Sins And Forgiveness: Advent Children's Complex Moral Journey

can sins be forgiven advent children

In the film *Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children*, Cloud Strife asks Vincent Valentine how to repent for his sins, to which Vincent replies, I don't know...I've never tried. This exchange has prompted discussion among fans about whether sins can be forgiven in the Final Fantasy universe.

Some fans argue that Vincent has given up on finding a way to forgive himself and instead endures the consequences of his actions. Cloud, on the other hand, is unable to forgive himself for what happened with Zack and Aerith. However, others argue that Cloud does eventually find forgiveness and peace, as evidenced by the baptismal scene in the film, where he has a vision of Aerith and Zack and accepts Aerith's death.

Characteristics Values
Cloud Strife's ability to forgive himself Cloud cannot forgive himself for what he feels was his fault concerning Zack and Aerith
Vincent Valentine's ability to forgive himself Vincent has given up on his search for answers and does not try to find a way to forgive himself for what happened with Lucrecia

shunspirit

Cloud Strife's struggle to forgive himself for Aerith's death

In the CGI movie *Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children*, Cloud Strife struggles to forgive himself for the death of his friend Aerith. He feels responsible for her death and is weighed down by guilt and sadness. This internal conflict is reflected in the film through Cloud's visions of Aerith and Zack, who has also passed away. Cloud's inability to forgive himself affects him physically, preventing him from fighting at full strength, and mentally, as he experiences flashbacks and depression.

Cloud's journey towards forgiveness is a key theme of the film. In one scene, he asks Vincent how to repent for sins, to which Vincent replies, "I don't know... I've never tried." This exchange highlights Cloud's desire to find redemption and move forward from his past actions.

The film incorporates spiritual and religious imagery, such as Cloud's baptismal ritual in a church, which symbolizes his healing and acceptance of Aerith's death. This scene suggests that Cloud has found peace and forgiveness, both from himself and from a higher power.

Cloud's struggle to forgive himself is a relatable aspect of the film, reflecting the challenges many people face in processing traumatic events and learning to let go of guilt and self-blame.

shunspirit

Vincent Valentine's indifference to seeking forgiveness

In the computer-animated feature film *Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children*, Vincent Valentine is a character who is indifferent to seeking forgiveness for his sins. This is evident in a conversation he has with Cloud Strife, where Cloud asks, "Are sins ever forgiven?" to which Vincent replies, "I don't know... I've never tried." This exchange reveals Vincent's lack of interest or effort in seeking atonement for his past transgressions.

Vincent's indifference to forgiveness stems from his complex and traumatic past. He is a former member of the Turks, a group within the Shinra Electric Power Company, who was assigned to supervise the Jenova Project in Nibelheim. During this assignment, he fell in love with a scientist named Lucrecia Crescent. However, due to her connection with his deceased father, Lucrecia distanced herself from Vincent and entered a relationship with Professor Hojo, an immoral scientist with whom Vincent had a heated argument. This argument led to Hojo shooting Vincent and using his body as a test subject for experiments, resulting in Vincent acquiring superhuman abilities and a monstrous appearance.

Believing himself responsible for Lucrecia's subsequent illness, Vincent locked himself in a coffin within the Shinra Mansion basement, sleeping for over twenty years to atone for his perceived sins. Despite his self-imposed punishment, Vincent does not actively seek forgiveness. Instead, he endures the consequences of his actions and accepts his situation as his punishment. This is further supported by his statement to Cloud, "That was my sin, and this... this... is my punishment."

Vincent's indifference to seeking forgiveness can be contrasted with Cloud's journey towards forgiveness. Cloud struggles with guilt and self-blame for the deaths of his friends, Aerith and Zack. However, unlike Vincent, Cloud actively seeks to forgive himself and make amends. This is evident in a scene where Cloud is baptised in a church, symbolising his spiritual healing and acceptance of Aerith's death.

