Great video! Especially enjoyed your analysis of Cloud’s agency and how the game portrays a man dealing with trauma in such a feminist way. Cloud will always be my favorite video game protagonist.
If I may add another character of Quiet Male Trauma to the mix; debatably Shirou Emiya and Kiritsugu Emiya from the fate series. They’re… a mixed bag of shonen stereotypes at times, but mostly they’re far more quiet and sad than they are Loud Men
Spoilers for the game below: I am surprised you didn't talk more about the whole time-line stuff as it parallels Cloud's struggles with his trauma. The planet itself is attempting to ensure this timeline plays out the way its supposed to (the original FFVII) because while not the best outcome, it results in the planet's survival. In a way the planet is responding to its trauma by refusing to be vulnerable while also doing the opposite of Cloud and trying to control everything. Ultimately both Cloud and the planet are encouraged (mainly by Aerith) to let go and be vulnerable: ultimately giving Cloud agency he never really had both in terms of his own choices and the narrative now being open for events to play out differently, whilst the planet lets go of controlling everything
That's a really interesting way of interpreting things. I didn't talk about the timeline stuff because I'm not really sure where they're taking all of that yet, but I'm definitely curious to see how it plays into Clouds internal arc over the series.
Okay I’m getting through this more and leaving more comments TO APPEASE THE ALGORITHM OVERLORDS But oh god oh dang seeing the analysis of male and female trauma in storytelling was a huge thing here, and god, do I wish I had heard this ten years ago
Cloud has been my favorite character for years. ever since I first discovered the original ff7 in the peak of my major depressive episode in 2019. I could kind of explain why, but this video made me realize exactly the reason I love him so much. First off, at the time I said Cloud was the first video game character I came across that actually responded to the events that happened around him- that is, gaining trauma. It was so refreshing to see a character realistically be suffering from violence that, truth be told, is just the video game standard. But it wasn't just the fact that he HAD trauma that drew me to him. I related to him hard because he was suffering mentally just as I was. But there's so many men who suffered mentally in media so why was it Cloud that I became attached to? Well after watching this BEAUTIFULLY crafted masterpiece of a video essay, I realize that it's because he suffered in the same way as me. I tend to suffer in the passive and more "feminine" way you describe, which is the silent, compliant turmoil that slowly eats away at you. I was socially anxious, and struggled to maintain my friendships just like Cloud was. Just as you describe, his trauma also affects him in the vulnerable passive way and it was so SO refreshing to see that portrayed in media. I felt less alone the more I dove into Cloud's story and now I know why. He is such an important character to not just me, but media as a whole because he represents a really overlooked aspect of male trauma. One that I resonated with deeply. They nailed him even more in the remake. The writing, facial expressions, and of course Cody Christian's incredible performance have made Cloud even MORE endearing and multi-faceted and I just cannot wait to see more of him and particularly how he hands his complexes building towards the climax of his mind breaking. I hope you're insanely proud of this video because it's truly insane. The script to the editing and even just the effort in the disclaimers and citations is admirable. I enjoyed every second of it and I will be sharing this video with other final fantasy fans. Thank you for this experience.
With how well written this script is and how natural the whole video flows, it's a shame this video doesn't have nearly as many views as it deserves. I loved your analysis of the whole game and it made me think more about Cloud's actions. I'm looking forward to perhaps seeing a video essay on the second part when that comes out. (Also, as someone who has written many essays in my life, I admire people who have lots of sources, since I always struggle to find them)
Thank you! I’m curious to see where SE takes the games in the future given that they have consciously diverted themselves from the original timeline. I guess that means I actually have to buy a PS5 though haha.
I have no words, this was incredible. I put this on to fall asleep listening to, and now here I am wondering why there's footage of Tifa knocking over every single chair. (and Cloud too, I'm now seeing) I also love your "paraphrasing other people" voice!
I made a point of knocking over every chair at Shinra. I cannot explain why. I have debated making the knocking over chairs supercut. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video as always! You perfectly described a good portion of why Cloud is one of my favourite fictional characters ever, something I myself couldn't really put into words. (Also can't wait how the 'Remake' handles the scene where Tifa helps fixing Cloud's mind)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video! I read a review as I was finishing it up that claimed Cloud was a weak protagonist, and my brain just went ?????????
After noticing the similarities between Cloud and Daniil, I found myself realizing that sad boys explains a lot of my media choices, and I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner.
This is so underrated. The world needs more FFVII video essays (and if I’m being honest, more Ffvii appreciation imo)! This is truly a gem. So well researched; and relatable as a fellow cloud imprinter :P. Gonna go watch your play through now!!!
