Signs of a Complicit Relationship - PART I: What Aerith Means to Cloud [OG & REMAKE SPOILERS]
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- Опубликовано: 15 май 2020
- CLERITH: Signs of a Complicit Relationship
-This was originally going to be one video but there was too much different focus and it felt really disorganized. A single scene can have multiple things to say. So I decided to redo everything and organize them into parts.
PART I : What Aerith Means to Cloud
PART II: What Cloud Means to Aerith
• Signs of a Complicit R...
Intermission: The Zacloud Fallacy
• Signs of A Complicit R...
PART III: Completing Each Others Missing Pieces
• Signs of a Complicit R...
PART IV: Love Beyond the Surface of a Game
A Complicit Relationship
Sharing the same ideas doesn’t necessarily mean that there is complicity in your relationship. It’s not just about harmony between two people… Complicity goes much, much deeper; it’s a question of providing your partner with what they’re missing!
I wanted to divide it into multiple parts to make viewing much easier. The scene with Tifa at the beginning is her helping Cloud piece back his memories in the lifestream.
Music used for intro and outro:
Final Fantasy VII Remake - OST: Descendant of the Ancients
• Video
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DISCLAIMER:
Footage is from the PS1 game Final Fantasy VII and the PS4 game Final Fantasy VII Remake. The credits go to its creators.
Fair Use:
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing." 
Игры
![Signs of a Complicit Relationship - PART II: What Cloud Means to Aerith [CC & REMAKE SPOILERS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HGFUnXl_D9g/mqdefault.jpg)
![Signs of a Complicit Relationship - PART II: What Cloud Means to Aerith [CC & REMAKE SPOILERS]](/img/tr.png)
![Signs of a Complicit Relationship - PART III: Completing Each Others Missing Pieces [RE SPOILERS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wfFv0iVni9I/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally, seeing someone understand the character deeply and the compatibility. Only a lonely person understand the other lonely person's scarred and pains.
Putra Hardjono in the end, they’re both orphans who never knew their fathers, lost their mothers in vivid, traumatic events, lost the same treasured person (Zack), suffered abuse at the hands of Shinra and are still, at their core, lonely kids who just want acceptance and inclusion. Barring obvious differences, the general beats of their lives have been surprisingly similar. I that that despite their differences, at their core they’ve got similar baggage and therefore similar ethics/values which is why they work so well together.
I totally agree with you and Pollen Ainne!!!!! Tifa was the typical famous American high school girl" with all boys have a crush on her and she likes to be the center of interest. She wasn´t Cloud,s friend and she only showed interest in him because the possibility he become someone strong and famous...
@@Kabbaway if you go into details, damn right.
Those are barriers that Tifa/ Zack can't go through.
@ Sometimes, people misunderstand Tifa because of her deceptively strong figure.
Actually, she is shy, timid and hard/struggling to express her feeling. She has her problems as well.
In comparison:
- Aerith is perceptive
- Tifa is loyal. (Her loyalty makes many people love her).
Both of them are amazing in their own way.
Vanessa García Amate wait wtf? She wasnt cloud friends? Bruhhh .... you play ff7 ori,ac right?
Aerith always healing Cloud, one thing i noticed that she try to make Cloud feel proud of himself like when they're in sector5, She always praise him infront of the kids.
One of my favorites is when she says, “Did you moonlight as a crane operator or something?” When they’re in the tunnel. And he smiles!! One of his few smiles in the game. She knows how to make him feel good.
@@IsThisThePrizeIveWaitedFor He also smiles when they beat hellhouse together. They make such an adorable team.
@@flowergirlff7505 And he smiles on the playground when he realises Aerith took the long "shortcut".
@@IsThisThePrizeIveWaitedFor he laugh at aerith jokes too
@@aerithsu which part? Tell me please
9:48 I feel so bad for Cloud. You know that feeling when you're in a room and you don't know anyone so you just sit there acting indifferent to everything?
Bruh, when Tifa said that to him I was like.....really....damn girl.
Poor Cloud😢
Yes 😥 the feeling of never fitting in... never belonging... not being good enough... yeah, I know those feelings. Why I relate to Cloud so much 😔
dammn
Zack is a nice guy. He gonna be happy for Cloud and Aerith
"Gonna look foward not back..."
👍🏻
I bet that Zack would ship those two *very* hard.
My buddy and my kinda girlfriend are dating?! When's the wedding?! 😃
@@ryujin8754 good news, it seems we´ll get to know what he thinks about it during Part 2 lol
brl predicted Rebirth
It's so good coming back to this video and seeing you're right lmaooo
I find it interesting that most of Cloud's life revolved around other people in an attempt to receive some validation, whether that be from Tifa, Sephiroth, AVALANCHE etc. On the other hand, Aerith actually acknowledges and takes an interest in him which motivates Cloud and helps to bring him out of his shell as he realises he doesn't have to be alone
Aerith was always the one who encouraged Cloud to find his inner strength, inner light and of course to forgive himself. She helped Cloud develop so much.
@@stavcyShe saved him..his soul if one may. The burden of hate was laid on him hard, which is why Sephiroth was able to manipulate him...Aerith was having non of it and ultimately won the battle for Cloud's mind.
Thanks a lot ! You put into words the feeling I had playing the game.
Regarding Cloud's isolation when he was a kid, it's even crueller when you think that, in japanese society, the group prevails over the individual and that belonging to one is essential for a child's personal growth. We all know how personal growth turned out for Cloud... Obviously, Tifa would never be mean on purpose, but when she and her friends kept ignoring him, it almost feels like bullying, telling him he doesn't belong. The scene when you see Aerith as a kid, playing hide and seek and no one comes to get her, echoes Cloud’s childhood. She understands him cause she suffered the same kind of isolation.
It's what made the scene where she's waiting for him after Elmyra kicked him out so powerful for me. At this point, he doesn't really belong anywhere, he kinda bonded with Avalanche but they see him as the SOLDIER who's really handy to have around; Elmyra essentially told him he's not entitled to have a normal life and threw him out - it's brutal. And then, there is Aerith, waiting for him, acknowledging and accepting him, telling him it's ok for him to be here. She's so wonderful, no wonder his defenses melt down around her.
I always felt that aerith and cloud were a better couple than tifa and cloud. There's always stories of the guy who joins the army for a girl, and it always ends up being the wrong reason to join. A lot of people said they messed with Aerith's character in the remake, but from everything that I've seen, she was always this way, optimistic, unafraid to take the lead, perceptive and flirtatious. I've always liked her more than tifa. Maybe because I can relate a lot to cloud and always hope to be included, and people who take that extra step to make it a point to include me, despite their own circles, are very special to me.
Exactly. They can relate to what the other experienced as kids because they both endured the isolation from others. This is why their relationship works and Cloud and Tifa’s relationship is doomed to fail. Tifa never really experienced growing up feeling isolated and lonely because she had her friends and her dad was still in the picture. Yes Tifa probably didn’t mean to hurt Cloud as kids but she still could’ve found ways to secretly befriend Cloud at an earlier point in time. The fact that she went along with the treatment of the Strife family by the villagers is hurtful. Kids usually are very empathetic yet it seems Tifa developed her empathy late. Meanwhile Aerith has never lost her empathy which is why she is able to understand Cloud and help him open up. My hope is that there will be someway for Cloud and Aerith to finally be together.
Love your comment
@@lurkingknight❤❤
@@mirandagoldstine8548Hope so
If Cloud and Aerith would of met as children, Cloud would of probably never joined shinra to become a soldier. He only joined Shinra to become a Soldier to impress Tifa cause she always ignored him. Aerith could of been the friend he so desperately needed, same goes for Aerith.
You know, that's actually probably true. Cloud and Aerith most likely would have been each other's first real friends since they were both outcasts.
@@oldchannelforayoungstupidf2649 This just makes me want an AU of the two meeting as kids😭
I think he'd become stronger because he'd have someone important to protect like Aerith. ❤
I agree. Especially with Aerith's comment about how scary SOLDIERs were for her (Because they fight, and they love it). Though Cloud would probably still make a conscious decision to become stronger to protect her, especially once he starts encountering the Turks who are always watching over Aerith and once he discovers Aerith's true value to Shinra. He would be her local florist bodyguard. Haha.
I totally agree. Aerith understands what it’s like being isolated by others which is why they click. She would’ve been his rock growing up, his bright spot. Tifa might be claimed to be empathetic but she didn’t really have it as a kid or else she would’ve made more of an effort to befriend Cloud when they were younger.
Lets not forget that it also makes sense for Aerith to see through Clouds lonelyness since she was a lonely child herself, it is shown breafly in that graveyard scene where the "Whispers" took her.
That wasn't the whispers. That was Eligor.
- Cloud to Barret and Tifa : "I don't dance"
- Cloud to Tifa asking for highfive :
Meanwhile, Cloud immediately goes as far as dancing for Aerith (her wide smile literally was the one that stopped him from yeeting himself out) lolol.
AND GOSH! THE HIGHFIVE 😍
Yes! ruclips.net/video/Jpx3e0QBKFc/видео.html
What stopped Cloud was that he realized he needed to get Andrea’s approval in order to be in a position to protect Aerith.
@@71xyjop He was reminded of that when he saw her.
...I'd argue that the dance wasn't for Aerith, but a part of the mission.
@@PollenAinne ...That doesn't matter? I mean, look, if you are being told to rob a bank by someone who has your kids hostage, and you are about to fold when it's time to shoot someone because the bank folk are getting uppity... would seeing the man who is holding your kids captive mean you're robbing the bank for him, or for them?
Aerith may have reminded Cloud with her presence, but that hardly equates tk doing it for her.
That said, I don't doubt that she COULD have eventually gotten him to dance just for her, I just think Tifa could too - it just would take longer without a threat behind it causing the necessity.
If you played dream sequence in japanese at the end aerith will say "im frustrated (about cloud going to save her after she said that his feelings arent real, that it might just be his imagination) but im happy" And this kind of line have only been used to a person that you desperately dont want them to come because it might be dangerous for them but you also feel happy that this person, despite knowing the danger, still going to go to save you. Damn it makes me more and more in love with aerith as a character and amazed at the writers for all the underlying meaning that went when a word is being spoken.
Yep. Didn't want to over-saturate. Watch out for it on the next vid.
stop, clotis will cry
Aerith never missed an opportunity to include Cloud, or at least invite him to be included. Things like having him not only collect, but pick out the flowers for the Leaf House, and asking if he wanted to also say a prayer at the grave of that man's wife. The latter example shows that she respected his real boundaries too, since he declined to pray and she didn't push him. She seems to know when he's faking a boundary and when it's real.
