Synopsis
Two years after the final confrontation of Sephiroth within the northern crater, three new youths on motorbikes ambush Cloud. They are in search of the missing remains of their mother, Jenova. Once Jenova’s cells are in their possession, the Reunion can proceed. In other words, it would bring about the nightmare of Sephiroth once more and the destruction of the world. It is all mother’s will…
Review
The most anticipated movie since 2003 has finally arrived on Japanese shores. Based on what may possibly be the greatest game of all time, Final Fantasy 7, which truly defined the Playstation console, Advent Children has sold more than 420,000 units in Japan within the first week of it’s debut on September 14, 2005.
The term Advent Children refers to the coming or arrival of the three children actually teenagers Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz that together make up Kadaj’s gang. All of which have the potential to become another Sephiroth. During this time Tifa’s 7th Heaven bar, formerly the headquarters of Barret’s Avalanche renegade group, now acts as both the office of the Strife Delivery Service and as an orphanage. Aeris has been long dead, yet Cloud is still guilt-stricken over the loss.
The Official Japanese website is located at http://www.square-enix.co.jp/dvd/ff7ac/ with Flash interface where you’ll find a couple wallpapers, trailers, character bios. Soundtrack information can be found at http://www.square-enix.co.jp/music/sem/page/ff7ac/ which features the list of tracks and five samples.
The Breakdown
Sexy Japanese voices, sexy leather outfits, huge and long swords. What better combination is there?
» The Pros
Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children is not the movie to shy away from for those who fear that it'll fail like Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. It is a hundred times better than The Spirits Within, Final Fantasy Unlimited, and Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals. Even though most movies based off video games well let's face it are terrible (Super Mario), Advent Children is the exception. While watching the movie, it actually feels as if you are playing through the video game. You'll be tempted to replay FF7 afterwards.
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» The Cons
Although it is not necessary to have played the video game first before having watched the movie, it is highly recommended that you do so. There's still time to get purchase a copy of FF7 Playstation's Greatest Hits version for $20 at stores before the US release. For one it will give you insight into who all of the characters are - all of Cloud's friends, Shinra company's Rufus and the Turks, Marlene, and Sephiroth. Having played the game will cue you in to all the little things such as the various soundtracks, limit breaks, materia, the Highwind, and the scenery like the church and flower bed, Yuffie's reference to Wutai, and the highway. The Final Fantasy Last Order OVA is of particular significance because it is the correct recount of the events before Final Fantasy 7 at Cloud and Tifa's hometown of Nibelheim involving Zack and Sephiroth, only revealed during Cloud's coma in the video game. It even includes the hidden cinema from the FF7 game where Zack and Cloud are riding in the back of a truck heading to Midgar.
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» Animation
10. |
Cloud, Tifa, and Yuffie have new outfits for the movie (you'll get a chance to see Cloud in his Advent Children getup in Kingdom Hearts 2). Vincent and his cape are badass. The character designs for Kadaj and Yazoo look feminine. Even Cloud can be mistaken for Tidus from FFX (no he is not Gackt, the jpop star). I was expecting there to be more blood especially when shot to the head. Yazoo wields gun-swords similar to those in FF8. Tifa has a great fight scene where she bounces Loz off the floor. Aside from Tifa, Cloud, and perhaps Vincent, the rest of the playable characters are pushed to the sideline although they do have a group battle against Bahamut. Rude and Reno are the comic relief, and they are decent fighters. Hey you have to give them an A for effort. Rude's facial expression when Reno accidentally steps on his shades = priceless. The CG effects for Cloud and Sephiroth's battle rival that of the fight scene between Neo and Smith in the third Matrix movie. There are streaks of light as their swords clash. Once again Square pushes the limits of computer generated technology. This is no kiddy flick like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Shrek, and A Shark's Tale. |
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» Sound
10. |
Well orchestrated remixes of the video game music: piano versions of Tifa's theme and Aeris's theme, the battle theme, the theme of the Turks, the Jenova theme, and Sephiroth's One-Winged Angel. The Opening theme is identical to how the video game begins. Be sure to purchase the soundtrack along with getting the movie. Divinity I & II put the Matrix in its place. The victory cell phone ring tone is hilarious. I want that on my phone! The EN song to the movie is titled Calling by Kyosuke Himuro. |
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» Story
9.0 |
A good portion of the movie wows the audience with fighting. Story development is secondary. Marlene is pretty attached to Cloud. The revolving theme is forgiveness. What does it take for sins to be forgiven? For the last time, no you can't revive Aeris. What the heck is that wolf doing there? Is it supposed to symbolize Cloud's lone self? |
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» Recommend
10. |
I guess the delay is caused by the difficulty in matching the lip sync with the English dialogue, let alone we still have no idea who the English voice actors are. It's not clear when exactly Square will release the American version. Some say November 2005, others first quarter 2006. But it is a must buy whenever it is released. I sympathize with everyone who has pre-ordered the movie through Gamestop since last May. |
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» Other Information
Language: Japanese
Extras: Compilation of Trailers including the next series of FF7 games - Before Crisis, Crisis Core, and Dirge of Cerberus, Director's Commentary, Reminiscence of FF7 (an overview of FF7 for those who haven't played the game), Scene Selection, and Bonus Final Fantasy Last Order OVA animated short (25 min).
Package: Cloud in leather sporting some hot looking shades |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