"He has the proportions of a Disney Princess" That is TRUELY the greatest summation of Japanese Bishōnen males. I do find the concept of the Male gaze in media interesting, after watching the outrage with a muscular female character in The Last of Us 2 and how people claimed it was "unrealistic" while 1. that was a real woman who was the model in the game, and 2. Its a fucking video game with zombie's with alien/insectoid looking heads I don't think "realism" should even be in the conversation. As if one depiction of the female body is any less legitimate then the one's that can fit one someone's body pillow..... *shudder* On a more important note the editing and research has been fucking overhauled to a whole nother level. You hit so many points, it feels more like a master's thesis, with speaking on study limitations and all! 50:26-51:08 was such an amazing point, media has a method of influencing the social perception or reality of many who view it in sometimes exceptionally negative ways that I think reinforce already established "social norms" rather then challenge them or critique them. Women using their "sexuality" and "womanly wilds" (yes I know its archaic phrasing) as a way of solve problems and men channeling their inner reptilian brain to solve problems. Even in modern media with ass kicking characters of both genders it still usually ends up following typical social and gender archetypes. Also your statements on the Black Panthers and "COINTELPRO" was spot on don't want to go into more on that because its worthy of its own video. I don't want to fill up your comments with my ramblings because I think this is one of the best video essays i've seen in awhile, Pathalogic is not your end game, whatever future essays......or questioning if Horses exisit or not (they might or might not) videos you do I think will be a treat for us all. EDit: Also. LMAOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! 1:25:39
Thank you so much for your kind words! Gender and archetypes in video games is such a fascinating topic, and I wish it was easier to talk about it without being worried about harassment online tbh. I made that whole segment about the male gaze at the beginning partially because I get tired of how people discuss (and dismiss) the trope in video games and I needed to vent lol.
This was such an amazing breakdown of very different aspects of this game, and you make them flow beautifully from one to the next in how they are actually related in a way I honestly wasn't expecting when I first read the title of this video. Truly amazing!
I am not quite prepared to comment on the emotional rawness that is present in this video essay, but I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve the Final Fantasy 7 Remake dating sim. If this isn't the best and most sound idea I heard all year, I don't know what is.
so I know fuckall about FFVII but I saw the rest of the title followed by the channel name and clicked as fast as I could. holy shit, I am speechless, this was so good!! the sheer amount of time and effort this must have taken really shows and I hope you're insanely proud of this. also, as a survivor, I really appreciate how you handled discussing trauma and PTSD and that you did so with the sensitivity and nuance that the subject deserves. that really means a lot to me
Great vid! Something I've struggled with is how to contextualize the ways in which women sexualize other women. Like,I've been around sapphic circles(A descriptor which does include most modern women tbh.),for quite a while. It serves my purposes to pretend women don't objectify each other,but that just isn't true. And I don't think the way queer girls admire a 19-year old girl's features is all that different from how a straight guy does. Patriarchy explains some of this objectification,but I think it's also true that society favors a waifish and smooth concept of beauty. A beauty concept that is most often exemplified by women and femmes. So masculine forms are rarely objectified the same way,regardless of gender context,because beauty is most commonly associated with femme forms at a conceptual baseline.
This is a really great point. Women can definitely be toxic in the ways that they objectify other women (and that applies to straight women as well tbh). I do think there is somewhat of a difference when it's women doing the objectifying versus men doing the objectifying because there's societal power dynamic between male/female objectification that isn't at play when it's female/female objectification. It's like, the way Harley Quinn dresses in Suicide Squad (2016) is pretty much the stereotypical way that a man might dress a woman sexy, while the way Harley Quinn dresses in Birds of Prey is much more the way a woman would dress herself when she wants to look sexy. But I totally agree that women objectifying other women and thinking it's automatically okay because they're also women is something I struggle with as well.
I love this analysis! It also made me realize more about the different language used by Shinra with Cloud and Aerith’s agency. Aerith is taken into custody nicely because she has to willingly take them to the promise land. Cloud is repeatedly told that as a soldier he’s given up his rights to happiness and Rufus says that he “owns” him.
Hello, I found your channel through the song featured in Sul's KotoR 2 video, and after listening to it, and being rattled emotionally by it for a multitude of reasons, I noticed you had a RUclips channel as well. I am only partway through this video right now as I listen to it at work, but so far it's very well done, and I love the passion behind it. Thank you for the incredibly moving music and this very well made essay.
I found this game, and rebirth to be some of the best artistic depictions of what my own ptsd experiences have been. And your analysis of it was really moving to listen to. Thank you. I hope you are well.
Finally finished. Really strong video - I appreciate your academic transparency on vocabulary used, its sources and limitations it might place on the argument. I should play FF7R.
You should! I didn’t mention this in the video, but I wasn’t a big fan of the combat system. Still the characters and story were so fun that it made up for it. I think you’d enjoy it! Also this is such a nice comment, especially since half the comments I leave on your videos are incredibly obnoxious.
Great video! Great content and it very much needs more views! The point of masculinity being an ideology kinda shook me, and will help me better form a healthier self image :)
Love videos like this that really make just think. Now newly and happily subscribed even saw some of your songs, this is a good time and can't wait for more of whatever it may be
As always, you’ve given me a lot to think about. Primarily: how and why are literally me? How are you subscribed to everyone I’m subscribed to? Why do you feel the same compulsive need to over think every piece of media you consume that I do? And why did I feel like the universe was laughing at me when you described your inability to engage in small talk? I NEED ANSWERS!!!
I'm sorry, I don't know!!! The question is, do you also nitpick at worldbuilding because of petty things like "that's not how economics works"? Because I do this all the time, and it can drive people crazy.
@@PlayheadNorth I’ve spent years learning and researching topics ranging from the socioeconomics of ancient civilization to modern day child psychology (for my own personal leaning pleasure, I might add) and I still don’t know how to end phone call conversations. Like… how do you know when it’s over?!
I haven't played the remake yet - I wanted to wait till all the parts are out. But when I do this video will definitely help me appreciate it all the more. Thank you for putting this together.
Thank you! I bought the game without realizing it was only one of many parts, but man, I hope it doesn't take Square Enix a decade to come out with the rest of them. (It probably will.)
Scarlet is a predator by using imbalanced power dynamics. Bosses don't get to treat workers like that even if it is "consensual" and it's weird that no one acknowledges this
When I first played ff7 I obsesseddd over cloud. He became one of my favorite video game characters (and yes I spent a bunch of money on merch). But over time I started to realize what made me so obsessed. He’s such a unrealistic man lmao. He doesn’t act like the average hyper masculine power fantasy male lead in an action game. I related a lot to him in a way I don’t normally relate to male characters who deal with trauma, even if we’ve had the same experiences I just couldn’t see myself in them. This video really went into detail on my thoughts of this character and what drawn me so much to him.
Wow really great video really enjoyed it. I’m shocked you didn’t mention Yuffies trauma. Have read traces of two pass yet It’s about the back story’s of Tifa and Aerith
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. I haven't actually played the original, so I'd be curious to compare the two (though I know they're planning on taking the remake series in at least a somewhat different direction).
@@PlayheadNorth If you decide to play the original, please do yourself a favor and play it with the fan translation, the original translation is complete garbo.
I’m so glad I found this channel! I am wondering from your thoughts on FF7 remake’s points on psychological topics such as trauma, if you would be interested in Xenogears?
Very good video, thank you. I fully admit, when I started this video, I was a little worried because, as an autistic individual who works in mental health who presents as a white male, but is non-binary...I run into a lot of stories where a) Agency appears to be for a guy, especially in recent years, either 1) A douchebag guy who cannot respect women or simply chooses not to, or 2) A completely acquiescent supporter of the marginalized where I cannot understand where their agency begins, if it even exists. So mentioning agency of Cloud-having played the original game-gets more touchy as watching Cloud simply not do anything is a triggering element, and when I try to explain those things, the argument of "Well, he's an action guy, and gets to do more than the women do." has come up. This hits even harder as an autistic adult who works in this field, where the ability to communicate and make ones own decisions is a constant conversation, and source of conflict, particularly because so many decisions have been made for people with developmental disabilities. But I'm glad you discussed the trauma and the lack of agency he had. That helps a lot. And how the male gaze plays in the story does have a strong resonance through it...and makes me wonder just how much I should be okay with what Tifa and Aerith do. I also wanna bring up that...action should be something that I just want to still exist for guys? Perhaps it is too tied to toxicity or aggression to be truly able to do so, but enjoying the abilty for people to make decisions and fight for the people they care about shouldn't just....I dunno, go away?
Awesome video into what I think is truly a game that deserves to be ranked among the best this century so far (let me know where you rank this remake amongst the other ff games). I love the dig you took at iron man 3, I think your right in that the plot to defeat shinra DOSNT matter. Why? Because as you said we care more for the characters. In fiction, while the author should develop an interesting world to explore, what gets us actual humans to care about the fictional world is the story. As you said-the ff7 world is incredibly silly, but so is Star Wars, so is lord of the rings, so is dragon ball, BUT WE DONT love those silly/odd traits those fictional worlds bring. Yes we love that in ff7 you can call spells, in Star Wars you can use the force, in LODR that you can wear a ring to rule them all, in dragon ball that you fight robots and dinosaurs; but none of that mattered if we didn’t care about Frodo, Leia, Goku, and Tifa. And cloud as you said is relatable as a shy, traumatized teen who acts out in a macho way. Yet we see that the real him is a kind person who is trying to recover his lost years. Of course aerith and tifa and Barrett are also very human that make them special to audiences. Aerith Is adventurous but also very lonely, tifa is trying to keep her childhood innocence after the worst day in her life, and Barrett is dealing with his own internalized guilt and anger. In contrast to bad fiction, The logic of Harry Potter world comes into conflict with the world it created and the characters end up defending inequality and prejudice.
I do really love how human all the characters come across despite all the silliness of the Final Fantasy VII world. Same basic reason I adore the Ace Attorney games tbh.
Cloud is Bi...at least that's my interpretation, as I get a queer reading from the remake honestly, and hell even the original. Cloud is always so interesting to me because he can fit this ideal that stretches between Male and Female Gaze. On the male side of course, he's the muscular man who makes things happen and doesn't take shit from anybody...but we can see the female gaze at work when he's put in more vulnerable situations, and the way he looks at Tifa and Aerith feeling more genuine and soft than voyeuristic. And seeing him in a dress of course and being "more in touch with his feminine side" are also things that are more appealing to the female gaze. And the story being intertwined with Cloud grappling with how he's sexualized and how he sees others, once again feels very queer coming of age to me.
I thought of the Male Gaze section of this video after seeing some "controversy" about Rebirth, where American translators made a mild alteration to a scene to make it less creepy. During a scene where Cloud is telling a story with you playing through the flashback, it gives the option of looking through Tifa's underwear, and Tifa gets rightfully upset. Barret's reaction changes based on location. In Japan, he mournfully says "the times have changed, Cloud." In America, he sternly says "I know you're better than this." The amount of people that got upset about that line change feels almost creepier than the scene itself. It's unnerving the amount of people that get triggered by a video game telling them that looking through a friend's underwear is creepy and that they need to be better. Like any level of reprimand is an assault on these boys' masculinity (which they probably aren't even old enough to have).
I really appreciate this comment, thank you. It’s wild that people get upset over things like this (and personally I think Barrett calling Cloud out makes the whole situation much funnier).
Also not to beat a dead horse but can you PLEASE make a video on gender dynamics in Pathologic,,,,you touched on it in the other videos but I'd love to see the full deep dive.
I should watch this at some point. I will say that most of the women I've talked to find the "Male Gazey" stuff enjoyable. Because Tifa is sexy yes but like it's not her whole thing and she looks cool first and then sexy for example. Needs more muscle tho.
Male gaze is pretty cool. These kind of games primarily sell to men and I enjoy seeing beautiful women. I know all these bodies are unattainable and the clothes are impractical but why would that matter? It's final fantasy after all and how female characters act and look make them not only more endearing but also very fun to watch for men in general. I don't get why your video made it seem like a bad thing
I think … I think uh you may have taken away the wrong message from the video. But also yes. And I’m pretty sure I saw a mod the other day where you can indeed increase the definition of Tifa’s abs.
@@PlayheadNorth yea, i've actually seen other videos talking on trauma and such and clouds mental state and so on, but never from this angle, never thought about/heard anyone talk about how little autonomy cloud has, how he just kinda goes along with everything and so on. so that was, neat. sure. neat.
![[FULL] RETROSPECTIVE : Final Fantasy Tactics](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUBmYqs1jZ0/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video! Especially enjoyed your analysis of Cloud’s agency and how the game portrays a man dealing with trauma in such a feminist way. Cloud will always be my favorite video game protagonist.
Thank you! Cloud is definitely the best.
If I may add another character of Quiet Male Trauma to the mix; debatably Shirou Emiya and Kiritsugu Emiya from the fate series. They’re… a mixed bag of shonen stereotypes at times, but mostly they’re far more quiet and sad than they are Loud Men
The truth is that we just need more Quiet Sad Boy Trauma Stories.
Spoilers for the game below:
I am surprised you didn't talk more about the whole time-line stuff as it parallels Cloud's struggles with his trauma. The planet itself is attempting to ensure this timeline plays out the way its supposed to (the original FFVII) because while not the best outcome, it results in the planet's survival. In a way the planet is responding to its trauma by refusing to be vulnerable while also doing the opposite of Cloud and trying to control everything. Ultimately both Cloud and the planet are encouraged (mainly by Aerith) to let go and be vulnerable: ultimately giving Cloud agency he never really had both in terms of his own choices and the narrative now being open for events to play out differently, whilst the planet lets go of controlling everything
That's a really interesting way of interpreting things. I didn't talk about the timeline stuff because I'm not really sure where they're taking all of that yet, but I'm definitely curious to see how it plays into Clouds internal arc over the series.
Okay I’m getting through this more and leaving more comments TO APPEASE THE ALGORITHM OVERLORDS
But oh god oh dang seeing the analysis of male and female trauma in storytelling was a huge thing here, and god, do I wish I had heard this ten years ago
I am slowly getting through this and I’m really, genuinely impressed - this is fantastic work
I keep seeing you on good videos (such as this one and the Keith balladd beastars one literally minutes ago). incredible taste
Cloud has been my favorite character for years. ever since I first discovered the original ff7 in the peak of my major depressive episode in 2019. I could kind of explain why, but this video made me realize exactly the reason I love him so much.
First off, at the time I said Cloud was the first video game character I came across that actually responded to the events that happened around him- that is, gaining trauma. It was so refreshing to see a character realistically be suffering from violence that, truth be told, is just the video game standard. But it wasn't just the fact that he HAD trauma that drew me to him.
I related to him hard because he was suffering mentally just as I was. But there's so many men who suffered mentally in media so why was it Cloud that I became attached to? Well after watching this BEAUTIFULLY crafted masterpiece of a video essay, I realize that it's because he suffered in the same way as me. I tend to suffer in the passive and more "feminine" way you describe, which is the silent, compliant turmoil that slowly eats away at you. I was socially anxious, and struggled to maintain my friendships just like Cloud was. Just as you describe, his trauma also affects him in the vulnerable passive way and it was so SO refreshing to see that portrayed in media. I felt less alone the more I dove into Cloud's story and now I know why. He is such an important character to not just me, but media as a whole because he represents a really overlooked aspect of male trauma. One that I resonated with deeply.
They nailed him even more in the remake. The writing, facial expressions, and of course Cody Christian's incredible performance have made Cloud even MORE endearing and multi-faceted and I just cannot wait to see more of him and particularly how he hands his complexes building towards the climax of his mind breaking.
I hope you're insanely proud of this video because it's truly insane. The script to the editing and even just the effort in the disclaimers and citations is admirable. I enjoyed every second of it and I will be sharing this video with other final fantasy fans. Thank you for this experience.
With how well written this script is and how natural the whole video flows, it's a shame this video doesn't have nearly as many views as it deserves. I loved your analysis of the whole game and it made me think more about Cloud's actions. I'm looking forward to perhaps seeing a video essay on the second part when that comes out.
(Also, as someone who has written many essays in my life, I admire people who have lots of sources, since I always struggle to find them)
Thank you! I’m curious to see where SE takes the games in the future given that they have consciously diverted themselves from the original timeline. I guess that means I actually have to buy a PS5 though haha.
I have no words, this was incredible. I put this on to fall asleep listening to, and now here I am wondering why there's footage of Tifa knocking over every single chair. (and Cloud too, I'm now seeing)
I also love your "paraphrasing other people" voice!
I made a point of knocking over every chair at Shinra. I cannot explain why. I have debated making the knocking over chairs supercut.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video as always! You perfectly described a good portion of why Cloud is one of my favourite fictional characters ever, something I myself couldn't really put into words.
(Also can't wait how the 'Remake' handles the scene where Tifa helps fixing Cloud's mind)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video! I read a review as I was finishing it up that claimed Cloud was a weak protagonist, and my brain just went ?????????
The way I literally started chanting Daniil's name when you trailed off at 1:25:25
After noticing the similarities between Cloud and Daniil, I found myself realizing that sad boys explains a lot of my media choices, and I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner.
This is so underrated. The world needs more FFVII video essays (and if I’m being honest, more Ffvii appreciation imo)! This is truly a gem. So well researched; and relatable as a fellow cloud imprinter :P. Gonna go watch your play through now!!!
"He has the proportions of a Disney Princess" That is TRUELY the greatest summation of Japanese Bishōnen males. I do find the concept of the Male gaze in media interesting, after watching the outrage with a muscular female character in The Last of Us 2 and how people claimed it was "unrealistic" while 1. that was a real woman who was the model in the game, and 2. Its a fucking video game with zombie's with alien/insectoid looking heads I don't think "realism" should even be in the conversation. As if one depiction of the female body is any less legitimate then the one's that can fit one someone's body pillow..... *shudder*
On a more important note the editing and research has been fucking overhauled to a whole nother level. You hit so many points, it feels more like a master's thesis, with speaking on study limitations and all!
50:26-51:08 was such an amazing point, media has a method of influencing the social perception or reality of many who view it in sometimes exceptionally negative ways that I think reinforce already established "social norms" rather then challenge them or critique them.
Women using their "sexuality" and "womanly wilds" (yes I know its archaic phrasing) as a way of solve problems and men channeling their inner reptilian brain to solve problems.
Even in modern media with ass kicking characters of both genders it still usually ends up following typical social and gender archetypes.
Also your statements on the Black Panthers and "COINTELPRO" was spot on don't want to go into more on that because its worthy of its own video.