I don't think the isolation stuff discussed at the end of this video gets nearly enough attention! Cloud's reaction to Aerith's "rejection" is actually quite shocking if you think about it. Here's a guy who's built up a whole personality around not giving a crap, as a way to protect himself from all the rejection he's received his whole life. He's basically learned never to fight back when he gets rejected since that just adds to the pain and doesn't get him anywhere. But here, we see that there has been so much trust and understanding built up between him and Aerith in a very short period of time. Previously, Cloud would have basically been like "Oh, okay, I guess this isn't real then. Whatever." While he further isolates and pretends his heart didn't just break. But no, Cloud understands that Aerith is just trying to protect him with her pushing him away, and he's having none of it. And Aerith immediately affirms his interpretation by saying she's happy/thanking him. It's such an amazing evolution/growth of his character, but it's so easy to miss! Thank you so much for expanding on it.
I agree. Especially if you take into account the original dialogue where Aerith actually says, "This is so frustrating, but I am really happy" This affirms how Aerith was doing her best to save Cloud from further heartbreak, but she can't stop herself from being happy about Cloud's feelings. It's really a heartwarming moment of seeing two people trying to protect each other and saving each other.
Even when I first watched AC back in 2006 with no prior knowledge of the original game, I had always felt like Cloud was in love with Aerith. She was barely in the movie, but her presence was felt strongly throughout. Especially where Cloud was concerned. Their connection was so strong, so heartfelt that I was immediately taken by this ship. But now after watching FF7R playthrough and analysis videos, I've finally learned the actual depth of their relationship and it's breaking my heart even more. I can finally understand why Cloud was so broken in AC. I really hope the remake will give them a chance at a life together.
Man Aerith is an Angel, so pure and innocent always standing by Cloud's side. They both support and complete each other.
I have always preferred Aerith over Tifa.
Aerith goes with Zach
@@Nemo.404 Why , you Zack's fans, do you always try force thing? She loved Zack in CC, and she loved Cloud in FF7. That's simple. Zack's fans always spend their time saying that Zack is the true hero of FF7, and Cloud stole his girl. A girl he hadn't seen for 5 years. This is ridiculous. I can't understand those who prefere Tifa but i don' t understand those who say that Aerith belongs to anyone. Why is Aerith not allowed to move on from a man she hadn't seen or heard for 5 years?
@@SuperHaoken chill the f out, dude, you don't need to be so intense you know? You don't even know my point of view.
I'm a fan of every character in this game, I love them all, and to my eyes everyone is the hero, Zack was cool, Cloud is awesome, Vincent rules, Tifa is great, and so on. I'm not just a Zack a fan. In any case, your lacking objective point of view makes you want to force a relationship that was meant to fail.
I said that Aerith belongs with Zack because for starters she falls in love of the guy who had his memory all messed up and he believed he was Zack, he was living Zack's life, he behaved like Zack, of course she would feel something for Cloud, but it wasn't love for him, it was the memory of the man she loved; I mean, in fact I believe Aerith is best girl; I would even like an option for us to stay in her little house with her forever and forget about everything else, but it isn't like that, we've got to stop Sephiroth, and she loves a dead man; our boy Cloud deserves better. And second, Aerith is with Zack in advent children; so yeah, it is canon 🙂
@@Nemo.404 Sorry for my tone ^^.
Actually Cloud never had any memories from Zack. Jenova's cells created illusions that Cloud accepted by weakness due to all the trauma he has undergone.
Yes, Aerith is attracted to Cloud at the beginning because he shared a lot similarities with Zack. But She also admitted that Cloud and Zack are different, and things are different. She also said that she is searching for the real Cloud. In the novel One Way To A Smile, in the case on the lifestream, it is clearly writing that Aerith loved Cloud, and she wanted to protect him.
In Advent Children, well, Both Zack and Aerith are dead but they keep looking after Cloud. In the end of the movie, both are here in front of Cloud to remind him that he is not alone. There is no sign of love between Zack and Aerith in that scene; they were here for Cloud.
@@SuperHaoken absolutely right❤️
Ahh I loved this so much. It’s so true. So, so true. Aerith and Cloud are two lonely people who have experienced a lot of similar trauma. They just have a very different way of dealing with their loneliness. I think they recognize that loneliness in each other and that’s what draws them to each other. In Aerith’s childhood memory flashback and stories of growing up in the Shinra building, she was always isolated from everyone else, just like Cloud. I think they found in each other, someone who could really understand them, and that’s why they fell in love. Everyone wants to feel like they belong somewhere :’( Which explains why Cloud was a huge, emotional mess, isolating himself even more in AC.
You have no idea how many times I've watch this already. It's like cleansing my eyes with Clerith eyedrops from toxic Cloti misinfos
"I'm coming for You"...aaw, so sweet. Since He has this Merc Job, I've never heard He said something so sweet like this to any other Girl. That coldhearted man is slowly turned into a soft hearted man after seeing this pretty florist ❤️
And he did it of his own volition:) He wasn't getting paid, was super insistent regardless of Tifa and Elmyra's thoughts on the matter, and finally became the leader of the party. All to save Aerith:)
stop, clotis will cry
You know, I’m making an analysis video of Tifa and Aerith right now, and as someone who gets excluded in life, your video has really opened my eyes. I didn’t pay much attention to those moments when Cloud would be left out. It always made sense to me as I played, like “sure, I get it. Yeah I’ll just leave.” I never realized how much those moments hurt. I guess I have more in common with cloud than I thought, and that much more appreciation for Aerith. Thank you so much.
I didn't pay much attention to the Avalanche scene near the end of chapter 3 much either on the first playthrough. They were just doing their thing, celebrating the "success" of their first mission and getting shitfaced.
Then the second playthrough came and I only then realized that not only was it a reference to Cloud's days of being an isolated kid, but an effective one that I could relate to. It didn't make me hate them or anything, just kind of chuckle resentfully at the idea that they thought they could do the next mission without him. What the hell were they smoking and/or snorting down there?
Yet because Cloud only does it for money, puts on a punkass front, and doesn't care about the cause - he's out! Jessie telling him that Barret was "afraid they'd lean on him too much" did make sense though. The rest of them were just kind of acting like pricks when you tried talking to them, even after their mingling finishes. That was only their first time they bombed a reactor and they were successful because of him, like it or not.
As for Tifa; in some chapters later on in the game with her and Barret, it's like Cloud is the third wheel. I'm just watching her and Barret talk and joke around most of the time while Cloud only seems to be focusing on getting things done. Tifa doesn't seem to have much to say to him, and he's the same way with her. I know they both want to, but can't... at least not right now.
Aerith actually tries to communicate to Cloud and is way more of a real friend. Tifa is just observing him, she doesn't talk to him nearly as much, and isn't trying to bring his personality out (save for a high-five after the minigame with the levers which totally escapes him).
There's some encouragement and some mutual life-saving, but otherwise, at this point, Tifa and Cloud seem more like allies than friends, while Aerith and Cloud are legit.
Edit: To clarify, I'm just mentioning the parts _after_ she helps Cloud get set up with a room and building his rep in the slums. That's not lost on me, hell I wish there was more of it.
Edit 2: I see RUclips's line-break is still as impeccable as always...
This is a fantastic video! It really captures the character that is Cloud. I always hear people say Cloud is a one note character, only one emotion. He's so much more than that, it's all so subtle with him. It's all in his eyes, body language, and facial expressions. Sure, he has this persona of being a tough lone wolf, but he's lonely and Tifa couldn't see that. I love Tifa and she's not intentionally trying to hurt him, but from the bar scene where she's a seat away, tells him she wants to hang out with the gang, and telling him he was scaring her. It's just like reliving all of the isolation and loneliness ALL over again.
But Aerith... She never lets him stay alone in his thoughts. She includes him, compliments him, banters with him. She even looks straight into his eyes while Tifa said she was afraid of him as the game zoomed into his eyes. It's these parallels that really show how much Aerith has changed him and how just being herself brings out so much in him. I absolutely enjoyed spending time together with her and seeing their interactions. Cloud really tries with her from the high fives to scolding the flowers and actually listening to her when she says she can hear the flowers, unlike how he told Barrett to get help. He'll stay in physical contact with her like grabbing her arm quite a few times before the actual resolution scene. Then, in that scene he tries to grab her again, this guy who usually brushes rejection aside because fighting it would hurt more.
This isn't the same Cloud who was characterized in the beginning anymore and when they reunited in Shinra, he demanded that she talked to them. He was just determined to get her back and find out from her what was going on. Cloud is such a complex and intricate character, it's easy to miss because he's not super expressive and a man of few words. But he talked so much around Aerith, I was so surprised.
Love everything you said. More and more people seem to understand and see Cloud's complexities and I love it.
@@PollenAinne He's my favorite character thanks to this Remake, with Aerith in second place!
Before this and what I barely knew of FF7, I thought he was just a brooding edgelord. But he's so nuanced this time around, the expressions are absolutely spot on with him going from strong SOLDIER to the socially stunted and awkward 16 year old innocence.
His VA and how his character's eyes show so much emotion when he gets flustered, confused, surprised, curious, or embarrassed. He's just adorable and I LOVE it. I saw more of that side of him with her, even if he was accepting her requests begrudgingly at first. 🥰
In the park, we see that Cloud puts his leg (that served as a barrier between him and Aerith) down. Yet, during the promise between Cloud and Tifa, he puts his leg up and turns away. >.>
Great observation! In addition to that, they made Tifa sit behind Cloud instead of sitting next to him.
He's been depressed cloud after she passed away, that tells you how much she meant to him.
Very eloquently and respectfully put, wonderful job on this video and I can’t wait to see more!
I would also like to add that there’s a contrast between the slums of Sector 7 and 5 which emphasises how special Aerith is to Cloud. Sector 7 has more spacious and cleaner walkways than its Sector 5 counterpart, but due to mostly consisting of shops and businesses the region comes off as a sterile and somewhat autonomous marketplace. Many people in this area admire Tifa, but despite this many of them are standoffish and even rude towards him for no particular reason other than him being an outsider (eg Marle and the weapons storekeeper). All the side quests revolve around business and reputation, utilising Cloud purely for his strength as a “SOLDIER” and mercenary and therefore perpetuating his macho facade, and the lifelong pattern of him being predominantly excluded with the occasional exploitation of his skills and plans.
Sector 5, on the other hand, emphasises community and individuality much more. There’s more colour, nature and regular people, giving it a more impoverished but authentic and soulful slum experience. The paths are narrower and the buildings are of more makeshift quality, but overall the residents are much more receptive of Cloud. Many of the tasks here involve children or Robin Hood-like vigilantes, with themes of resilience and community. The quests related to the kids are especially significant, as Cloud and Aerith are allowed special access into the children’s hideout and allowed to play their games. They construct wooden swords in the image of Cloud’s weapon, express genuine gratitude in his assistance and idolise him as cool and a hero. There’s still the focus on Cloud’s skills, but this community gives Cloud what nobody else (apart from his mum, Zack and Aerith) has ever given him - validation and inclusion. The effect this acknowledgement and gratitude has on his is demonstrated through his soft responses to the kids, and expressing interest in the adults’ stories and issues.
