, that head, could assume maternal responsibilities. The other two members consist of Loz, a brawny and rough exterior concealing a glass-like vulnerability, and Yazoo, a handsome young man with flowing hair, so cool that he barely utters lines or has many appearances. Consequently, as we approach the climax, everyone's gaze naturally (while fans' gaze has been unwavering) converges on the godly figure, Sephiroth, the ultimate boss character. And he doesn't disappoint. From the iconic scene of 'soaring silver hair and raging flames,' he firmly establishes a presence in the hearts of the audience. His untamed and audacious gaze prompts new viewers to exclaim, 'Wow, what a charismatic man!' while seasoned players nod and say, 'Ah, he's still the same...'. But it's undeniable that when he disdainfully gazes at Cloud for a mere minute, the cool blond male protagonist instantly becomes a cute young boy. The boss truly stands out! It would have been even better if the 'one-winged angel' scene at the end of the battle had been more spectacular.

As for the other characters, especially the comrades who fought alongside Cloud in the game, it's regrettable to say that they mostly make cameo appearances... except for the cool guy Vincent, who manages to snag a few solo moments thanks to his existing fanbase. The rest of the good friends only get brief appearances and one or two lines of dialogue (RedXIII's single line at the end must be mentioned; his voice is truly startling...). But I believe that after many years, we will still see these old friends frolicking happily, perhaps a bit more beautiful and handsome, and FF7 players will be able to smile with nostalgia.

Now, let's return to the overall movie. Strictly in terms of CGI, there's hardly anything to nitpick about in Advent Children. When the game FF7 was first released, its unprecedented high-quality graphics left players in awe. Years later, Square Enix's technology has only improved, with the FF movie, followed by the FFX series, showcasing their undeniable prowess. Advent Children doesn't disappoint in terms of visual quality. Every strand of hair on the characters, every leaf in the background, is rendered lifelike. Every frame looks like a photograph, with details that stand up to scrutiny. Whether it's Seventh Heaven, the church, or the Forgotten City, witnessing these meticulously crafted settings is enough to bring tears to the eyes of every FF7 fan. The character animations have also shed the stiffness and awkwardness of yesteryears. From large-scale battle scenes to subtle facial expressions, the technical expertise shines through. It's worth noting that Square Enix seems to have a particular fondness for Cloud's black motorcycle. Not only does it feature prominently in scenes purely meant to showcase CGI, but it also dominates the music video for 'Calling' at the end, where it spends a full 6 minutes tearing up a narrow asphalt road in the wilderness (and strangely, there are no other vehicles in sight). Nevertheless, this segment seamlessly blends CGI with real-world settings, with camera transitions and lighting effects that match those of animated film. Square Enix's impressive technical prowess is truly commendable.

In terms of music, Nobuo Uematsu, who has since left Square Enix, indulges in a remix frenzy. The game's iconic BGM, after being re-arranged, reappears throughout the movie. When Tifa strolls through the church's garden, 'Tifa's Theme' chimes gently. When Sephiroth makes his entrance, 'One-Winged Angel' accompanies his formidable presence, while Loz's flip phone rings with the MIDI-quality 'Victory Fanfare' right before he rises from the ruins. The music that has always brought joy to players after a victorious battle suddenly takes on a slightly comical tone, leaving players astonished and then chuckling with embarrassment.

Taking a holistic view of the animated film, while the plot may be relatively thin, and there's room for improvement in terms of cinematography, when you consider the amalgamation of visuals, music, and entertainment value, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children still stands as an outstanding high-level CGI animated film. For viewers who haven't played the game, there might be many proprietary terms and points of confusion, but it's essential to understand how much these elements mean to FF7 players. Moreover, Advent Children faithfully inherits the game's storyline and delivers a satisfying conclusion to the entire FF7 series. Combined with its high quality, Square Enix's dedication is genuinely moving."