I don't want to fill up your comments with my ramblings because I think this is one of the best video essays i've seen in awhile, Pathalogic is not your end game, whatever future essays......or questioning if Horses exisit or not (they might or might not) videos you do I think will be a treat for us all.
EDit: Also. LMAOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! 1:25:39
Thank you so much for your kind words! Gender and archetypes in video games is such a fascinating topic, and I wish it was easier to talk about it without being worried about harassment online tbh. I made that whole segment about the male gaze at the beginning partially because I get tired of how people discuss (and dismiss) the trope in video games and I needed to vent lol.
This was such an amazing breakdown of very different aspects of this game, and you make them flow beautifully from one to the next in how they are actually related in a way I honestly wasn't expecting when I first read the title of this video. Truly amazing!
Thank you!
I am not quite prepared to comment on the emotional rawness that is present in this video essay, but I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to achieve the Final Fantasy 7 Remake dating sim.
If this isn't the best and most sound idea I heard all year, I don't know what is.
I need to find a way to get my presentation to Square Enix. The world should not be deprived of the FFVII dating sim.
so I know fuckall about FFVII but I saw the rest of the title followed by the channel name and clicked as fast as I could. holy shit, I am speechless, this was so good!! the sheer amount of time and effort this must have taken really shows and I hope you're insanely proud of this. also, as a survivor, I really appreciate how you handled discussing trauma and PTSD and that you did so with the sensitivity and nuance that the subject deserves. that really means a lot to me
Thank you so much! It was a lot of time and effort, so I’m glad to hear it resonated with you.
Great vid! Something I've struggled with is how to contextualize the ways in which women sexualize other women. Like,I've been around sapphic circles(A descriptor which does include most modern women tbh.),for quite a while. It serves my purposes to pretend women don't objectify each other,but that just isn't true. And I don't think the way queer girls admire a 19-year old girl's features is all that different from how a straight guy does. Patriarchy explains some of this objectification,but I think it's also true that society favors a waifish and smooth concept of beauty. A beauty concept that is most often exemplified by women and femmes. So masculine forms are rarely objectified the same way,regardless of gender context,because beauty is most commonly associated with femme forms at a conceptual baseline.
This is a really great point. Women can definitely be toxic in the ways that they objectify other women (and that applies to straight women as well tbh). I do think there is somewhat of a difference when it's women doing the objectifying versus men doing the objectifying because there's societal power dynamic between male/female objectification that isn't at play when it's female/female objectification. It's like, the way Harley Quinn dresses in Suicide Squad (2016) is pretty much the stereotypical way that a man might dress a woman sexy, while the way Harley Quinn dresses in Birds of Prey is much more the way a woman would dress herself when she wants to look sexy. But I totally agree that women objectifying other women and thinking it's automatically okay because they're also women is something I struggle with as well.
A year later and I still find this to be one of the best video essays I have ever seen
Awww thank you so much!
I love this analysis! It also made me realize more about the different language used by Shinra with Cloud and Aerith’s agency. Aerith is taken into custody nicely because she has to willingly take them to the promise land. Cloud is repeatedly told that as a soldier he’s given up his rights to happiness and Rufus says that he “owns” him.
Oof that cuts deep
Hello, I found your channel through the song featured in Sul's KotoR 2 video, and after listening to it, and being rattled emotionally by it for a multitude of reasons, I noticed you had a RUclips channel as well. I am only partway through this video right now as I listen to it at work, but so far it's very well done, and I love the passion behind it. Thank you for the incredibly moving music and this very well made essay.
Thank you so much! I’m working on some new stuff rn since I have a new (much better) computer I can edit on, so stay tuned!
@@PlayheadNorth With baited breath
I found this game, and rebirth to be some of the best artistic depictions of what my own ptsd experiences have been. And your analysis of it was really moving to listen to. Thank you. I hope you are well.
Gonna enjoy watching this over the course of several days
Hey, this is a great channel and a great video, thank you for making it, it was very well done.
Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video!
Finally finished. Really strong video - I appreciate your academic transparency on vocabulary used, its sources and limitations it might place on the argument.
I should play FF7R.
You should! I didn’t mention this in the video, but I wasn’t a big fan of the combat system. Still the characters and story were so fun that it made up for it. I think you’d enjoy it!
Also this is such a nice comment, especially since half the comments I leave on your videos are incredibly obnoxious.
Great video! Great content and it very much needs more views! The point of masculinity being an ideology kinda shook me, and will help me better form a healthier self image :)
That whole article about masculinity and trauma is such a great read, to be honest. I'm glad you liked the video!
Thank you for this video! I don't have words, but I have a lot of emotions
Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video!
Love videos like this that really make just think. Now newly and happily subscribed even saw some of your songs, this is a good time and can't wait for more of whatever it may be
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the video!
