Today’s quick review: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Two years after a man named Sephiroth almost destroyed the world, Cloud Strife, the leader of the adventuring party who saved the world, has isolated himself from his friends due to his geostigma, a disease caused by the calamity. When a trio of powerful men appear with the aim of completing Sephiroth’s work, Cloud must face his fears and reunite with his friends to save the world again.
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is a science fiction fantasy movie with intense action sequences, sophisticated CGI visuals, and a gorgeous soundtrack. The sequel to the video game Final Fantasy VII, Advent Children picks up two years after the end of the game with a story designed to explore the aftermath of Sephiroth’s attempts to destroy the world. As such, the plot feels tacked on and unnecessary compared to the longer, more fully resolved conflicts of the original game.
What Advent Children contributes to the series is a visual feast that brings to life the world and characters of Final Fantasy VII as never before. The world features a creative blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements, where swords, magic, and monsters coexist with guns, motorcycles, and cell phones. While the setting takes back seat to the characters, action, and plot, the world feels rich and expansive, even as a backdrop.
The graphics are detailed CGI that still looks amazing over a decade after the film’s release. The gorgeous set pieces include a ruined church, a forest of glowing trees, and an abandoned highway. The characters are a satisfying blend of realism and video game design. Advent Children does not skimp on rendering, even in crowded city shots, and the attention to detail is the equal of any live-action movie.
Advent Children boasts intense, gravity-defying action that gives the film appeal even for those who are not fans of the game. The film’s many fight scenes are seamless blurs of unfettered action that show just how exciting superpowered combat can be. Realism takes a back seat to spectacle: nearly every character has superhuman strength and speed, while the laws of physics contort themselves to accommodate the incredible jumps, dodges, and impacts that fill the movie.
Fans of the original game should check out Advent Children as the high-resolution, action-packed realization of the game’s story and setting. Though the shifts in characterization and the epilogue feel to the plot may leave a peculiar taste in fans’ mouths, the production quality and creative action are more than enough to justify the watch.
Fans of sci-fi action should check out Advent Children as well simply for the spectacle. The plot will be difficult to follow without familiarity with the game, so a bit of background reading is recommended for maximum enjoyment. But simply taking the events of the movie at face value is enough to make Advent Children an enjoyable watch for anyone interested in physics-defying action and stunning visuals.
7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for astounding visuals and high-octane fight scenes held back by a confusing, tacked-on plot.