I think there is alot of symbolism in this movie, and you need to watch it at least two times to get it. Well, i didnt quite get it the first time, so i watched it again. :P I noticed some symbolism:

1. The buster sword - represents Zack since it is his sword and Cloud was saying, "And i decided to live for you as well." when he stabbed it back into the ground. Flashbacks of Zack came after.

2. Water/Lifestream - i noticed that whenever there's water or the lifestearm, there's an indication that's Aeris is there. Ex. When Cloud's phone drops into the lake. She's the last one talking, after all thoes voice messages. Another one is when Marlene sees a water droplet and she says, "Onee-san? (Older sister)"

3. Wolf - I asked about and the answer was mostly that this wolf represents Cloud's guilt. I think its true since it disappeared after Cloud gain understanding or rather, talked to Aeris.

4. Thus, Cloud was guilty about letting Zack and Aeris die. He did say, "But..we just let her (Aeris) die." The wolf appeared beside the buster sword (Zack) and beside the lake (water - Aeris) in Ajit (spelling?).
It was also beside him and Tifa when they fainted. After they wake up, he says that i feel like i can't save anyone. Therefore he's guitly because he wasn't on time to help her.

5. i also notice that the picture on the cover is the same thing as cloud's er...dunno what to call it but he wears it on one of his shoulders. Look at his shoulder. There is it again!
I don't know what it means, but it looks like a wolf-ish thing right? So maybe it represents his guilt, again?

So yeah, thats all i found for now, if anyone has better insight or also found other symbolism, please post! :lol:

i like how the wolf shows up so cool isnt it :fangirl:
after cloud knew were to find aerith it dissappered cause i think the wolf was her all along :D

I thought so too....but I like the idea that the wolf is Cloud's grief.....I mean c'mon I don't think Aerith would B represented as a wolf....

i gave the movie some more thought and this is what i've come up! :lol: Not really symbolism but more of an explaination though.

When the movie starts, Cloud is feeling guilty. At first I thought this was one of the downfalls of the movie, but actually, as i've said before, he is guilty he let the two important people in in his life, die, especially Aeris. When he finds out he has the sickness, he leaves to live by himself. I think he did this because he wanted to die, and didn't want the others worrying about him. That's why he didn't answer his phone, didn't tell anyone where he was going, etc. But he didn't exactly suicide, since he knows that Aeris and Zack wouldn't like that. So he decided to live for them as long as he's here.
When Aeris talks to him, he says that he wants to be forgiven, since he let her die. Aeris comforted him in a way he felt, comfortable. Which as, when Tifa tried to comfort him there was really no reaction.
In the end, he finally undersatnds that Aeris wasn't angry at him or anything, and he also remembers the people around him. He's accepting the fact that nothing is unimportant in the world, and that even though he loses someone precious to him, he can make them happy by going on, but of course, not forgetting. After all, how can you forget someone you truly love? :cleris:

Another thing i thought up is an explaination for WHAT Kadaji's gang ARE. I was like, "how were they made? Where did they come from?" But i think i know now.
In the first scene, Elena and Tseng where attacked by them. So i concluded that they were made there, as a part of Sephiroth. They weren't exactly human, in fact, they were made because of Sephiroth (am i repeating myself? :lol: )
When Kadaji was talking to Rufus, he said that they needed their mother's head because they needed to become WHOLE. (If you have watched Full Metal Achemist, I think you would gasp the concept more.) So the thing is, they aren't exactly a human being, they are just memories. That's why when Kadaji had a reunion, he became Sephiroth.

Yes, i've gain understanding now!!! muhahaahha! ok...well...it's only my opinion so if anyone has more insight, please post. :lol:

Very nice interpretations, Simplicity!

Notice also how Sephiroth is frequently associated with fire? It's not as obvious in AC itself, methinks, but on the new cover of the rereleased FFVII International CDs, Sephiroth is shown with a fiery background. And then there's always his famous shot in Nibelheim.

Just more clues to the Aerith/Sephiroth rivalry. For the Planet. And for Cloud. :devil:

It's likely that it's there to keep his shoulder-guard in place... My friends and I like to call it a door knocker, though. Bloody thing is HUGE! He could throw it as a weapon if his swords wear out!

And slightly off-topic, but I really disliked the name-- Cloudy Wolf. Bleh. Squall gets "Griever" and Cloud gets... that? I guess it's a trade-off for Cloud getting his own movie. xD

Other tidbits you might be interested in:

- The number 13 shown during Rufus and Kadaj's meeting at the top of that building is meant to represent something. God only knows what, because SE refuses to spill the beans. My guess is that it's secretly advertising "The 13th Order" in Kingdom Hearts 2. :P

- The birds that fly across the screen are 29 (if I recall correctly), and they are speculated to represent the number of staffer who worked on AC.