This is such an excellent video. Thank you for making and sharing this.
You're welcome! I'm glad that you liked it!
As always, you’ve given me a lot to think about. Primarily: how and why are literally me? How are you subscribed to everyone I’m subscribed to? Why do you feel the same compulsive need to over think every piece of media you consume that I do? And why did I feel like the universe was laughing at me when you described your inability to engage in small talk?
I NEED ANSWERS!!!
I'm sorry, I don't know!!!
The question is, do you also nitpick at worldbuilding because of petty things like "that's not how economics works"? Because I do this all the time, and it can drive people crazy.
@@PlayheadNorth
I’ve spent years learning and researching topics ranging from the socioeconomics of ancient civilization to modern day child psychology (for my own personal leaning pleasure, I might add) and I still don’t know how to end phone call conversations.
Like… how do you know when it’s over?!
I haven't played the remake yet - I wanted to wait till all the parts are out. But when I do this video will definitely help me appreciate it all the more. Thank you for putting this together.
Thank you! I bought the game without realizing it was only one of many parts, but man, I hope it doesn't take Square Enix a decade to come out with the rest of them. (It probably will.)
Scarlet is a predator by using imbalanced power dynamics. Bosses don't get to treat workers like that even if it is "consensual" and it's weird that no one acknowledges this
When I first played ff7 I obsesseddd over cloud. He became one of my favorite video game characters (and yes I spent a bunch of money on merch). But over time I started to realize what made me so obsessed. He’s such a unrealistic man lmao. He doesn’t act like the average hyper masculine power fantasy male lead in an action game. I related a lot to him in a way I don’t normally relate to male characters who deal with trauma, even if we’ve had the same experiences I just couldn’t see myself in them. This video really went into detail on my thoughts of this character and what drawn me so much to him.
Thank you! I still think the most unrealistic part about Cloud is the size of his hips though.
Wow really great video really enjoyed it. I’m shocked you didn’t mention Yuffies trauma. Have read traces of two pass yet It’s about the back story’s of Tifa and Aerith
As a huge fan of the original, but was mixed on the remake, this video was truly wonderful.
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. I haven't actually played the original, so I'd be curious to compare the two (though I know they're planning on taking the remake series in at least a somewhat different direction).
@@PlayheadNorth If you decide to play the original, please do yourself a favor and play it with the fan translation, the original translation is complete garbo.
I know I'm late to discovering your video. But I really loved great video essay. New Sub.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
I’m so glad I found this channel! I am wondering from your thoughts on FF7 remake’s points on psychological topics such as trauma, if you would be interested in Xenogears?
If cloud threw his hands in the air, he'd look like an x, his waist is definitely thin.
30:30 okay clouds getting a worse beating from his "friends" than Ryuji did holy shit.
X marks the spot? Of our protagonist?
[Insert engagement here, I have nothing substantial to say, I just really liked this]
Ahh thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
never played final fantasy 7 and that first minute alone has me hooked. I think I'll enjoy this video >:)
I hope you did!
Very good video, thank you.
I fully admit, when I started this video, I was a little worried because, as an autistic individual who works in mental health who presents as a white male, but is non-binary...I run into a lot of stories where a) Agency appears to be for a guy, especially in recent years, either 1) A douchebag guy who cannot respect women or simply chooses not to, or 2) A completely acquiescent supporter of the marginalized where I cannot understand where their agency begins, if it even exists.
So mentioning agency of Cloud-having played the original game-gets more touchy as watching Cloud simply not do anything is a triggering element, and when I try to explain those things, the argument of "Well, he's an action guy, and gets to do more than the women do." has come up.
This hits even harder as an autistic adult who works in this field, where the ability to communicate and make ones own decisions is a constant conversation, and source of conflict, particularly because so many decisions have been made for people with developmental disabilities.
But I'm glad you discussed the trauma and the lack of agency he had. That helps a lot. And how the male gaze plays in the story does have a strong resonance through it...and makes me wonder just how much I should be okay with what Tifa and Aerith do.
I also wanna bring up that...action should be something that I just want to still exist for guys? Perhaps it is too tied to toxicity or aggression to be truly able to do so, but enjoying the abilty for people to make decisions and fight for the people they care about shouldn't just....I dunno, go away?