I do have some comparison about both sector missions in part 3, but you definitely went in dept on the area, and those are really great observations. The feel of both sectors are totally different, as if Aerith just being in Sector 5 has made the place feel so much better. Great views.
Pollen Ainne thank you! I’m looking forward to more Clerith videos 🙂
Those are some good points. I came to this video as a Cloud-Tifa person (yet still having no problem with him and Aerith, just what fate might await her), but now I'm not so sure. He and Tifa have some long roads and issues to clear up.
I didnt even realize this. This has so much thought put into it. Thank you omfg
Nicely said! I thought it was super cute that the kids included Aerith and Cloud in their secret hideout given that when they were both kids they didn't get to be included with their peers.
This is exactly how I see it too! To me, tifa was always sort of his crush, the girl next door, and they never got to know each other other than surface level. But with aerith, I feel like they actually spent time together and he was able to build a strong connection with her more than just a crush 🥺
I thought it was interesting how after Cloud and Aerith's saw Tifa on her way to Don's Mansion, Cloud didnt want to save Tifa. He said she can handle it on her own. But it was Aerith who pushed him to help save Tifa...To me, it already said a lot lol. Clerith forever
I think it was an excuse for Aerith and Cloud to keep spending time together otherwise he would go back to Sector 7. They were already looking for reasons to stay together (Cloud escorts Aerith home, Aerith escorts Cloud to Sector 7, Cloud suggesting he escort her BACK home:)) It's adorable.
Yeah, and when aerith get into trouble, both tifa and elmyra stopped him from saving her, but Cloud almost fought them to be able to save aerith and for free. Cloud always work to get money even for children he claimed 3 gil, but when being aerith bodyguard and saving her, he don't need anything, and he has done that in a very eager way. Aerith make cloud change slowly, a thing that tifa couldn't have done, even how many times she tries. Clerith forever, they are so adorable
Omg yes I can see what you both mean!! And also, its so sad how Cloud and Aerith had a similar childhood. They both wanted to be accepted. We saw Aerith's clip when she was a child, lost without anyone to find her and how Cloud wanted to fit in as a teen. I honestly think they are soulmates. Their connection is so spiritual and divine. I have been watching these Aerith x Cloud videos every night. It's a pure and authentic kind of bond they both have which makes it addicting to watch! Cant wait to see all of your comments on Pollen Ainne's and other Clerith videos when Part 2 FF7 REMAKE drops out!!!
It's also shows how highly he sees Tifa to be able to care for herself and not need help. He did wanna help her cuz shes a friend and going somewhere alone but right after she says she'll be fine alone he seems to revert into that calm cool stature of shell be fine I guess. Until Aerith comes along and breaks through that and tells him even if someone says theyll be ok you still go in to help. She does bring out the good in him.
@@thuyanhtong3020 that is so true as well. Great parallel to that scene! Even if he heard shed be ok he still pushed to free her cuz he wasnt hearing any of that bull. Like she pushed to make sure they saved Tifa, they are alike inside.
I'm not involved in shipping, but dang, this video and the follow-up videos are so beautifully structured and atmospheric, big compliments on that, and tbh, you don't have to be a shipper to enjoy this either, it's an in-depth look at especially cloud as a character and why so many people love and can relate to him
Thank you!
I’ve always been like Cloud. Never have had friends, always the one left out. 23 years ago, my friends were game characters. In particular, FF7 stroke many chords in me, Aerith’s death was hard, later when Cloud’s background is revealed it was all a bit too close to home and it’s just like you portray it. People like this claim they don’t care about being alone, but they do care, very deeply. When that little ray of hope appears somewhere, wouldn’t really know what to do about it. Someone with pure intentions that just wants to spend time with you, asking for nothing in return, sounds really hard to believe. The worst pain is losing that little hope, or it being taken away. That’s the pain Cloud feels (shown in AC and the visions of her death). Cloud is in the though guy act, thinking he’s a merc and doesn’t care about anything, but he just doesn’t want to leave Aerith’s side. This Aerith knows more about the future than she lets know, she knows Cloud loves her and she loves him too, she just wants to spare him the pain of her death, but she just can’t leave him either, she wants to enjoy every possible second she has left with him
This was so beautiful to read. Thank you for this.
This literally made me tear up.
I can relate. I never really had friends growing up until I was a teen (I had interests that were beyond those of the average kid growing up) so I felt kinda lonely. Hell I never even dated. There was a guy I liked when I was a teen but a person I was friends with also liked him and I didn’t want to lose our friendship over a guy. She did offer me her ex but I guess I was concerned over how awkward it would be so I turned her down. Now that I’m older I look back at life with regret and wonder what could I’ve done differently, that maybe I should’ve accepted her offer and not worried if there was some sort of pity towards me. If only there had been someone like Aerith in my life maybe I wouldn’t be filled with so many regrets.
😢😢
Dammit! I was a cloti and you're making me a clerith...You're right. That is cloud's resolution.
lol. This is the Aerith resolution. That's what it says in Ultimania. What the author and many CA's call the Cloud resolution. This is part of the event that takes place in the morning. Where each of the three (Tifa, Cloud and Barrett) make their own decisions to save Aerith. This does not apply to the optional scene. And yes, you didn't mind Cloti if you were poached by Clerith. Who isn't in the game almost entirely.
@@rnkkhv Nah, It’s Clouds Resolution.
@@maya_jones3411 There is no Cloud resolution in the game. There is only Tifa, Barret, and Aerith. Everything else is nothing more than your speculation.
@@rnkkhv 😂 More like your speculation.
@@maya_jones3411 No. Behind your speculation there is nothing. My conclusions have facts behind them. So you're the one speculating.
This is beautiful but I was thinking, maybe this dream that Cloud has of Aerith is like a fear of his? he's fallen for Aerith but deep down he has this fear that she'll reject him like the others and him saying "Do I get a say in this" just really proves how he's willing to get out of his tough exterior unlike the time with others where he pretended he didn't care about being isolated or lonely but with Aerith it's a completely different reaction, he wants her to stay cause she's the first person who truly made him feel like he belonged.
That is a good interpretation too. The gist is basically the same. His love for her freed him from isolation. However, I am at the thought that Aerith really visited him in his dreams like in the sleeping forest. Because Nojima even had the lines rejected by the team multiple times thinking that Aerith might sound condescending to Cloud. However, he really wanted her to say it as it would be a heart wrenching moment to those who knows her fate. We know why she is pushing him away and it hurts. If Aerith was not really there... it takes away that moment.
@@PollenAinne Ah that's true, that makes sense. Either way, that scene is absolute perfection just like Cloud and Aerith's relation.
That’s a really good point. I can relate to Cloud a lot because like him I never really had any close friends. So for Aerith, a person who has experienced social isolation like Cloud has, she can sense a kindred spirit and I think that’s what causes the two of them to fall in love but Cloud, who might have anxiety, never really gets the chance to directly tell her he loves her. I think losing her is what pushed him into a deep state of depression and depression can devastate relationships from what I know, especially of the romantic (then again I never been in a romantic relationship). Tifa did experience loss (losing her mom at a young age and then her dad) but it seems like she recovered but for Cloud, losing a person who could relate to what he experienced as a kid, it’s devastating. Tifa was the popular kid so she didn’t really experience social isolation from others with her only having limited interactions with Cloud before they met again. Also they were kids when he made that promise and things change.
Basically what I’m saying is that Aerith was perfect for Cloud. I know people say opposites attract but there is also an important of shared interests and experiences in order to make a relationship, especially a romantic relationship work. I hope they can give Cloud and Aerith a happy ending because they deserve it.
❤❤
The way cloud wants to grab aerith but fails because she isn't real there always gets me.
I dont dislike Tifa, but I could never get behind a romance between her and Cloud. I like them as friends. I feel like Aerith is the one who brings out the best in him, especially in the Remake. She and Cloud play off eachother so well. I know she loved Zach as a teen but she grew to care for Cloud and showed interest in knowing the real him.. , and we rarely end up with our first loves. I am so curious snd worried about what will happen in the next game lol
I was always team Clerith in the original mostly because I thought it would make for a more interesting story than if he ended up with Tifa/I wasn't as big of a Tifa fan as a lot of people are. But after the release of the remake, I went from casually being team Clerith to hardcore shipping it. The remake did such a good job of giving these characters new life. The way these two voice acted the characters and how the scenes are animated I think sheds new light on the relationship from the original and made me love them SO much more than I did before. (Not that I'm saying the original wasn't perfect in its own way, only saying the remake is a whole other way of experiencing it with them being able to animate things they couldn't as clearly before)
17:48 Also, in the japanese dub, he says "mukae ni iku" which is used in a romantic context.
Aerith always reads him like an open book knowing how he feels and what's on his mind and he never feels lonely around her because she gives him the comforting company she had lost. As a return, when she said that she feels lonely as the only Citra he assures her that he and the others are by her side. In contrast, cloud and tifa's relationship is more childish in IMO. I really love Clerith ❤
There's a new video of this "Cloud Aerith Love Story Behaviors" explaining everything. But it really shows Aerith is Cloud's canon lover. We need more videos like yours b/c Tifa is popular with some of the male audience and casual fans. But they ignore the entire story!! It's about Cloud and Aerith. It's always been ❤❤❤
Clerith strong 🙏
Tifa was actually a very late addition to the original game... that could be why very little about her added up. A lot of people tried to defend the whole 'childhood friend' connection, but that was only mentioned in the instruction booklet where the characters were introduced. It was intentional because you learn a lot more about the characters as you play, so the preliminary information you are given is incorrect, and makes discoveries all more interesting.
I discovered that Cloud and Tifa were never friends, though they were aware of each other. I found it really weird for her having the sudden liking of Cloud at the well, and I understand why she is attached to him while in Midgar because he is the only connection she has left from her home town.
While I do not dislike Tifa per-se... I really did not approve of her enabling Cloud. She knew what he was saying was false, and did not want to talk to him about it because she just wanted to keep a 'hold' on him.
I was only 17 and I caught on to this.... even the Machina Abridged series saw this and ran with it at point blank. Tifa fans may not like it, but it really was all there in the original game with no cryptic messaging or anything. I guess people still ship Tifa and Cloud is because they are non-cannon, a lot of people do that in game and anime series, it's all in good fun and the game itself allows people to make those choices to satisfy that fandom.
Tifa was actually quite mean to Cloud, she was a selfish spoiled brat. I don't think she ever aplogized to him for that either.