What are your thoughts on the angel statue? That seems to be the most mysterious symbolism in the movie thus far.

Lynn:

Thanks!! :lol: :blush:

Lynn:

Thats true! :o Thats so neat! =D

Lynn:

I agree! XD

Lynn:

Good hypothesis, i never would have thought of it. :)

Lynn:

interesting. i didnt know how much staff there are, so i would never had put thought into this.

About the statue..i'm not really sure, but i guess that this means Aeris is watching over them no matter what weather ( :P ), event, etc.

I like that 4 the angel!!!! no one shall contradict you now!!! * bows*

NO ONE SHALL DARE CONTRADICT SIMPLICITY-SAN!!!
lol

The 13th order huh?...god I can't wait 4 KH2

the other biggest Symbol is the red ribbons AVALANCHE wears...well not AVALANCHE but the party members...do you all think it's really in memory of Aerith?...I mean it's easy 4 all of us to admit cuz most of us are rabid Clerises :cleris: :lmao:

but what do you think a dumb CloTi would say?

:lmao: losers

Cleris 4 ever!!!

I was mostly joking about that. :lol: But seeing as how Sephiroth sports a big-ass black wing right out of KH at the end, I wouldn't be surprised if Nomura is giving us subliminal messages.

"Buuuuy KHHHHH222222~~~ :evil:"
"Yeeeeesssss, Nomura-samaaaaaa~~~ :wacko:"

Pft. Even a non-rabid Cleris with any ounce of sense would eventually realise it's in Aerith's memory. -_-

First of all, PINK? The minute I saw that colour, Aerith immediately sprang to mind. Two things in FFVII, out of everything else, are always linked with Aerith: ribbons and flowers. And the colour pink.

Secondly, anyone who's watched the movie and still thinks the ribbon is for Geostigma is not paying attention. All of AVALANCHE wears it, but only Cloud has Geostigma. Furthermore, Denzel and the children who have Geostigma don't wear the ribbon. So that theory makes absolutely no sense.

Thirdly, does anyone really think the likes of Barret, Cid and Vincent would sport a PINK-coloured accessory just to protect from status ailments? Please. I think they'd rather risk the status ailments. :lol: Besides, if you want to be a nitpicker, as far as I recall, there were only three Ribbons in the game. Not enough for the whole AVALANCHE.

All these are reasonings anyone can come up with without needing Nomura's confirmation, nor the official artwork of the Ribbon accessory (it's dark reddish with a gold trim, and looks nothing like the ribbons worn in the movie).

Frankly, I can't imagine how anyone who's watched the movie can still say that... but it happens. And I don't think it's even just among the rabid Clotis.

I suppose it takes all to make the world. ._.;;

hahaha lol I knew it see?

these CloTis come up with anything nowadays......but...

I see the ribbon red......maybe something's wrong with my pooter :unsure:

Maybe. It definitely looks like pink to me, although I suppose it generally looks darker because of the lighting in the movie.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/seiza/misc/ribbons.jpg
That's the most decent shot I could find in a few minutes. I think it's definitely pinkish, and definitely not something macho men like Barret would be caught dead in unless it's for a REALLY good reason. :lol:

i've read that the colour pink (or shades of it eg, red) is suppose to be for good luck and stuff; while shades of black is for funerals. Basically, for things that aren't good.
Therefore, Aeris = good for Cloud while Tifa = not good for Cloud. muhahaha! :lol:

Thanks! :blush: I feel so special.. :gift: :angel:

Edit: Now that i think about it, someone ELSE said that the angel represented Aeris in some way...but even so, i think the same! :)

A little late reply maybe but something that I have noticed but never really said anything about it.

Here goes:

Everyone in Avalanche wears there ribbon for everyone to see, while Cloud's is hidden from view for the most part of the movie. Yet, it is still possible that Cloud carries some symbol, some memory of Aeris with him. Did anyone else notice that the hilt of Clouds' main sword is encased in red ribbon? (the one that customizes his other swords) and one other of his swords, the one with no actual hilt to speak of, but the one that he grasps the blade itself, is tinged with pink?

Now it's kinda struck me as odd that the two main swords that Cloud uses during the movie are also, to me, associated with the colous of Aeris' clothing, the red of her jacket, the pnk of her ribbon and dress. Why not make the hilt of the swords blue, just as Kadaj's and Sephiroth's were? Or black like Clouds' clothing?

I don't know if it really means anything, maybe the creators just chose those colours because they worked best. But to me, it makes Clouds' love for Aeris, the pain of losing her more poignant. How fitting that the very weapons that vanquish the embodiment of evil, the darkness (Sephiroth) are ones that could very well be dedicated to the good and the light (Aeris).

