Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children | 2005
Directed by: Tetsuya Nomura, Takeshi Nozue
Main Plot
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is set two years after the events of the original game, in a world still recovering from the catastrophic events caused by the villain Sephiroth. The story follows Cloud Strife, a former hero who is grappling with his past and the lingering effects of a mysterious illness called Geostigma, which afflicts many survivors. As the planet faces a new threat from a group known as the Remnants, who are seeking to resurrect Sephiroth, Cloud must confront his own demons while protecting those he cares about. The film explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the struggle against despair, as Cloud and his allies band together to combat the rising darkness and find hope in a world still healing from its scars.
Characters
- Takahiro Sakurai voices Cloud Strife, the main protagonist who battles remnants of Sephiroth and struggles with his past to protect his friends and find redemption.
- Ayumi Ito voices Tifa Lockhart, a skilled martial artist and Cloud Strife's close friend, who helps him confront his past and fight against new threats to their world.
- Shôtarô Morikubo voices Kadaj, a primary antagonist who seeks to resurrect Sephiroth and confronts Cloud Strife, driving the central conflict of the story.
Ending Explained
In the ending of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, the main conflict reaches resolution as Cloud Strife confronts his past and the lingering effects of the events from the original game. The story culminates in a climactic battle against Sephiroth, who embodies Cloud's unresolved trauma and guilt. Throughout the film, Cloud struggles with his identity and the burden of his past actions, particularly concerning his friends and the planet. As the battle intensifies, Cloud receives support from his friends and allies, symbolizing his acceptance of their presence in his life and the importance of connection. The final confrontation sees Cloud embracing his inner strength and finally overcoming Sephiroth, signifying his personal growth and the healing of his emotional wounds. After the battle, the film shifts to a more hopeful tone. Cloud is seen reconciling with his past and finding peace, which is further emphasized by the imagery of a bright future for the children of the planet. The narrative closes with a sense of renewal and the promise of a better tomorrow, highlighting themes of redemption, friendship, and the enduring fight for a brighter future. This resolution ties back to the overarching themes of the series, emphasizing the importance of facing one's demons and the power of hope.