This was an amazing video , thank you for your effort . Really looking forward to your assessment of the rebirth( especially I’m interested in so called tifa’s route, jealous cloud is something else ) . What I find fascinating about the second part of the remake trilogy is no matter what route you choose , it all leads back to aerith. Square enix needs to give us a duet between cloud and aerith as the theme song for the third part
Oh my god after I learned his past, I can't hold back my tear anymore when watching goodbye scene.
Cloud really don't wanna be separate from the newly closest friend, He literally need someone like Aerith.
I loved this so much, you are as perceptive as Aerith and not many people are.
Thank you. I just love them.
Wow... you actually managed to put into words why I love Cloud and Aerith so much (and also how relatable Cloud is to me as someone who had previously been isolated for years and has since been able to move on in life)... this is a fantastic analysis on why Cloud and Aerith's relationship just flowed so well in both the original and ESPECIALLY in the remake.
I am sincerely glad you managed to move out of isolation. The world is huge, there will always be someone who can be there for you if you let them. And yes, Cloud and Aerith are the best example of a harmonious relationship.
Wow this was just beautiful. I know this is just a video game lol but Cloud and Aerith are really precious to me. I have so much in common with Cloud and their interactions are so precious. I feel like the people who ship Cloud with Tifa dont really understand Cloud. Like many people have commented I think you have to have experienced the loneliness and rejection and isolation from others to really get whats going on with Cloud. The resolution scene with Aerith in this game is so good. They really went above and beyond my expectation with the script and the characters and the execution. This scene is so beautiful and perfect.
I'm much similar to Cloud, I'm isolated myself, and I trust no one. I like the people like Aerith, gentle and nice girl... I really love Aerith, and I became very sad when she died... I really ship them. ^^
I hope you find someone who can make you come out of isolation too.
I hope so, thank you. I really like so much your videos. ^^
You get it, you really do. Each resolution was done very well, each one has special meaning to every character. Barret's was friendship, and Tifa's was grief and consolation. The best for me was Cloud's. I was wondering if you'd take note of Cloud shifting his stance and letting Aerith be close. Back in the Nibelheim promise scene, Cloud does the same thing, only he never lets his guard down. Furthermore, Tifa and Cloud are facing away from each other. Back in the bar, Tifa sits apart from Cloud, and neither move closer to each other. Thanks for video, it was awesome, and I'll be checking out the other parts soon.
Body language in FF7R was such an important part of the relationship writing. I'm happy you also got wind with the distance Cloud had with Tifa in some of their scenes together. Not ALL the time, mind, but enough times that you can see a wall form between the two. The major exceptions come from the rescue scenes in the middle of a combat situation (like Cloud covering for Tifa's fall when they jump off the train, resulting in a very... intimate, ship-teasy position), but they need to be analysed separately from the other dialogue sequences, because the context (in-battle vs. off-battle) is vastly different.
And in Chapter 9, when Aerith and Cloud climbed up that hemisphere thing on the playground? As you already said, they get on that thing, there's some distance between the two. Then Aerith makes a move to seat herself closer to Cloud, and Cloud does not budge one bit. A physical action reflecting the growing emotional/spirital closeness between these two characters.
Matthew Kwok Well in that scene he does budge; he changes his body language to let her in and not create a physical wall between them! It's adorable really
MagicalGirl4 yeah, when I mean ‘budge’, I meant that Cloud decided to not create physical distance between him and Aerith when she tried to close that gap. The point about Cloud lowering his leg to show that he is opening up to Aerith is well taken.
@@ALostExplorer Did you know that there was an alternate version of that scene where Tifa and Cloud jump out the train, let the timer run down you get a different cutscene.
@@eternaldarkness2101 Yes I did, even though I never got the scene myself.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video! it is wonderful and you fully understand why the relationship between cloud and aerith is special and unique :')
the relationship between Cloud and Aerith, was created with care by Nojima and square enix itself, it can be understood very well both in ff7 (og) and in the compilation.
The two of them are closely connected to the game's plot, the real heart of the game.
many people still haven't figured out why for square enix the two of them are so important!
Cloud and Aerith are transcendental characters, their relationship transcends space and time, that's why they are destined to always meet in any times and universes.
and I hope that thanks to your video many people can understand more the beauty of this bond that is emerging between cloud and aerith also in this first game of the "project remake".
a simple, genuine bond that is bound to change indelibly Cloud and Aerith, forever (and the player itself).
a bit like the Japanese legend of the "red thread of fate".
From the beginning, they were destined to meet and get to know each other, and from this among them is born a relationship that change them forever, without one of them, nothing will be as before.
:')
that's how beautiful this kind of relationship is
and that's why after 23 years, there are people all over the world (with or without social media) who continue to love them, and who will love them forever.
FFVII is a masterpiece and i'm sure that this this "project remake" will be able to amaze all of us in a good way ;)
so can't wait to play the second game!
Thank you again for this amazing video! You did an a great job! continue like this :)
Cloud and Aerith forever in my heart
You are so right! For years we have known this in our hearts. Your vids actually kept my clerith heart alive for a long time while almost everyone I knew in the fandom just wanted to convince me that their love didn't exist. I am glad the remake made me meet a lot more who believed in them. Thank you for sharing this wonderful insight.
@@PollenAinne Thanks to you for the reply and for your compliments, you are very kind :') and it makes me happy that my videos sparked your enthusiasm for Cloud and Aerith again.
Unfortunately there are people who want to see other unhappy people, and it shouldn't be that way.
everyone is free to cheer for something and have different tastes, the important thing is that there is respect among people. tastes are tastes, but respect is not discussed.
However i'm sure you will make new videos from now on, and I will follow them with great pleasure :)
I wish you a beautiful day
Even with Rebirth out now, I still see Clerith as the one that makes most sense. Tifa doesn't really understand Cloud, which is why she ends up fighting with him more. Aerith, on the other hand, does. That's what makes Cloud open up.
At the end of Chapter 14, Tifa said this about Cloud.
"Deep down, you’re a pretty nice guy. Didn’t see it when we were kids, but…"
"そうそう 本当は 優しいよね 子供の頃は 気づかなかったけど"
I think this is one of the signs in Remake that shows Tifa doesn't really know Cloud that well and they aren't as close as it seems. She knows Cloud would always get into fights with other kids (mentioned by herself in Chapter 3 Japanese script) and probably that's one of the very few things she remembers about Cloud other than the childhood promise.
There are some Clotis who still refuse to believe that logical explanation believing that Cloud and Tifa were in love as kids. I dont even know how you think its love when they were so young...but I guess.
It was said because he really wasn't a "pretty nice guy." He only changed with Avalanche and Aerith. That's why she didn't see him that way. You have to understand the plot, but it seems difficult for you. He himself admits it personally in the LS scene. He says that he thought everyone who was around Tifa was stupid. He was arrogant, and he isolated himself. But Avalanche was able to change him.
@@rnkkhv Not Avalanche, let's be honnets, he changed a lot with Aerith too, when he was in Avalanche, Tifa even said he was scaring her
@@daeith1233 Dude, that's the developer's words, Avalanche changed him, Tifa changed him, and Aerith did it too. And she has no special role to play here. And the fact that he was changing, you can see from Tifa's words "Like you're losing that hard edge". Yes, and by his reaction to the other members of the team. i.imgur.com/eRnmmi7.jpg
>>>Tifa even said he was scaring her
@@rnkkhv "He was still an asshole in the part about helping an older man get to his wife's grave."
I thought it was obvious, that Cloud said what he said, so the man would be able to go on his wife grave by himself. However, Aerith would make a comment abt his atitude, like she did before. From Avalanche, the biggest changement I saw abt Cloud was the chapter with Jessie, Biggs and Wedge. However, he didn't look to be different with Barett, and still had his confidence and his "cool" persona toward Tifa tho, he was almost acting like a hero with her
0:38 base on the gesture i think even earlier in the game she's trying to push him to another girl or she's just reassuring herself that Cloud already falls for someone because she knows her 'fate' but seeing the resolution scene guess its already too late for that:) base on Cloud's expression when she told him not to fall inlove with her i think he already have and he already made up his mind seeing the pure determination when he said he's coming for her:)
She is just to good for that f*cked up world. She is the light in Cloud's life.
I don't care what anybody says, he loves her.
I didn't want to watch it initially cause I thought it would be a totally subjective video in favor of Clerith. But boy was I wronggggg. I started loving the pair in AC (didn't play the OG). I intuitively felt Cloud's love for Aerith for some reason. Now I know that I can trust my gut! Thank you!
lol. That's the highly subjective CA video. The latest novella from Nojima clearly shows how untenable the author's theory is. Although it was clear from the OG. But then the room for interpretation was larger. That allowed, albeit with a stretch, but some sort of positioning.
@@rnkkhv don't you stalk pollens Twitter page 🤨 bit weird fam for not liking CA 🤔 you know stalking is a crime right
@@trolulu2457 No. I'm not a stalker at all. Did you know that Twitter is an open social network? And that people of different views often overlap there. You're the only one who's stalking me right now. Trying to have a conversation that doesn't involve the topic of this video.
@@rnkkhv nah because why you on here and on Twitter kinda sus bro plus I just noticed your existence tbh
@@rnkkhv normal people complain on one social network and it seems like you probably actively searched for pollen especially with your views like a creep just telling you what I see especially since you are not a clerith fan not to mention I see you going after clerith fans in the comment section that's not giving your pov that's harassment
Aerith definitely knows what her fate is. That’s why she said “don’t fall in love with me” because shew knew she’s gonna die and she knows how Cloud really feels about her. Maybe this time around Cloud would prevent her death because you know, what’s the point of showing Cloud little bits of Aerith’s fate if he won’t save her this time?
Aerith is just a breath of fresh air. And that’s exactly what Cloud needs in his life.
No deny that cloud love them both but still he needed someone like Aerith in his life, she was the light that broke him out of darkness (isolation) he felt comfortable with her the most, cloud might not lead a Happy life if he ended up with Tifa, her heart is in the right place but she has high expectations of him which gives him more pressure, she wants to play the damsel in distress and be saved by her blonde knight, she said something like that in crisis core talking about her knight in shining armor coming to her rescue which obviously referring to cloud, altho it’s cute it just doesn’t work, cloud isn’t strong minded or heroic (like zack) his not the kind of guy you want to lean on it’s the opposite, he needs someone to lean on, someone comforting someone like Aerith
In the novel called *Case of Tifa* You can clearly see Cloud never love Tifa, He think Tifa is desperate.
@@leahjanulgue7200 case of tifa doesn't really mean anything la seriously. He is sick that is why he stay away from them. He definitely have feeling with aerith and tifa. Stop your canon fantasy.
@@munkengfoo7862 his not sick on the case of Tifa.
Case of Tifa happens between FF7 and AC..
He only get Geostigma in AC not in the case of Tifa.