Vincent's response to Cloud's question about forgiveness highlights his unique perspective on atonement and self-punishment. While he may not actively seek forgiveness, his journey is one of self-reflection and coming to terms with his past actions. Vincent's character serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of forgiveness and the different paths individuals may take in their quest for redemption.

shunspirit

Cloud's guilt over Zack's death

In Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Cloud Strife struggles with guilt over the death of his friend Zack. This guilt weighs heavily on Cloud, affecting his mental state and preventing him from fighting with his full strength. He feels that he failed Zack, as well as another friend, Aerith, and seeks forgiveness for his perceived shortcomings.

Cloud's journey in Advent Children revolves around his quest for self-forgiveness and healing. He is haunted by flashbacks and burdened by his inability to forgive himself, which leads him to withdraw from those closest to him. Cloud's character development in the film explores his struggle with depression, survivor's guilt, and the weight of his past traumas.

A pivotal scene in the film occurs when Cloud asks Vincent Valentine how to repent for his sins. Vincent replies that he doesn't know because he has never tried. This exchange highlights Cloud's desire to find atonement and move forward from his guilt.

Cloud's internal conflict comes to a head when he is infected with Geostigma and has a vision of Aerith and Zack, who have passed away. This vision serves as a turning point, as Cloud finally accepts Aerith's death and receives forgiveness, finding peace within himself.

By the end of Advent Children, Cloud has come to terms with his past and finds the strength to admit his true feelings to his companions. He regains his confidence and courage, no longer weighed down by his guilt over Zack's death.

In the film's conclusion, Cloud is seen visiting Zack's grave and placing Aerith's flowers on it, symbolizing his ability to let go of the past and move forward.

shunspirit

Cloud's self-doubt and emotional baggage

Cloud Strife is a fictional character in the Final Fantasy series who struggles with self-doubt and emotional baggage. In the film *Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children*, Cloud asks Vincent if sins can ever be forgiven, to which Vincent replies, "I don't know... I've never tried." This exchange reflects Cloud's internal conflict and his inability to forgive himself for past events, such as the deaths of Aerith and Zack.

Despite Cloud's struggles, there are moments where he finds solace and takes steps towards forgiveness. In *Advent Children*, Cloud has a vision of Aerith and Zack, who assure him that they do not blame him for their deaths. This helps Cloud begin his journey towards self-forgiveness and healing.

In the game *Dirge of Cerberus*, set a year after *Advent Children*, Cloud appears more confident and resolved, indicating that he is gradually coming to terms with his past. However, in the game *Lost Episode*, Cloud continues to deal with internal struggles and guilt, suggesting that his path to self-forgiveness is ongoing.

Mockery: A Sinful Act for Catholics?

You may want to see also

shunspirit

Cloud's redemption in 'Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children'

In Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Cloud Strife is ridden with guilt and self-blame for the deaths of his friends Zack and Aerith. He feels that he failed them and is unable to forgive himself. This weighs heavily on him and affects his ability to fight. Cloud also distances himself from his friends, anticipating his death from the incurable disease Geostigma.

However, Cloud's redemption comes in the form of forgiveness and acceptance. He is visited by Aerith, now a spiritual avatar of the Lifestream, who questions his refusal to move on from her death. Cloud eventually declares that he will try to move on from his past. He also receives encouragement from Zack's spirit, who reminds him that he defeated Sephiroth before and that he is Zack's living legacy.

After defeating Sephiroth, Cloud is granted a return to the realm of the living by Aerith and Zack. He agrees to live his life in the present, letting go of his past. Cloud's redemption is thus marked by his acceptance of Aerith's death, his decision to move forward, and his newfound peace.

Making Out and Sin: Biblical Perspective

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Yes, in the movie, Cloud Strife finds forgiveness and is healed of the Geostigma.

Cloud is dropped into a baptismal pool in a church and has a vision of his deceased friends Aerith and Zack, whose deaths he felt responsible for. He accepts Aerith's death and receives forgiveness for his soul as she leaves the church with Zack.

Geostigma is a disease that Cloud is infected with.

Yes, there is a scene where Cloud asks Vincent Valentine how to repent for his sins, to which Vincent replies, "I don't know -- I've never tried."

Yes, Cloud struggles with forgiving himself throughout the movie, as he has flashbacks and deals with the weight of Aerith's death, which he felt was his fault.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment