Final Fantasy VII Advent Children

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children – A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Ride

If you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy franchise, chances are you’ve heard of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Released in 2005, this CGI-animated film serves as a direct sequel to the iconic Final Fantasy VII game, picking up two years after the events of the original story. Directed by Tetsuya Nomura and produced by Square Enix, Advent Children was a visual spectacle for its time, blending high-octane action with the emotional depth of its characters. But how does it hold up today? Let’s dive into what fans and critics have been saying.

The Plot: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

The film follows Cloud Strife, the brooding ex-soldier, as he grapples with guilt and PTSD from the events of Final Fantasy VII. When a mysterious illness called Geostigma plagues the children of Edge (the new city built from the ruins of Midgar), Cloud is pulled back into action. Enter the antagonists: Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo—three silver-haired remnants of Sephiroth who are hell-bent on resurrecting their “mother,” Jenova.

Fans have mixed feelings about the plot. On one hand, it’s a treat to see beloved characters like Tifa, Barret, and Vincent return, even if their screen time is limited. The emotional core—Cloud’s struggle to move on—resonates deeply with those who played the original game. However, newcomers might find the story confusing, as Advent Children assumes you’re already familiar with Final Fantasy VII lore. One Reddit user put it bluntly: “If you haven’t played the game, this movie will feel like a fever dream.”

Visuals: Ahead of Its Time

Let’s talk about the animation. For 2005, Advent Children was groundbreaking. The CGI was sleek, the fight choreography was dynamic, and the character designs stayed true to the game’s aesthetic. The infamous motorcycle chase scene and Cloud’s duel with Sephiroth remain iconic moments in anime history. A MyAnimeList reviewer gushed: “The action sequences are pure eye candy. Even now, they hold up better than some modern CGI films.”

That said, not everyone is impressed. Some critics argue that the film prioritizes style over substance. The hyper-stylized action can feel overwhelming, and the dialogue often takes a backseat to flashy visuals. As one fan on Twitter joked: “It’s like Nomura watched The Matrix and said, ‘Hold my Buster Sword.’”

Characters: Hits and Misses

Cloud’s character arc is the heart of the film. His journey from self-loathing to redemption is compelling, especially for fans who’ve followed his story. However, the supporting cast doesn’t get much development. Tifa, for instance, is reduced to a damsel in distress, which irked many longtime fans. A Tumblr post lamented: “Tifa went from kicking ass in the game to being sidelined in the movie. What a waste.”

The villains, Kadaj and his crew, are divisive. Some love their flamboyant, over-the-top personalities, while others find them shallow compared to Sephiroth. A YouTube comment summed it up: “They’re fun to watch, but they don’t have the same menace as Sephiroth. Just edgy boys with mommy issues.”

Music and Soundtrack: Pure Nostalgia

The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is a highlight. Tracks like “One-Winged Angel” and “Calling” elevate the film’s emotional and action-packed moments. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the score: “Uematsu’s music is the soul of Final Fantasy, and Advent Children proves it.”

Final Verdict: A Love Letter to Fans

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is a film made for the fans. It’s a visually stunning, action-packed ride that rewards those who’ve invested in the Final Fantasy VII universe. However, its convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters make it a tough sell for newcomers.

As one Reddit user perfectly put it: “It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s our flawed masterpiece.” If you’re a die-hard FFVII fan, this film is a must-watch. If not, you might want to play the game first—or at least watch a recap.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A nostalgic blast with some rough edges.

What do you think? Did Advent Children live up to your expectations, or did it fall short? Let’s discuss in the comments!