Why are you Cloti get mad if I show you the evidence?
@@munkengfoo7862 canon fantasy? Nope it's reality.
You Cloti are fantasy 🤣🤣🤣
@@munkengfoo7862 butthurt?
Aaaaaaaa I'm crying in the middle of night 😭 your video shows so much about Cloud I didn't understand his character before, Aerith is really his sun, giving warm to his cold reality.
Having been an avid follower of both the original FF7, Advent Children, and now the Remake, i'm fairly confident in what I'm about to say:
Yes, Cloud and Tifa are childhood friends, they have a bond. They have an intimate moment together under the Highwind in the original game, confirming their attraction for one another, and yes, they end up together in the original story.
All this being said, if Aerith would have lived, everything would have been different. It's been regularly stated that in the original, if you are equally as nice to both women, the game chooses Aerith's path. Cait Sith predicted their wedding! And even in Advent Children, it is clear that Cloud still hasn't emotionally recovered from her death.
In the remake (and the original game for that matter), when Tifa see's Aerith/Aries flirting with Cloud, she becomes very uncomfortable/jealous. This is because she can see, with her own eyes, exactly what is happening. Tifa and Cloud share a bond, no denying that, but they don't have the chemistry that Aerith and Cloud do. Aerith is the one that Cloud lets his guard down with, not Tifa. Cloud becomes unsure of himself, even nervous around Aerith. With Tifa, he is always cool and confident - this in itself should tell us all we need to know.
If Aerith were to live in the remake (which I think there is a chance - it will depend on whether we choose Aerith or Tifa's path in the game), they will end up together. Cloud is more attracted to Aerith, its plain to see. I'm not saying he doesn't like Tifa, or care for her deeply - he does. But there is a spark between Cloud and Aerith that I just don't see there with Tifa. Just my opinion :)
I'm a little confused on something: does Cloud act that way around Tifa cause of the hero promise she put on him, thus he believes that's what she wants even long past childhood?
@@korruption6 It's very possible. Cloud is a complex guy for sure. He wanted to be a SOLIDER for Tifa, I openly admit that. I feel that this, on top of the fact that he has adopted Zack's SOLIDER persona, is a big contributing factor to his 'hero' mannerism around Tifa. What is interesting though, is that so far in the remake, through her interactions with him, Aerith (someone who has no history with Cloud whatsoever), brings out more of the real 'Cloud' than Tifa does. Throughout Midgar, Cloud adopts Zack's confident persona with Tifa 99% of the time. However, Cloud's uncertainty and nervousness when with Aerith, is the real Cloud's personality, not Zack's.
That is interesting. Tifa's reserved personality and apparent lack of ability to speak up doesn't really help things. I can't imagine Cloud knows what she's thinking, so he's either subconsciously walking on egg shells and feeling restricted to his Soldier personification or she's so afraid of losing the last piece of her childhood (or well... likely both), she pretends everything's dandy when they're not and things finally snap. I haven't played the OG extensively, but I know their mutual communication needs a lot of work. I hope we'll see more of that progress more meaningfully in the following parts. Otherwise Aerith needs to somehow live and free both of them before they go insane from miscommunication.
@@korruption6 I can tell you that communication between Cloud and Tifa does not get any better even after OG. Just reference AC and the novels that connects OG and AC together. When you have two introverted and reserved people trying to have conversations with each other, it usually doesn't bode well.
@@neoexodeath I actually don't believe they ended up together, but when I first played I was so young, I never minded that interpretation. But with the compilations, I actually strongly believed that they tried but never did got together. Like Cloud was not ready but he was slowly getting there but the happier he became the more guilty he felt. And when he was at his lowest Tifa didn't know how to deal with him. She pushed him instead of giving him solace and he left. Even in AC, she gave Cloud an ultimatum "A memory or us?" which really put me off her. It reminds me of how she can never love Cloud like Aerith. In the Sleeping Forest when Cloud was asking for her forgiveness and Aerith tells him not to dwell on it. Cloud says, "But I can't help it" And Aerith just tells him that if he is the type to dwell on those things then he should just really dwell on it because she accepts that part of him. That is the greatest difference between these two. Aerith just accepts Cloud for who he is while Tifa still has her dream of this perfect hero who Cloud is not able to step up to.
Goodness, innocence, purity and wisdom. Truly, Aerith is a angel too good for this sad world. I hope Cloud can prevent her fate. They must be together at the end. She must see the steel sky again.
Or perhaps by the end of the of the FF7R series, Aerith will grow to eventually love the endless sky.
@@oldchannelforayoungstupidf2649 We can only hope.
I remember in the og FF7 she said she wishes to ride on a airship one day. Hope she lives so her wish can come true
But what about Tifa?!! 🥺🥺🥺 I love both ladies and I'm always torn between who Cloud should be with. But Tifa is such a sweet kind hearted soul too she needs someone to love her as well!
@@keroleena1 Don't get me wrong. I know Tifa is a great woman, however Cloud seem to be more willing to let down his defense with Aerith and to show his soft side. I'm sure Tifa can find someone she can love and will love her back, however i don't think this person is Cloud.
I never liked Tifa. She kind of reminded me of a mean girl... even in the original - pushing Cloud away, thinking of only her own emotions (like in the Cloti cutscene where she cries on him and hugs him. Awkwardly.) I just think Tifa has no regard for Cloud's emotions and feelings, or his trauma. She doesn't care if he gets better or not. Aerith has always respected his space and slowly helped him try to get better, and not isolate himself. Aerith truly loves him. They're perfect.
Tifa is very insecure and I agree she doesn't know how to connect with Cloud. Other than the promise, which by the way I feel she puts wayyyy too much weight on, they have zero relationship prior to ff7. Everything about them seems so forced
Whereas Aerith tore down Cloud's walls so quickly and their relationship is so fun and organic. You can see instantly why Cloud wants to look out for her and keeps doing so. :) Love them.
Yeah, I remember when playing OG there were at least two moments where I went “Wtf Tifa?” One, when Sephiroth showed Cloud and Tifa what really happened in Nibelheim. Cloud was freaking out and all Tifa could do was turn herself away from Cloud and say “No, Cloud, don’t look!” Didn’t she say she was afraid of what would happen if Cloud remembered what truly happened? I thought that was messed up. Like this isn’t about you, Tifa. Why didn’t you tell him the truth the moment you felt things were off!! And the other time was in Mideel and both Cloud and Tifa fall into the life stream just before Cloud truly remembered anything and repaired his memories himself. Tifa was alone and she was screaming out that she was depressed and for Cloud to help her. Like girl, Cloud couldn’t even say a coherent word at this moment. Like what is wrong with you? Like this isn’t anything about shipping. The developers just really made Tifa an insufferable character lol. And I never, ever see anyone commenting about those above moments online.
@@ladyleafeonCause Tifa smokey hot I think😅
I feel like Tifa is more into the idea of Cloud (being a soldier and all…) but not the real him. I don’t understand why people claim Tifa knew and loved the real Cloud and Aerith didn’t, when I feel like even Aerith saw more of the real him then Tifa did.
@@stavcyi think people think this way because well in the OG, Tifa helped him find himself and his true self or his memories and admitted he didn’t know him that much when they were children. I think it’s her fair redemption for him. Cloud and Aerith for the win though.
I'm SO relieved to know that someone else perceives the Cloud/Tifa relationship in this way as well-- 👏 I've honestly never understood why some people are so set on "Aww Cloud and Tifa are so cute together!" Like???????? Yes, so cute that Tifa allowed Cloud to be bullied by her groupies for their entire childhood, only for him to return years later and be immediately excluded by her again in their adult lives. 🙃
I think it's more that Tifa didn't notice Cloud than allowed anything to happen. I think Tifa was always a nice girl. And she always strive to be nice to everyone... but she lives in a bubble of her own world. She didn't notice how Cloud wasnt part of their group. Admittedly she was a child then. But later as adults, she just didn't see thru his defense mechanisms. She believed in the walls he placed on himself. Only Aerith was able to see through it and slowly broke through his walls. This is how Cloud fell in love with her.
@@PollenAinne Ah yes, I agree with that interpretation!! 👍 I don't think Tifa is a bad person at heart. I just think she was negligent and passive in her actions. She doesn't come across as perceptive to Cloud's emotions as Aerith does. I admittedly always wished that Tifa was more proactive in including Cloud in the group... It makes me sad to know that he felt so lonely. 🥺💓 I think it would help to justify their theme of a 'childhood bond' a bit more as well.
@@misscaelum2510 Yes, this is what I feel as well. But I think the dynamic was created intentionally by the author to make Cloud a person hard to understand, and thus create a bond between Aerith and Cloud who were able to understand and connect with each other.
@@PollenAinne I can see why that choice would have been made intentionally, so I definitely agree! :) And I of course have no objections to a strong and connective relationship between Aerith and Cloud!! 🤭💟
@@PollenAinne Agreed. She probably went along with what she was told as a kid. Had she actually made the effort, seen the truth, then Cloud would have had a friend growing up. Aerith however knows what’s it like to grow up lonely and isolated which is why she and Cloud are able to connect. Like I said strong relationships can be built based on shared experiences and Cloud and Aerith probably have one of the strongest relationships. This is why I think Cloud was so devastated when he lost Aerith, he lost a person who could relate to what he went through as a kid.
So, I like reading into things and trying to find symbolism but sometimes it's tricky because you never know if something is intended to be symbolism or not, i.e. Cloud rescuing Aerith from loneliness in the Train Graveyard or Cloud figuratively landing in Aerith's heart (her flower bed) while Zack bounced off the floor boards. A lot of people point out how differently Tifa and Aerith view Cloud's eyes but some say it's unfair to Tifa and while I understand why people would say that I think there could be deeper meaning to it. It made me think of the proverb; *"the eyes are windows to the soul"* which suggests that they reflect how a person truly feels or what they are thinking.
Anyone who's played the OG knows that Tifa and Cloud were never friends growing up but 'acquaintances' at best, she never actually knew him. So this person who she has met again after five or six years is a stranger in every sense of the word, not only is he projecting a facade but she also has a false image in her head of who he was when they were kids. Because her false image of him isn't lining up with who she thinks he is now, it scares her.
Aerith however looks at Cloud and can see through the facade (it was the entire dynamic of their adventures), so when she says "Wow. Your eyes." I feel like she's really commenting on who he really is, under the tough-merc facade, she knows it's an act and is trying to get him to drop it. Basically saying, "You're a wonderful person." because she sees who he really is under what he is pretending to be.
Cloud wants to help people more than anything but uses money as a wall to protect himself in a way, both girls quests in their sectors could represent how each see him. Aerith sees the real Cloud and his desire to help people, he still uses money as abit of a wall but does at a discount (we know his complaining about the pay is just part of the act), Tifa sees the tough-merc who's only motivation is money and I believe she even uses him to intimidate someone into buying a broken filter.
