Advent Children – A New Vision in Filmmaking

Despite its misleading name, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is not a game. The film was quietly released on April 25 after spending years in production limbo as having been delayed multiple times. As a result the film will surely meet some difficulties in reaching projected sales. Advent Children is a computer generated film produced by SquareEnix. The film is much like Square’s 2001 flop Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. The Spirits Within was a breakthrough in computer-generated technology as well as an introduction of the medium to the public. Unfortunately, the film failed due to mixed reaction from critics as well as a script that fell apart halfway through the film. Unlike The Sprits Within, Advent Children successfully utilizes the computer-generated medium, allowing camera angles and special effects that would be exceedingly expensive, if not impossible, on a normal reel. The Spirits Within was a sci-fi film, which devolved into a poor monster film, whereas Advent Children is unrelenting in its action /sci-fi formula. The film tells the story of what happened two years later in the world created in the critically and commercially successful Final Fantasy VII video game. The game is to this date, one of the most popular games of all time, in terms of fans as well as sales. Advent Children tells the story of an ex-SOLDIER who is just trying to survive in the devastated and disease-ridden city of Midgar. The film exemplifies what a computer generated film should look like. Advent Children takes risks in terms of directing, and it pays off. Unique camera angles perform well in the virtual city. It’s a film that can be appreciated by both long time fans of the game as well as new comers looking for an edge-of-your-seat action film that forces you to think. The film was intended to be released in American theatres during the summer of 2005, but went directly to DVD. Although the film is out of the ordinary for most of the population, it makes gigantic strides in terms of computer generated filmmaking and is an extremely entertaining film. It is worlds beyond other video game films such as Tomb Raider and Doom. This is the perfect film for action-fans, film buffs, and gamers.