Pretty symbolic too that right before the toughest fights in the movie, Cloud finally reveals the ribbon that he has been wearing all along :D

Wow, I didn't notice that! Really, what manly man uses a sword with a PINK hilt? :lol:

Speaking of ribbons...I noticed a bit of symbolism in the way Cloud wears his ribbon. It's covered up for three quarters of the movie...that's when Cloud is still having guilt trips, in a sense he's still shrouded with his guilt. But when the battle with Kadaj begins, he exposes it for no apparent reason. Hmmm, maybe because he's finally starting to get over his guilt and derive strength from Aerith?
And during Calling, right before Aerith is shown, we get a shot of the ribbon prominently fluttering on his arm.

lol I hate to say it, but Cloud took off the sleeve because it was ripped, and thus would be in the way for a fight. I'm gonna try to get screens of those swords for you guys though. I didnt notice, and I would love to see it for myself.

Yes literally speaking, he took it off because it was ripped (although ripped or not, it would also be in the way for a fight, imho).
But symbolically speaking, I think Kusari's post made sense...not only so, but Nomura wanted to us to see that his Geostigma got cured during the Holy water scene. With sleeve on, we won't be able to see nothing.

I always thought that Clouds' ribbon is pretty prominent during his fight with Sephiroth, like Nomura focused on it, much more so then the other Avalanche members ribbons...Of course that could just be my bias eyes seeing things :whistle:

nah I think so too...he's getting his strenght from Aerith :yahoo:

donthcha remember how he was all tired and Sephy stabbed him and asked "what is most precious to you ..allow me the pleasure of statching it from you...

First thing that comes to mind ? Aerith!! And BOOM!! Omnislash v 6.0 :fangirl:

Oh for sure! No doubt about it. The ribbon flying in the wind, the flash of Aeris praying before the real battle between Cloud and Sephiroth begins just shows how much Aeris is watching over Cloud.

Yeah, and we get three shots of Aeris. :fangirl: Of course, how convenient that none of what Cloud sees as most precious to him is Aeris forgivness. If we are to believe that whats left of Clouds feelings for Aeris is his guilt at "just letting her die" then don't you think that the scene in the flower field where he asks to be forgiven would have been most precious to him. ;) Instead we get her praying, her descending from the sky and Cloud and Aeris taking each others hands. :cleris:

I know!! it was cool! :lol:

Good point! :lol: :D

EDIT: Adding to what Silver Tempest said, i realised that when he fainted after the battle and was talking to Aeris, his voice was much lighter, as if he let go of this burden. He also said, "But...your place is not here, i tell you." Thats means that he no longer feels guilty for Aeris' death, as he realizes it wasn't his fault.

umm....lol...hehehe I thought so too. at first...but then I realized THAT was Zack!!!! :lmao:

see how that also proves that Zack understands Aerith's felings 4 Cloud and viceversa ;)
cuz Zack tells Aerith that it's nice to be yearned for....he knows that Cloud yearns 4 Aerith ;)

:cleris:

Wa....i'm confused...@_@ what are you talking about?

The voice that says "Too bad, your place isn't here." is Zack.

Not Cloud. ^_^

WAh....are you serious? i never knew....must listen again *rushes to the AC disc*

Edit: I just listened to it again but i still think it's Cloud..or maybe it's my bias ears. :P I dunno, if Zack said that, wouldn't there be some indication that he was there?

Nah, it was Zack. Cloud says nothing during that scene. ^_^

Seriously? nnooooooo....okay, anyways, i guess thats that. :P

Cloud has changed so much and feels gilty of letting zack and aerith die, kinda like vincent only different, he feels grief for both zack and aerith, they r meant 4 each other, I have been thinkin about it for so much

Uwaa~ pretty deep.. 0.0..

Anyways, I do think they ribbons represent Aeris (forgive me if I'm backtracking, I'm just in a rush!) I have a proper reason for this, but I'll have to exlpain later! ^_^"

I LIVE WITH A RABID CLOTI!!!

haahha! i understand!!! my cousin is one! well, i've tried to convince her so she's knida got over it...but still.. :P

I heard that the ribbon everyone wears is a part of Aerith's hair ribbon.....

I always thought it was Kadaj or someone like that....Hah, now that I think of it more, that did sound alot more like Zack....I should listen to it again..

i still think it's cloud because i've watched another anime (Black Cat) with the same voice actor who did Cloud's voice in it and in that anime, the character is like a womanzier (not quite with his skills :D ), so his voice is really light and stuff.