Awesome video into what I think is truly a game that deserves to be ranked among the best this century so far (let me know where you rank this remake amongst the other ff games). I love the dig you took at iron man 3, I think your right in that the plot to defeat shinra DOSNT matter. Why? Because as you said we care more for the characters. In fiction, while the author should develop an interesting world to explore, what gets us actual humans to care about the fictional world is the story. As you said-the ff7 world is incredibly silly, but so is Star Wars, so is lord of the rings, so is dragon ball, BUT WE DONT love those silly/odd traits those fictional worlds bring. Yes we love that in ff7 you can call spells, in Star Wars you can use the force, in LODR that you can wear a ring to rule them all, in dragon ball that you fight robots and dinosaurs; but none of that mattered if we didn’t care about Frodo, Leia, Goku, and Tifa. And cloud as you said is relatable as a shy, traumatized teen who acts out in a macho way. Yet we see that the real him is a kind person who is trying to recover his lost years. Of course aerith and tifa and Barrett are also very human that make them special to audiences. Aerith Is adventurous but also very lonely, tifa is trying to keep her childhood innocence after the worst day in her life, and Barrett is dealing with his own internalized guilt and anger. In contrast to bad fiction, The logic of Harry Potter world comes into conflict with the world it created and the characters end up defending inequality and prejudice.
I do really love how human all the characters come across despite all the silliness of the Final Fantasy VII world. Same basic reason I adore the Ace Attorney games tbh.
Cloud is Bi...at least that's my interpretation, as I get a queer reading from the remake honestly, and hell even the original.
Cloud is always so interesting to me because he can fit this ideal that stretches between Male and Female Gaze. On the male side of course, he's the muscular man who makes things happen and doesn't take shit from anybody...but we can see the female gaze at work when he's put in more vulnerable situations, and the way he looks at Tifa and Aerith feeling more genuine and soft than voyeuristic. And seeing him in a dress of course and being "more in touch with his feminine side" are also things that are more appealing to the female gaze. And the story being intertwined with Cloud grappling with how he's sexualized and how he sees others, once again feels very queer coming of age to me.
I thought of the Male Gaze section of this video after seeing some "controversy" about Rebirth, where American translators made a mild alteration to a scene to make it less creepy.
During a scene where Cloud is telling a story with you playing through the flashback, it gives the option of looking through Tifa's underwear, and Tifa gets rightfully upset. Barret's reaction changes based on location. In Japan, he mournfully says "the times have changed, Cloud." In America, he sternly says "I know you're better than this."
The amount of people that got upset about that line change feels almost creepier than the scene itself.
It's unnerving the amount of people that get triggered by a video game telling them that looking through a friend's underwear is creepy and that they need to be better.
Like any level of reprimand is an assault on these boys' masculinity (which they probably aren't even old enough to have).
I really appreciate this comment, thank you. It’s wild that people get upset over things like this (and personally I think Barrett calling Cloud out makes the whole situation much funnier).
Yesssssss I love your videos!
Thank you!
Could strife is STINKY BAD VIDEO
Nah fr tho cool to see you branch out, looking forward to seeing what else you cover
… thank you? Oddly familiar tone to take with someone you don’t know, but I’m glad you liked the video.
Oh look they held hands, clearly this is a reference to Revolutionary Girl Utena! XD
The Buster sword is the sword of Dios, change my mind
The one who runs the Golden Saucer has a sword
Also not to beat a dead horse but can you PLEASE make a video on gender dynamics in Pathologic,,,,you touched on it in the other videos but I'd love to see the full deep dive.
I know what's my dinner movie today, now
Consume your dinner with a side helping of my thots
I should watch this at some point.
I will say that most of the women I've talked to find the "Male Gazey" stuff enjoyable. Because Tifa is sexy yes but like it's not her whole thing and she looks cool first and then sexy for example.
Needs more muscle tho.
Lol, watch the video my dude. I have indeed considered this.
Male gaze is pretty cool. These kind of games primarily sell to men and I enjoy seeing beautiful women. I know all these bodies are unattainable and the clothes are impractical but why would that matter? It's final fantasy after all and how female characters act and look make them not only more endearing but also very fun to watch for men in general. I don't get why your video made it seem like a bad thing
I am sorry to have to tell you this, but I think you may have missed the point of that section of the video.
@@PlayheadNorth I got it. I just think it's a non-issue
... Aerith's affection is too legal tender...
😉
I mean … fair haha
Cloud was also a brainwashed soldier man which I'm sure doesn't help with the whole agency thing
Congratulations, you found the video's thesis.
@@PlayheadNorth I can't remember what I was thinking but thanks for clarifying
What about tifa's trauma
Beyond the scope of this video?
@@PlayheadNorth did you read traces of two past novel👀
I agree. Tifa needs more abs and we need to objectify reno more
I think … I think uh you may have taken away the wrong message from the video.
But also yes. And I’m pretty sure I saw a mod the other day where you can indeed increase the definition of Tifa’s abs.
cool video.
that's uh, all i have to say. hahaha.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
@@PlayheadNorth yea, i've actually seen other videos talking on trauma and such and clouds mental state and so on, but never from this angle, never thought about/heard anyone talk about how little autonomy cloud has, how he just kinda goes along with everything and so on. so that was, neat. sure. neat.