This is just my interpretation anyway, I also think there could be more to Aerith's interactions with Cloud but that's just story theory stuff and not worth getting into here.
A few thoughts that came to mind while writing this; I can't remember when exactly Tifa says it but she does say something like, "You're a nice guy, didn't really see it when we were kids." Does she maybe not have false memories of their time as kids in Remake? This occurred to me when I realized that because Cloud remembers killing Sephiroth in Remake and apparently remembering Zack by the time they reach Nibelheim they could potentially be setting up for him getting his memories back without the the Lifestream sequence.
This explains why in remake Tifa always goes soft and helpless when cloud is around, when she is badass otherwise.
That's the most funny part for me Tifa needed more saving that Aerith and in theory Tifa is the "badass" one.
@@nelnerucaerith is ancient tifa is just human
@@amoghsawant3801
Aerith is an ancient yes, is she inmortal and overpowered? No, and dont forget she is half cetra-half human so that excuse that you are using is useless. Tifa is a master in Martial Arts, she could defend herself perfectly when Cloud wasnt around but the moment he is in the picture she start behaving like a damsel in distress because of her fantasy that she needs a hero to save her even though she is capable on doing it herself.
Tifa needed the most stupid saving in the freaking world, an example, in the pillar she was on the floor meanwhile Cloud was trying to get to Rude but she needed saving from the floor and had to call Cloud for his aid to get up from the floor. So Cloud let Rude get away. If it wouldnt be because of Cloud Tifa dies in the pillar because she decided to just stay behind and watch the city.
@@nelneruc well said
This video is very thoughtful and well put together. I was replaying Ch. 3 from Remake last night and made sure to sit through all of the cutscene and dialogue again (got into a bad habit of skipping everything to Platinum the game, but that is finished now lol.) Can't help but notice how some of Cloud and Tifa's interactions contrast to Cloud and Aerith as you point out in this video. For example, after Cloud and Tifa rescues Johnny from Shinra soldiers in Sector 7, Tifa makes a comment about how Cloud is scaring her. She specifically says it is because of his eyes (Mako-infused). However, in Cloud and Aerith's scene in the playground, Aerith looks into Cloud's eyes and has only one thing to say, "Wow, your eyes". In both scenes, Cloud says it is because of the Mako and that all SOLDIERS have them. Interesting in how two women, both of whom are potential love interests for Cloud, react in such different ways when they are around him.
G V And on what you said, there is a reason, Cloud showed his heartless demeanor even if Tifa was there, he had no hesitation in making attempt at killing people, Johnny, Shinra guardsmen. Oh well, there was a girl, especially Tifa there but he felt nothing in showing his dark side, you could say that insensitive or something not right with him. So, it’s understandable for her to feel scared. Aerith have never ever seen him in that state. But I think there is more, you remember when Aerith asked for his permission to kill Corneo’s lackey (even if it was just a joke) he denied. He truly are different with Aerith ❤️
@@chainsaw9225 Yes, you are right that Tifa was afraid of the kind of person that Cloud had become. Maybe it is because she thinks that Cloud might become a murdering psychopath like Sephiroth? She says in CC that she hates SOLDIERS after Sephiroth kills her father and cuts her down. Also, I would not say that Aerith was not aware of what Cloud was capable of prior to their trip to the park. If you recall, Cloud almost deals the killing blow on Reno when he beats him in the Church, but Aerith and the whispers stop him. To me, this looks like a case of how one girl expects Cloud to change or be different while the other accepts him for who/how he is.
Oh, I forgot about that, thanks for reminding me 😊 but sure Tifa got it hard, to see him insisted on finishing them even if she clearly against it. And to looked directly at his eyes, his expression like that
And I totally agree with you about the difference there with 2 girls 🌟
G V Also in Tifa’s resolution scene when Cloud hugged her, she told Cloud he’s hurting her. They are kind of out of sync, don’t appreciate the ways they show care for each other.
@@kiweflowe Tifa nor Cloud himself know who he even is at this point. Apparently, he only learned it by watching how Barret hugged her and tried to emulate it. Ironic that Cloud almost crushed her and Barret didn't. 😀
Cloud and Tifa fit like shoes two sizes too small. Something always feels off about them as a possible couple.Tifa is too serious for Cloud, too dramatic, depressing, she would make him miserable, whereas Aerith is sweet, funny, perky, cute, loving, not to mention magical and positve no matter the situation.
I think what I want most out of the remake is for Aerith to meet the real Cloud. If she has to die no matter what, I'd rather it be after the Lifestream sequence so she can see him as his whole self, and he can see her as his whole self too. (Also I can't help but come back to these videos ha, they make me happy)
I thought she already did.
But he is the real Cloud. What SE needs to do in the next part is to simply resolve his identity problems sooner to put an end to those ridiculous misconceptions once and for all (about Cloud having someone elses feelings/memory and all that nonsense). I doubt there will be lifestream sequence in the Remake.
xZarazWracam You’re right! I just worded it like that way because of the misconception that goes around in the fandom, that Cloud was only real after his memories were fixed. Its sad that fans denounce his character by saying he was completely fake during Disc 1, so I want the devs to have Aerith stay around longer or live to the end so people can actually see that his feelings for her are real.
Truly Beautiful, for me *Aerith is the one that understands Cloud*, and vice versa.
Aerith and Cloud needs each other, they both have tragic history, losing alot of their loved ones, both are excluded for being special, both understand the feeling of loneliness. That's why Aerith affects Cloud so much.
They are perfect for each other, without Aerith, Cloud is just an empty shell.
"Aerith admits that while at first she thought Cloud was similar to Zack, she quickly recognized that Cloud was "Cloud" and that she "undoubtedly loves Cloud much more" than she ever loved Zack" - FF7 Dismantled
@Larry Kenobi She said so herself, in the book "Maiden who travels the planet"
She said that Zack is too nice with every girl and she prefers Cloud due to him being Awkward and Simplistic.
She literally rejects Zack after they reunite in the lifestream
You can look it up if you don't believe me.
Crisis Core imo kinda ruined the original for me, don't get me wrong, I love Zack and CC but Zack's death is supposed to be used as a tragic background for both Aerith and Cloud, that's what the devs meant to do in the first place. Aerith and Zacks relationship in CC were made good to make his death a tragic background for her, same goes for Cloud, it was never meant to create Zerith, but many people got it all wrong.
Regarding The Shippings and all, It will always and will be
Cloud, Aerith and Tifa
There is no Zack in the equation
@Larry Kenobi Since when is it not canon, Give me an official source saying it isn't, the only reason people say it's not canon is because Aerith and Zack is not a thing there, and people just think it doesn't make sense while it does.
And no the story of the OG is not retconned, again many said it is retconned due to Dismantled, which is basically the Journal of The OG, it's whole idea is to widen the narrative of the OG,not retconned it but alot of people doesn't like the direction it's going and due to it being old.
What's canon though is Nojima stating Cloud and Tifa couldnt be a thing, due to Cloud being so broken and depressed after Aerith's death, and Nojima basically Made Advent Children based on that.
He even made the post credit scene, Cloud and Aerith reunion in the promised land to give him a closure/a little happy ending.
There's no such thing as Clerith being a thing in the past because unlike Cloti there is actually writings coming from square themselves that actually said they are a thing.
@Larry Kenobi The book was of course reviewed and published by Square Enix themselves, they wouldn't released it, if it goes against the source material, being published before CC doesn't mean it is retconned by it, CC doesn't even retconned anything from it, if anything it still makes sense.
You can't just say it's not canon because Square enix never said anything about it for a long time or because you don't like the direction it's taking.
Because the same thing goes for CC, up until now Square enix doesn't even talk about CC, they didn't even make a remaster for it while many are demanding for it
and I'm pretty sure all the compilation including CC is not canon now due to ff7 remake, it's already confirmed as the fifth installment in the compilation and most likely a sequel so it's it's own game, basically the new OG, it doesn't follow the previous compilation like CC, maybe it follows some/most aspects but not all.
Zerith was never a thing , It will always be either Clerith or CloTi, it's the way it's always intended from the beginning from square, from the writers themselves, from Nomura and Nojima. It will always be a love triangle, from the OG until this Remake. Zack was only used as a tragic background for Cloud and Aerith, that is what has been intended.
A large aspect and element of the story of final fantasy 7 is the love triangle itself. the devs said so themselves.
and what is it with you and fan fictions.
@Larry Kenobi I didn't I just updated it alot, I removed the part where Aerith said he moved on in the remake, that is just an Interpretation of what can happened as it did happen in the OG, supported by the Ultimania statements. And again she is not toying with Cloud, it's her fun personality, as she wants to spend time with him, clearly shown in the remake.she see through cloud and realize that he is not being himself hence her saying his feeling isn't real
As for Aerith sensing his death, that part is a bit confusing as it contradicts alot of elements in the compilations, maybe you're right on that one.
But Aerith seeing through cloud and has feelings for him is already confirmed in the Ultimania.
As for it being has no ties to the remake it was Nomura who said that so..., Sure CC happened but a different CC. If you get what I mean.
Anyways you should read my updated comment
@Larry Kenobi here is my updated post.
The only official reason we've been given for why there hasn't been any compilation re-releases 'for the moment' is because the compilation does not have any continuity with the 1st part of the remake, Nomura said so in an interview.
Official source: www.finaland.com/?rub=site&page=news&id=6015
Which means that that Gackt wasn't the main problem and the previous compilation including CC has no ties with the remake.
And yes, Aerith didn't even knew he had died until later on, this was in the original and will be in the Remake. Zack is still called a ladies man by Aerith in the book, I don't recall the part where she said they weren't close, maybe she meant not anymore since it's been 4 years or something and the ribbons color or whatever is there because CC made changes to it
And again as for Zack, this is a love triangle, it is always Cloud,Aerith and Tifa, there is no debate in that, the only debate there is, is who Cloud loves more. Even in the remake, the devs won't take either sides, because it's a love triangle the choice will be ours and will be given romantic options for both in this part and the upcoming parts.
which if it works may mean that both CloTi and Clerith is canon.
But they did say that they are going to expand on Zack's character so who knows maybe they'll make Zerith optional too, to please Zerith fans, though a bit unlikely.
And here is regarding Aerith's feelings:
*10th ANNIVERSARY ULTIMANIA also says that Aerith has feelings for Cloud, while other Ultimania quotes prove Aerith knew the difference between Zack and Cloud, saying that Aerith "perceived that Cloud had lost sight of his true self" and that she had "seen through to the essence of Cloud" but she still had "great affection" for him. Those same Ultimania books also state that "although Aerith felt close to Cloud because he behaved like Zack, her interest in Cloud himself grows and she is attracted to him" this was from the Ultimania*
*FYI the 10th years Ultimania is released alongside crisis Core and the revised version alongside Advent Children*
Zack and Aerith fans that played Crisis Core say their love story was told better, but what's funny is that Nojima admitted that he didn't want to waste time "building" their relationship so in order to convince us they fell in love he repeated Cloud and Aerith's Church meet cute. Nojima used a clerith scene to "build" romance between Zack and Aerith. This alone suggests that Cloud and Aerith's relationship was better told and portrayed or else Nojima wouldn't have used their scene in order to convince us of Zack and Aerith.
So basically you already got The Ultimania, Maiden who travels the planet , dismantled and the remake backing up Aerith's feelings for Cloud, she moved on man, it's already a fact.
I'm sorry but I kinda find it funny how people say the highwind scene is romantic because they fucked but right after he's like yo imma go find aerith in the promise land bye
I would be very surprised if Square did that considering they always show their preference of Cloud and Aerith whenever they do their promotions or certain special events regarding final fantasy 7.
Square Enix said they only talked all night, and did not have sex - it's a kids game. It's peopls dirty minds who took it that way.
Not just that, but a) there are two versions of the Highwind scene, and b) the version where they don't have any intimacy is likely canon since *Cloud and Tifa aren't romantically involved in Advent Children.*
I confess, I've never played the original game all the way through, but I have watched many playthroughs on youtube. Even so, I've never really fully understood who Cloud is at his core. That is the Cloud that Aerith says she really wants to meet on their date at the Golden Saucer, the one hiding underneath all of the false memories and trauma and manipulations. And this video really provided a whole lot of insight that I've never really been able to put together before. This was just simply beautiful, and I am eagerly looking forward to watching the rest of it. So thank you for sharing this with us. And in case I don't reach you here... Well, we'll catch up in the lifestream one day, I'm sure. ^_^
YES IVE BEEN DYING TO FIND SOMEONE TO DISSECT THEIR RELATIONSHIP...thank you! hope to see pt. 2 soon hehe
15:17 This reminds me of Crisis Core when Zack had post-death "requests" and he mentioned "say hi to Aerith for me" to Cloud. It's like he subtlely wants to introduce her to him to be there for each other and be friends. Kind of a low-key wingman to Cloud. I'm sure Zack would've wanted them to be both happy. 😘😘😘
Yes! And Zack is the type that bounces off easily. I am sure he will be happy for them.
Indeed, they were destined to meet. Talk about a soulmate connection! 💗
You have earned 1 sub from me, dear. Looking forward for your part 2 💐
@Larry Kenobi I'm sorry but prequels are not made to invalidate the original but support it. I have played Crisis Core and that is why I can say what I say. Sorry but in CC Zack cared a lot more about Cloud than he did for Aerith. And the Remake is not even taking all the storylines from CC. Kid Aerith has a pink ribbon, not really the shy type, is not afraid of the sky but instead hates it. If CC can make changes to the OG, Remake can definitely do so as well. It is up to the devs what they will take from CC and what they will retcon. But one thing is clear. They made Ckoud and Aerith obviously in love.
@Larry Kenobi Oh Zack is alive. And if you think Aerith will choose Zack then you do not know her personality, her history and her character as a whole. Someone like Aerith might crush on Zack and even think she is in love with him, but it would not have lasted. Did Aerith create a bond with Zack that allowed her to enter his dreams? No. Did Zack create a bond with Aerith that allowed him to sense her presence? No. Only Cloud and Aerith was able to create this bond because their heart and soul is in tune with each other. Whatever Aerith and Zack had in CC, does not invalidate what Cloud and Aerith has in the OG and more so in the Remake. And as I stated, yes there were changes, but it didn't change what Aerith and Cloud had. And yes, it does take CC into account but it doesnt mean it will not retcon a lot of things in CC. It already has. In any case, imagine of Zack and Aerith were together, but it is Aerith and Cloud that sense each others presence all the time... that would be too weird. Aerith was heavy crushing on Zack because he was a really charming guy. But Aerith fell completely in love with Cloud because he awkward, blunt, and sincere. Aerith carries a heavy burden as a cetra and a dark past as a child who has been used by Shinra and abandoned by friends who found her creepy and weird for her powers. They might have completely different personalities but they understand each other in a deeper level. Something Zack will never be able to relate.
You're both right in a sense, but this is a purely subjective set. Still, I'm going to swing with Pollen on this one.
Aerith in FF7 is a different person than she was in Crisis Core.She took responsibilties, became a pillar of her community and learned to stand for herself.
In the past she was admirative of the stand-offish type like Zack, but after 5 years she kinda changed her views on the matter.
If Zack were to reappear while dragging a mind broken Cloud, high chances are that she would take interest in treating the wounded guy while telling Zack to fuck off- realistically speaking this is how you deal with a heartbreak. You will always have a sort of attraction for your first crush, but you don't welcome them back with romantic candles after you move past them.
Dude you really put some thought into this! I like both Tifa/Cloud and Aerith/Cloud (or all 3 of em together, whatever) but I specially love how Aerith sees right through Cloud’s tough facade and manages to get past his defenses to get him to feel included/accepted for the first time in a while... it’s very sweet
You deserved 1 sub from me. Gosh, I've been shipped Clerith for 11+ years, it's just too obvious that Cloud and Aerith are MEANT to be together. I do hope Square Enix will give us a chance to see their Reunion after the Remake. Btw, love your video, keep working for our Clerith community here, seems like we are the minority in the FF7 fanbase. Thank you.
Even if we are a minority, I really do hope our voices will be loud and clear enough to help save Aerith this time and finally give her the future she deserves.
Yes, in the EN community we definitely are. The JP community has a very strong clerith base. Seems the EN has so many misconceptions of the characters sometimes that it is very hard to correct it all. The bad translations when it first come out did add a lot to those misconceptions.
Different cultures = different preferences I suppose. To me, Remake is SE's way to close out the FF7 story once and for all. Considering how other direct sequels have played out, I suspect there is a very good chance that we will actually see the Reunion that most CxA fans are looking for.
@@PollenAinne I think so. That's why I'm not really interested in the ship war anymore. As long as they leave us alone, then I'm cool. Thank you for such a great video
@@neoexodeath Hopefully SE will let our (and also Cloud's) desire come true this time
Wow. This video really made up my mind about Cloud and Aerith’s relationship. Some Cloti fans are basically just shipping them just because they’re childhood friends and that they seem to be interacting pretty well together (no hate). But the relationship between Cloud and Aerith is very much different. Like what says in the video, Aerith doesn’t push Cloud away for whatever reason. I feel as though Aerith really is for Cloud. She basically broke Cloud’s “wall of isolation”.
But the fact that she says Cloud can’t fall in love with her breaks my heart, and yet Cloud is determined to bring her back and will stop at nothing to do so. All of that just because of Aerith simply not leaving Cloud alone. This makes me more emotionally attached to Aerith, and this is coming from a guys who’s new to the FF franchise and only watches cutscenes and gameplays from other RUclipsrs
I'm sure it broke Aerith's heart too to say that. But she wanted to keep him from suffering from her fate... it is so sad.
Just an FYI. I don’t ship Cloud and Tifa because they’re just childhood friends. Don’t make assumptions about people who don’t ship what you do
Houston Scott I’ll rephrase my comment. Sry about that...
@Kevin Putra Ramadhana yes, its fair to assume at this point that Aerith has at least some of her memories from the OG FFVII and AC, so she knows how broken he was afrer her death. And she loved him too, probably still does considering she remembers everything (she mentioned to him in the garden about this day being so special for her, bur she couldn't say why to not hurt him, it was all about their reunion).
Houston Scott well... indeed... not all Cloti fans ship them because they're childhood friends... yes...
Cloud needs a fucking hug, bro.
Love your 1st part of this video. That's why Aerith is the reason why Cloud is learning to interact with people after being isolated since he was a Merc.
I would go one step further and say that Cloud has pretty much been isolated his entire life. The poor guy doesn't know how to react when someone actually wants to be with him.
@@neoexodeath Yes, his childhood obviously affected his psyche a lot and he was putting up a wall acting like he didnt need anyone.But if you consider CC, I guess there was Zack...
@@PollenAinne Right, that is why Cloud and Zach became so close so quickly. Cloud just wants to be welcomed and wanted, even if he does not know how to say it.
@@neoexodeath I believe that he can't act or behave as an adult is because of the 5 year of captivity, he lost many years of teenage experience that a person needs to transform from a teen to an adult. Like there's some scenes in the game that Cloud tried to give some support like the scene with Barret and Tifa, and the scene with Leslie. He wanted to help but he didn't know how
09:30 Jessie even seems to care and understand Cloud more than Tifa
I one hundred percent agree with this. The dialogue between Cloud and Tifa is almost always focused on events rather than personality - Aerith is constantly asking Cloud about his feelings, his past, and pushing him to try to do good; Tifa almost entirely avoids discussing Cloud's state-of-mind. While much of their dialogue is flirtatious, it doesn't ever approach any kind of emotional resonance like with Cloud and Aerith.
In a nutshell, both Cloud and Tifa treat each other like 10-year-olds swinging their arms awkwardly and avoiding eye contact - it's very juvenile and unimpressive; Tifa either doesn't want to know what makes Cloud tick, or she doesn't care, and her most volatile reactions in his presences are spurred by jealousy... by being possessive. Cloud, she believes, rightfully *belongs* to her, even if she would be incapable or unwilling to explain why.
At least Jessie respects Cloud as a man of action and few words; even if she isn't with Cloud long enough to recognize how troubled he is, she 'gets' the persona he is attempting to portray. Tifa doesn't even rise to this level.
indeed
Cloud also tells Tifa and Barret he "doesn't dance" before!
I just feel like CloTi fans are just stuck with the "childhood friends= no.1 to relationships" when its not even the best conclusion
Same here
Is it possible to love them even more? And the dream sequence, omgod, it just keeps on giving!! Will be waiting for part 2!! Thank you!
I've been realizing more and more lately just how much like Cloud I am, and why it is that despite the fact I find Tifa more physically attractive, Aerith just makes me fall for her every time.
Also, I just realized the true stigma behind being a SOLDIER. Sure, you made a trade--a normal life for power, by more or less bathing in mako--but you have to remember what mako is. It is the lifestream, which is composed of all those who came before. You're literally bathing in the essence of the dead so you can become more powerful. Imagine a group of people out there desecrating and robbing graves just to grind up the dead so they "bathe" in the ashes or remnants. That's horrific.
You just blew my fucking mind in the alst 5 minutes with the isolation stuff, ITS SO FUCKING GOOD. LIKE we had all these theories about the end, but what you did here as analysis of CHARACTERS really showcase the depth of the understanding of these characters. 10/10, i'm a fan.
It was so super cute how Cloud led Aerith back to her house, Aerith led Cloud back to Sector 7, and then he offers to guard her back to her house again. These two don't want to leave each other and would happily end up escorting each other to and from Aerith's house! 😂
Oh my goodness YES!!! I do believe Cloud loves both women at different times but he definitely loves Aerith and then he developed love/friendship/trust/loyalty with Tifa that grows throughout the game because even though they were childhood friends, they really weren’t close. More like acquaintances. And it’s so frustrating trying to talk facts to Cloti fans. I’m not even saying that Cloud doesn’t have feelings for Tifa but he clearly loved Aerith. This video is the best! (Also, I always thought that the promise Tifa asked Cloud to make was a little out of the blue considering they barely knew each other and that she held onto this promise and put all that hope on him. Why would you ask someone you barely know to be your hero?) and also annoyed at the part where Tifa was celebrating with Avalanche and again, left Cloud out. What the heck? And Cloud has always put Tifa on a pedastal and Tifa started to put him on a pedestal after he left (even as an adult because internally he is still his 16 year old self) but they don’t even know each other. But we see Aerith and Cloud develop that with each other and it’s quite beautiful! Tifa and Cloud develop that too but more stretched out and later on
I guess it was only Cloud who declared he was going to be SOLDIER and this impressed her. The other kids left to do regular jobs but here comes Cloud with his tough act saying he would be like Sephiroth who is a hero. So it triggered her damsel instincts. One thing I really admire about Tifa though is that she went the "monk" fighter route which looks totally opposite to what she dreams about. But that's pretty cool.
Might've been peer pressure that caused her to be a little dismissive towards Cloud, and forgetting his promise when she tells him she feels trapped. I get that Squenix wanted the player to feel how Cloud feels but it did seem very abrupt. Almost like it was orchestrated... She does actually talk to him later that night so kudos.
If you read the novel called *Case Of Tifa* You can clearly see that Cloud doesn't like Tifa, he even think Tifa is desperate. At the end he left Tifa and went to Aerith's church.,
Amazing! Thank you. This is lovely. You understand the game and characters so amazingly well. This really is a beautiful journey of all the characters but Cloud being the main character, it is obviously focusing on him more.
Wow...oh my god....looks to me Cloud and Aerith have tears in their eyes at 17:18. And when the camera was on Aerith's feet her legs were shaking a little bit.....she is in pain. It is so awful how someone can even suggest that Aerith just casually says "don't love me because you really love Tifa and btw I also love someone else too". It rapes their characters completely.
We all know why Aerith asked Cloud not to fall in love with her. It broke her heart to say that. But we see how tormented Cloud was in AC... she wanted to spare him the pain.
15:30 yep, you got that spot on given what happened in rebirth
This video gives me life *cries in clerith language*
If only I can find contents this level of quality everyday on youtube.
You have my like and subscribe.👍
We need more Aeriths in this world.
That we do. That we do.
Or we can be Aeriths ourselves^-^.
I wouldn't consider myself a "shipper" in any regard but I really appreciate the connections made here in terms of what motivates the characters. It brings a greater depth to the story and increases my enjoyment of it. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you. It makes me happy that my vid can immerse even non-shippers. I love FF7 so much more than the ship itself.
Cloud and Tifa doesn't really seems to have childhood friends relationship back then.
They were not. Nojima even officially stated that they were NOT even close back then.
Dont forget that Nojima also said that Cloud cant keep distance off Aerith
Also try to watch their facial expressions. I noticed 2 that far...the 1st one is when Aerith says to Cloud "The 1st guy i've ever loved" he shows some kind of suprice but cant figue if its jealousy or just a suprice expression you can see it by his eyes.
Second one is when Cloud says to Aerith "I am coming for you". The facial expression of Aerith shows a happiness which she wanted to hear because that was his choice/decision.
Also the English Dub is wrong here "If that's what you want, Thank you"
i believe is "Even though it hurts, i am glad" or "Its frustrating, but i am glad"
WELP Smiley Yes, you're right. That's what she said in Japanese.
"Kuyashii kedo... ureshii."
"As regretful("kuyashii" is like, the feeling like when you were about to win but then you suddenly lost, that kind of emotion) as it is... I'm happy/that makes me happy"
@@ykoizucat-x4143 I think the word "Kedo" stands for "But", but since i dont know much about Japanese language i couldnt connect the sentence. The word "Kuyashii" stands for another word too? I mean can it go for "Frustration" or as i said "Even though it hurts"? I cant figue it out
But I translate the whole Aerith's sentense with some words it would be like: She is hurting for putting Cloud into risk to save her even though she told him not to get attracted with her, but after Cloud said to her that he wants to have a say about falling for her and also go for her rescue she feels happy because that was HIS choice alone.
Thats the best description i can make
@@fncsmiley "kedo" translates to "but" yes, but if you make a sentence like "as regretful/vexing as it is... I'm happy" the word "but" sounds a little weird if put there... "as regretful/vexing as it is, but I'm happy" ... it sounds weird lol. But that's my sentence, Aerith's line can also be "It's regretful/vexing but that makes me happy." 😊
Wow, great analysis. Look also for "Hollow" lyrics.
Here's my take:
In the early verses it might refer to Aerith being a healer, and that her flower bed in the Sector 5 church saves Cloud from the fall. Also she "heal" him as we see him changes though the game staying with her.
The mention of the dream could refer to the relative brevity of their time spent together, or to the dream in Chapter 14... if he had understood in time, he could still have her in his embrace.
"This time I won't let you go" is too easy.
Could also be a reference to the (broken?) loop they are experiencing in the remake (if you are in this theory). Or maybe the loop we are experiencing.
The dark mysteries and the truth hidden inside the tears would be linked to her nature of Cetra, and to the sacrifice that awaits her.
And finally "But I, I know that you're long gone. But I, I will go on, howling and hollow, to never know", it would represent the sense of loneliness and disorientation due to her death.
A final element in support of this interpretation could be the fact that the instrumental version of the song, "Hollow Skies" is the theme song of the Sector 5 slums, Aerith's town.
And we know that Aerith is afraid of boundless, empty skies.
"I miss it, the steel sky" - is the last line of the game.
The last line of the game is actually "The sky. I hate it." And Hollow is undoubtedly a clerith song. The only way it can be a song for Zack is if Cloud has suddenly turned gay for him... which can happen in some fanons, but not officially. lol
Pollen Ainne I agree so much with this... in one FF7R video, I posted a comment of interpretation why the song Hollow removed Tifa and Zack (high possibility for Zack, though it might mean that Cloud is actually a gay or something because the lyrics aren't exactly platonic-based...)
But I really don't understand how it can be interpreted for Tifa, since the lyrics said "But I, I know you're long gone..."
Tifa isn't dead, nor Tifa didn't change herself to be someone so far away from her original personality that Cloud might consider "her" gone...
I like Tifa too. But really...
I hope they don't invalidate the lyrics...
Or maybe I was just missing some important hidden details in the lyrics... 😢
There was actually a video for the song interpretation and it was well-explained. Did you happen to see it?
@Larry Kenobi There was actually no reference to the steel sky in the game. Aerith just says "The sky. I hate it." And Aerith already let go. She said she was moving forward not back and since she said that, she never asked about Zack again. Aerith is strong and when she makes up her mind, she does.
I love this couple. Aerith and Cloud forever ❤❤❤
Bravo. This is the second video I found on RUclips that really analyze Cloud's mind without going on one ship. I played the original when I was a kid and I always connected with Cloud. A lonely guy, casted aside by others, and in need of being accepted. Zack brought them together. Aerith is that religous representation of the person that embrace you, that help you, that heal you. It is obvious her death hit him hard, so hard that in advance children he still think he is the responsable of her death. He even lived in her church. 😭 I'm sorry... I can't stop crying... CONGRATULATIONS.
Yeah, I never quite understood why I shipped Clerith more. After all, I LOVE Tifa! She's a sweetheart. But yeah, this video lays it all out, doesn't it?
and you were correct, zack really was cool with it.
make new videos based on rebirth, the clues are abound
Are you sure? I have seen many clotis preaching how part 3 is going to have Zerith reunion and Aerith and Zack will get back together.
If that happens i don't know how to react to that. I want Aerith to have a happy ending of course but i prefer Cloud and Aerith. Zack and Aerith isn't optimal for me but maybe i can accept it. Maybe.
@@NordicWiseguy they brought back cisnei for a REASON, to take zack out of the way. the whole remake keeps banging on destiny and changing it.
cloud even has a line in rebirth saying, what is the point of knowing if you cant change it.
barret theater lines are all foreshadowing
@@bladerj i don't know about that. I remember Nomura stating back in the day that Zack and Cissnei were not supposed to have any romantic connection and devs were surprised that people started shipping them.
If they were to make Cloud and Aerith as couple it is most likely that Zack accepts his fate and lets go of Aerith and supports her decision.
However i have a bad feeling about this. The whole thing reeks of Zerith reunion and i don't like it.
@@NordicWiseguy unless they witcher 3 by making alternative endings and i doubt it since all that changes are the relationship cinematics but the story is the same, we will get stonewalled into him coming back, buit what mechanism will make the afinity when one character is dead ?
and they were surprised by the shipping ? it was clear she had a crush on him (kinda okay, like cloud all women do),but she says she is part of the family, they put that there.
The last sequence you explained gives a whole new meaning to the dream scene of Aerith.
I truly hope square gives these two a chance to be together.
This is so beautiful! I almost cry to the fact that Aerith makes cloud to feel the belongingness he deserves.
Thank you for this wonderful video!
Good analysis, but I do agree "if" Aerith survives, it would be quite different how things work out. Guess we won't really know for a very long time.
Such a wonderful video, I have always loved Aerith. She has been very impactful and influential over my life.💗
cloud just.. softens right up when in the presence of aerith. ♥
I have to respect your dedication in proving your points. And I do ship Cloud with Aerith too.
Please keep up the good work. Will be seeing more of your work while we wait for destiny to unfold in the later parts of the Remake.
(Please don't change ships. With your skills, you seem to have the knack of sinking other ships (Burrrrn). We gotta protect this one. Clerith all the way! Haha XD).
Whenever I think of something trying to tell me to stop shipping Clerith, my response is: "Sorry, but we ain't getting off this train."
I only ship SOULMATES. Unless SE suddenly shifts and changes Tifa's personality to become like Aerith's and have them create the same dynamic that clerith has, it would be impossible for me to switch ships... hasn't happened in 20+ years so I doubt it will ever happen.
so sad for cloud his loneliness i feel him :(
Oh my poor, poor heart *sob* Those three, Cloud, Zack and Aerith ALWAYS manage to make my eyes teary if not crying like a baby. They all went through hell.
Finaly someone that see the things i see