Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

"Re-Adventing the Child Within..."

*Please note this review is of the DVD edition of this film. I had to use the PSP section by default because it's the only way you can write a review about Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children here in Game FAQS. Please also note as I am giving this such a high score, I am ignoring the standard scoring from Game FAQS because this is a movie and not a game.*

For those that are unfamiliar with Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, let me give you the 4-1-1. This is not a game. It is a movie. It is the direct sequel of one of the most beloved RPGs ever; Final Fantasy VII. It picks up roughly a year after the events of the game and is simply a must see for those wishing to continue the adventures of Cloud, Tifa, and the many others. in the game.

The movie is just a gorgeous sight to behold. Take any cut-scene you have ever seen from SquareEnix and multiply it by a billion and you have some idea of how beautiful this film is. Square used the same technology that was used for FF: Spirits Within and from the Animatrix scene, but this looks even more refined. It would seem more work was put into the technology as the years have passed and that stands to reason. The result is an even more realistic look and a much faster and natural style of computer animation.

The story, I'm happy to report, is much better than Spirits Within. This is taken right out of the Final Fantasy VII universe and everything stays true to each original character and concept. Some have said the story is hard to follow, but I did not find this to be the case at all. The problem may be the fact that this is a very Japanese style of storytelling and it does not always translate well in terms of storytelling, not dialogue, to many westerners. But if you are familiar with games, anime, or some of the recent films to break out from Japanese cinema, you should be okay. I'd say if you have played Final Fantasy VII then the storyline will make sense to you.

It would seem the people of the world have been stricken with an infection that has no cure. It is called Geo-Stigma. No one seems to know what to do about it but it is causing suffering to many. All the while, three brothers led by one that looks mysteriously like Sephiroth, are hell bent on retrieving the remains of Jenova (whom they all refer to as mother). They also seem to attack Cloud every chance they get.

While the description I have left is somewhat cryptic, it is intentional. The to say much more might give away some of the story. I don't want to spoil it gor you. Just know, this is an amazing movie and one you need to see if you are a Final Fantasy VII fan.

The English voice over is outstanding, but (as any self-respecting otaku will agree) this needs to be watched in Japanese to get the full emotion and effect. It just feels very Japanese in story and style. Some might compare it to anime, but I think this would be a mistake. We are looking at a whole new level, style, and sub-genre of animation. I don't even think it can be categorized. I think the short excerpt from the Animatrix started this movement, but it's so new that it has not been given a genre of it's own.

The DVD version of this movie comes with loads of extras such as interviews, behind the scenes making of featurettes, and even some deleted scenes. You also get to preview some of the upcoming games in what is now known as the expanding Final Fantasy VII universe. There is also a nice sequence of events that are taken out of Final Fantasy VII in case you are unfamiliar with or need a refersher course on the events of the game. While nothing has been mentioned of the oft rumored Final Fantasy VII remake, after seeing this film and considering the franchise's popularity, I think a Final Fantasy VII remake is inevitable.

I can not stress enough how great this movie is. It is the new evolution in the Final Fantasy VII universe and also in straight to DVD releases. Aside from "Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story", this could be the best straight to DVD release ever. You all need to get it if you like anything Final Fantasy, especially if you are like the multitudes out there that think Final Fantasy VII is the best game ever. If you beat the game, get this film so you can find out what happens next. Then you're gonna have to get Dirge of Cerebus: Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy; Before Crisis, Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core.... Wow. What the hell did Final Fantasy X-2 start? Who cares? As for me, I have my head in a Cloud.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/05/08

Game Release: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (US, 04/25/06)