The flower at the end could have a lot of meaning. Yellow flowers usually refers to a new beginning -- not to be confused with yellow roses, which mean friendship. But the beginning of Cloud and Aerith began when Cloud bought a flower from Aerith back in the day. I think it's kind of cool that once again Cloud brings a flower home once again to represent a new beginning with him and Aerith just like in FF7. The only question is whether he paid 1 Gil again or got this one for free.

ooooooo, another interesting find! good job, svan81! :lol: i just knew the flower represented Aeris, thats all. :D Maybe he got it from the church, which means, free! LOL!

sorry for revive such an old thread,but i don't want to make a new thread,because i think it will be more suitable here..

you know,for months,i was searching for symbolism,especially flowers..and now i think i am a big fan of flowers.. :P

i agree..i found somewhere that yellow flowers(in general) carry the promise of a positive future.
and..of course,it's free.. :P

and i found something interesting..at least..for me..
how many daisy in the bouquet you can count in this pic?

i think it's eight..
in 1 of the website of flowers that i've visited(Pinkie's Parlour.com i think),i found that the number of flowers is also has a meaning..
eight means i'll be faithful to you until i die
er..maybe it just coincidence or maybe i just read to much into this little thing..:lol:
but still,it's interesting..

this website is sooo lovely..like a flower paradise..flower meaning,legend..everything..like a flower dictionary sometimes.. :D
about flower language,it says:
DAISY - innocence,loyal love,purity,beauty,i'll never tell
LILY(white) - virginity,majesty,purity,it's heavenly to be with you..
LILY(yellow) - i'm walking on air,gratitude

just wanna share,though..
oh,i love flower.. :luv:

that's so cool.... O_O

Personally, I love the flowers very much too and I love the symbolism you found.

It never occured to me until now...yes Cloud and Aerith's relationship began with a simple gesture of buying a flower from the other. And at the end of AC, Cloud brought home more flowers, somewhat indicating that this relationship continues :3

oh..thank you,thank you..

agreed..pretty damn good symbolism right? :cleris:

Oh! Sha~~! I love u~~~(scream) I've been doing the same job too!! I searched for the meaning of yellow flowers through wesites, even asked my friend who works at florist.....still failed to know the exact meaning :(

It must be Lily~~~

Since Aerith shows up one last time standing inside a yellow flowerfield, I think all the interpretations about Lily & yellow flowers are suitable!

I agree that the Desk scene represents some kind of "beginning" between Aerith&Cloud!
Maybe he is about to meet her soon because at the very end of the movie, we can see Cloud is driving toward "some" place, then Aerith suddenly turns and smiles! :wub:


By the by, did you notice that there's a special piece of paper on the dest before camera zooms into the picture. On that paper, I saw yellow "something" has been printed out....I'm wondering if Cloud tries to study the meaning of yellow flowers???@@"

In my surmise, the story goes like this:

Aerith sends him some "images" of scenery---> Cloud tries to take photographs that looks similar to these "images" on his way of delivery business----> Cloud tries to accord the pics with a map----> Aerith sends him the last "image" which is about yellow flowers(could be Lily)----> Cloud collects information about yellow flowers and finds out the place where these flowers grow most.

---->Finally he met her, standing in the flowerfield! Aerith will greet him and give him a small bouch of yellow flowers......:lmao:

----->After meeting her, he places the bouch of yellow flowers beside the picture, which represents that Aerith will always stay with them!!


Sorry I talk too much>"< Please tell me to erase my silly story if it should be discussed somewhere else^^;;

:blush: Really?..hehe.. I love you too,aerithlove! *scream too* :huggle:

You do know those flowers in that flowerfield are yellow daisies, aren't you? ^_^

It's very true.. Yeah,and notice that she had sense Cloud a little far from where she were.. Not just when Cloud arrive there.. Oh, I love their connection.. :cleris:

Did you mean the flowerfield pictures? :unsure: Maybe not.. Or the one that closer to the phone? I can't see it..

Very cute story though.. Interesting.. But I have to ask, how did Aerith sends those images? And your story isn't silly, it's so must discussed here..



I've read so many theory about "Calling" scene.. But I like this theory the most..
And it ends up being my theory as well..

The Promised Land is where you can find your supreme happiness, and Cloud's supreme happiness is Aerith.. Wherever he can meet Aerith is Cloud's Promised Land..
Cloud finally found the place where he can meet Aerith; that flower field.. You know, maybe because flower field is Aerith's favourite place..
All flower field pictures that we can see in Cloud's room makes me think that Cloud visits the exact same flower field in "Calling" constantly because flower field is a place that he can meet her..
Remember, Cloud said this during the FMV at the end of FF7..
An answer from the Planet...
the Promised Land...
I think I can meet her... there. :cleris:
And flowers on Cloud's desk.. maybe Aerith, maybe Cloud who picked them up..

OK,enough rambling.. It's just my theory anyway.. :D

For Sha's last post above:

Ouuuuch! My wrong, it's surely daisy we're talking about here :P

About Promise Land, yeah after reading so many analysis, this one convinces me most too. It's great to recall the ending of the game, I think that perfectly match what Aerith thinks in Mopt: "There're still people I don't want to be separated from.....I'll spent my time here in the Planet, in our Promise Land..." :cleris: