Searching for You | Cloud & Aerith Gondola Date Analysis | FF7 Rebirth

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  • Опубліковано 15 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 198

  • @xmant8842
    @xmant8842 17 днів тому +47

    I remember when rebirth first came out and i saw the date, i *knew* that hand holding had significance. I even said it was more intimate than the cloti kiss. When i learned about the significance of it, i had a reaction of "i knew it!" Meanwhile, i soon ran onto clotis who said "cleriths are going crazy over handholding"

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  17 днів тому +27

      Well they love trying to take things out of context and pull Olympic level mental gymnastics when it comes to passionate hand holding.

  • @slayer1156
    @slayer1156 16 днів тому +19

    At first I was impartial, I analyzed each Tifa and Aerith scene logically. Pointing out that the game was pushing Aerith was met by accusing me of being clerith. I asked for arguments everytime as to why Aerith is not the canon choice and was given what accounts to "trust me bro fr". When I confronted all they said was "clerith". Even last month some guy was adamant that hollow isn't about Aerith. Not once he talked about the lyrics, context or references, only falling back to some misinterpreted dev interview.
    Your videos expands on many of the arguments I used and go beyond. Most videos doing the same for Tifa fall into bias and are banking on "she's alive" basically.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +8

      When they can't have a good faith discussion then they've lost!

  • @Wolfking1998
    @Wolfking1998 17 днів тому +102

    Anybody who says that Cloud's and Aerith's date scene was just them being friends I have a challenge for you next time you are with a friend interlock your fingers with them and lay your head down on their shoulder and just see what happens! lmfao

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  17 днів тому +29

      I can't imagine self gaslighting myself into thinking this exchange was platonic...oof

    • @JAYJoe00
      @JAYJoe00 17 днів тому +21

      Nah, It's a totally normal friends thing. I do it all the time with my bros.

    • @franklinpereira1662
      @franklinpereira1662 17 днів тому +6

      Legendary bro!

    • @franklinpereira1662
      @franklinpereira1662 17 днів тому +13

      ​@@mlwjrpgduuuhhh....just freeends hahaha they just can't take it

    • @raymondyang2018
      @raymondyang2018 17 днів тому +15

      I always do that just before I kiss the homies good night. It's become a daily ritual that I can't go on without doing, as natural as brushing my teeth. 🤷‍♂

  • @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101
    @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101 16 днів тому +22

    8:04 okayyyy. Closed-up flustered Aerith is so freaking cute! You made her heart skip a beat, Mr.Cloudy.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +8

      It's sooooooooooooooooooooooo good!

  • @xmant8842
    @xmant8842 17 днів тому +31

    I forget if ive shared this under your videos before, but this is my personal analysis of the date.
    At the start of the date, he sits apart from her because he's both shy and unsure how she feels about zack right now. Yet at the first sign of possible danger, his first instinct is to move her out of the way of it(similar to when theyre falling at the end of chapter 13 and his first instinct is to pull her in close and take the full force of the fall himself).
    After getting so close that they were mere inches away from kissing, both of them get very shy and sit down. However, they are visibly closer than when the date started.
    They start having fun, but aerith can see that something is still keeping cloud from being fully in the moment. She can tell he's probably thinking about her and zack. Knowing this, she tells him that his similarity to zack was what peaked her interest, but also reassures him that that's not why she's with him now and that she's happy with him now. She tells him that she's trying to find him(don't let this distract you from the fact that cloud acts less and less like his soldier persona when around aerith due to liking her, relating to her, and her natural ability to break down his barriers).
    Cloud starts to bring up zack again, but aerith tells him tifa didn't tell her anything as a way to keep this *their* moment. You can see he's trying to think what to do next in that moment. That's when aerith gets in close to him and hugs his arm, sharing a sweet moment.
    He then holds her hand, which is extremely meaningful(and frankly, more intimate than the tifa date imo) because he's had a fear of rejection ever since he was a kid, and he's carried them with him into his adulthood. He definitely wanted to be closer to aerith earlier in the date, but an action involving that level of vulnerability to hold hands with aerith like that is scary for him since he has this fear of rejection.
    But he allowed himself to be vulnerable with her and actually took the step of holding her hand, showing her that he truly cares for her deeply(loves her). He turns to her with what I consider a very vulnerable look, and she responds by reciprocating and holding his hand back. A few moments later, they hold hands tighter.
    My favorite thing about this date is the vulnerability we see from both cloud and aerith

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +6

      You're so right about the hand-holding being a huge step for Cloud! It shows his vulnerability and growing trust in Aerith. And I agree, that moment is incredibly intimate and meaningful.
      You also highlighted the vulnerability from both sides. Aerith opening up about her feelings for Zack and then reassuring Cloud that she's interested in him now takes a lot of courage.
      Thanks for sharing this! 😊

  • @Sarah_Loves_BTS
    @Sarah_Loves_BTS 16 днів тому +22

    I do hope that someday we get a clerith kiss scene, but I think their handholding was absolutely precious. Very sweet, I love watching it every time I see it.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +11

      Part 3 is where we'll get it!

  • @raymondyang2018
    @raymondyang2018 17 днів тому +31

    This is naturally a heavily debated scene because of its implications in the context of the "shipping wars" (this felt so cringe to type lol). I think for a lay person, it's not unreasonable to interpret Cloud's initial aloofness as him being disinterested or even annoyed by Aerith. But, when the two bump into each other and almost settle into a kiss, they BOTH back off (not just initiated by Cloud) and both perfectly mirror each other's actions as they sit down and look away. This is important to emphasize b/c at this point, it should be clear to the viewer that Aerith is romantically interested in Cloud, even more so after her dialogue about wanting to meet (the true) Cloud. If Cloud was completely uninterested, I would expect Aerith's movements to be out of sync and not mirror Cloud's own movements. Instead, the fact that they're perfectly in sync and perfectly mirror each other I think must indicate that their feelings must similarly mirror each other's, which is to say Cloud also feels very strongly about Aerith as well.
    As mentioned by the video, there are a number of complex emotions brewing within Cloud. At this point, he isn't sure if Aerith's feelings for him (yes, even someone as emotionally dense as Cloud realizes that Aerith has feelings for him) are because of the parts of Zack she sees in him or because of Cloud's own self. Cloud also feels some level of guilt over forgetting about Zack and especially that Zack was "head over heels" for Aerith because Zack couldn't stop talking about how much he liked her. Additionally, this guilt is compounded by Cloud thinking that Zack died at Nibelheim and that Aerith deserves to know. All of these naturally conflict with any romantic feelings Cloud might have for Aerith, potentially even taking precedence.
    Aerith naturally intuits all of this because of her exceptional emotional intelligence and her deep bond with Cloud, hence why she doesn't seem bothered. Aerith then assures Cloud that even though she was initially drawn to him because he reminded her of Zack, she doesn't feel that way anymore and instead wants to be with Cloud/meet the real Cloud, assuaging Cloud's insecurities. So the first part of Cloud's conflicted feelings has been placated, but he still feelings guilt over potentially "stealing" his friend's girl and of Aerith not being aware that Zack is dead, hence why he's still reserved and asks Aerith if she talked with Tifa. Aerith answers that they didn't talk about anything important which could be interpreted a number of ways that I won't touch on too much b/c of potential game 3 spoilers, but the crux is that it isn't the right moment to address what they talked about. Instead, Aerith wants to re-emphasize that she wants to cherish the moment with Cloud by showing her affection for him, which Cloud reciprocates not just by letting Aerith lead but by taking charge and holding her hand with interlocking fingers, the classic "koibito" skinship that symbolizes the romantic nature of the moment in Japanese culture.
    I think this is a significant change in the dynamic of their relationship because it now shows that Cloud is okay with revealing his true feelings and okay with sometimes taking the lead as well instead of letting Aerith take the lead all the time. Despite Aerith herself having done so to push Cloud out of his comfort zone in the past and to help break down his walls, Aerith never oversteps and never "forces" too much onto Cloud. Instead, she's always pushed just enough to allow parts of the "true" Cloud to emerge and decide his own actions (this is not debatable, and I have receipts from the Ultimanias and dev statements to back this up). Circling back to the moment where Cloud and Aerith almost kissed, Aerith shows interest but doesn't force it on him and is okay with letting things develop at a pace that Cloud is comfortable with. But with Cloud now being ok with taking the lead at times, I think this shows that if Cloud and Aerith do kiss in the future, it is highly likely to be initiated by Cloud himself. It would reflect Cloud finally embracing his feelings for Aerith and reciprocating everything she's done for him. I personally suspect that it can only happen after Cloud awakens his true self and can be fully in control of what he wants to do, including how to develop whatever relationship he has with Aerith.
    When the gondola ride ends, Cloud takes Aerith's hand to guide her off the gondola. Aerith thanks Cloud, but Cloud responds that he didn't really do anything which could be interpreted on the surface level as the gondola ride not being that meaningful or that he felt like he didn't do enough to show his affection for Aerith. I think the latter makes much more sense given everything we covererd. Aerith doesn't really mind and moves on to the subject of the fight the next day to not let Cloud dwell on any lingering insecurities and uncertainties he might feel.
    I also have some thoughts on how this gondola date contrasts with the Tifa gondola date, especially when considering the context of the music used for both scenes and its intent according to the composer, but I'll refrain from sharing since this video is only focused on the Aerith gondola date. It would also take a brave soul to be willing to seriously address the topic given how highly contentious the subject is lol.
    On the subject of localization differences, especially in important cutscenes, between the different languages, I think it's almost guaranteed to be done on purpose at this point. Maybe not for every difference but definitely for the important ones. I say this because the dream date church scene clearly has the sound of Aerith holding back tears after she hugs Cloud in the JP, FR, and DE versions of the scene, but NOT the EN version. I can't see how this isn't purposeful so it stands to reason that there must also be other differences that are purposeful as well. As for why SENA chose to have these differences, I speculate that it's done to both make certain statements more ambiguous and to "soften" the original intent. As for why SENA felt the need to do that, well I don't want to speculate too much, but I have my suspicions that it's related to the "shipping wars" (again, so cringe to type).

  • @kurearisu
    @kurearisu 16 днів тому +17

    13:10 The 'you' is italicized which gives it emphasis, so for me gives it a completely different you.. like the real you, actual you, you you. YOU. If that makes sense. so the english line, for me, is completely fine and it makes sense. i like it better than the japanese lol

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +6

      Great detail here! You're spot on, I agree with you fully. I'm fine with the EN overall, I just tried to be open minded to why some "people" interpret parts of this scenes in different ways. Honestly...it's just willful ignorance for the most part, I just don't see how a logical reasonable person wouldn't be able to grasp the context here.

  • @NordicWiseguy
    @NordicWiseguy 16 днів тому +12

    This scene is so perfect. The way Cloud grabs Aerith's hand, locks their fingers together and looks at her nervously is a chef's kiss to this scene. Cloud who has been ostracized his whole life, who is so reserved and has trouble opening up and express his feelings nervously looks at Aerith and you can practically feel his heart pounding.
    Also the way Aerith smiles at Cloud and leans on him is just peak romance moment.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +1

      Nailed all of it here! 😊

  • @boomlove3454
    @boomlove3454 17 днів тому +23

    Always looked forward to your clerith videos ❤

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  17 днів тому +4

      Appreciate you boom! Glad you've here and eating some clerith meals!

  • @davidpaul1733
    @davidpaul1733 16 днів тому +7

    Thing about the handholding is it doesn’t require a background in Japanese cultural language to understand the significance. The Remake series does a great job in showing the significance of handholding and interlocking fingers. That’s what the scene in the hand massage parlour was all about. ‘Intimacy through handholding.’

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому

      Exactly this, unfortunately people went to turn to mental gymnastics here...smh

  • @fiprosha
    @fiprosha 17 днів тому +33

    Aerith and Cloud gondola scene is pure perfection imo and I couldn't have asked for more. I too agree that it was not the right time for a kiss. But honestly... that handhold we got... man. I can't get over that. So much better than most kiss scenes I've seen so far anyway. The reservation and the way he finally squeezed her hand after all... perfection.

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +9

      It felt genuine. The kiss really did feel like fanservice and just seemed to early. Like Cloud was already fixed.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +5

      The lighting, the music, the everything! So well down, we ate!

  • @aerisvel
    @aerisvel 17 днів тому +28

    Cloud and Aerith being platonic wasn't even a take before remake. It's just people with cognitive dissonance moving the goalpost and trying to rationalize what is unfolding before them in 4k: Cloud and Aerith falling in love. ❤❤

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +6

      Willful ignorance is a hell of a force haha

    • @Guy9998
      @Guy9998 16 днів тому +2

      I think many of the newer fans have never actually played the original or just don't remember it. When I was in high school there was never anyone questioning if they were platonic or not. Just who was best girl.

  • @xmant8842
    @xmant8842 17 днів тому +15

    19:00 i love the vulnerability that just shows so perfectly in the moment he looks at her here

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      🔥🔥🔥

  • @ajzz7303
    @ajzz7303 17 днів тому +15

    CLERITH FANs, The Ending we Love to see in FF7 Part 3, the Song from The Temptations My Girl is absolutely gold for Clerith
    AI generated images converted to AI videos, Took several tries to get the images of Cloud and Aerith from the game to actually look a little bit similar. As a Clerith Fan, I hope that the final installment of the FF7 series will end with Cloud and Aerith Reunited. Lets Hope Clerith Fans it will happened. Do it Square Enix
    ua-cam.com/video/ZYXkcUFN8u8/v-deo.html

    • @Sidnobody
      @Sidnobody 16 днів тому +1

      Listen to Sans Solie by Alexixisonfire, nothing to do with FF7 but the lyrics resonate with Cloud and Aerith at the end of rebirth

    • @ajzz7303
      @ajzz7303 16 днів тому

      I made another video with Bruno and Gaga Die with a Smile, for me at least also captures the love story of Cloud and Aerith.
      ua-cam.com/video/vRQY6nPlfBw/v-deo.html

    • @ajzz7303
      @ajzz7303 16 днів тому

      @@Sidnobody I have made a video with music from bruno and gaga, die with a smile. I think it also kinda show how Cloud and Aerith feel about each other.
      ua-cam.com/video/vRQY6nPlfBw/v-deo.html

  • @TheDelightfulFlowerLady
    @TheDelightfulFlowerLady 17 днів тому +11

    Perfect timing on this. This was so wonderful, thank you so much. ❤

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +1

      Your so welcome!!! 🤩

  • @Silverfish-qv8ig
    @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +8

    Ah, my weekly Clerith hit. Thanks fella!

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +1

      Also, congrats on the new word! Implifications slaps hard!

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +1

      I got you!!! haha thanks!

  • @laserbeamlightning
    @laserbeamlightning 17 днів тому +39

    I believe that while the Tifa kiss happened that the Aerith version is a setup for a payoff in the third act. That’s just how these things tend to go

    • @Redknight535
      @Redknight535 16 днів тому

      most theories point to her being gone, i dont have much hope for a pay off in part 3.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +16

      Exactly this here, the buildup to part 3 is clear, and I do believe the payoff will be legendary.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +13

      @@Redknight535 What theories are these? There is much evidence and many theories that hint at her not being "gone."

    • @Redknight535
      @Redknight535 16 днів тому +2

      @@mlwjrpg Everyone saying the loveless play line where cait sith says that all chance encounters ends with a tearful farewell, the last date where all the choices with the merchants doesn't matter, you get something else which hints at she's fated to die no matter what you do. Also with the theory where her death was needed for her to be in the lifestream in order to summon holy. Then also with devs saying that all roads in the remake trilogy leads to AC which means that her death is canon. Just FYI I am a huge Clerith fan, and is now emotionally invested in their happy ending. Btw huge fan of your videos man, please give us more haha.

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +5

      Red Knight - I see your point. But remember, Aerith has the power to replicate herself above ground as Sephiroth did in AC. It's stated in On a way to a Smile. I don't see her being in the Lifestream as in any way a final act.

  • @magicalgirl4
    @magicalgirl4 16 днів тому +9

    I'd like to mention as well, the part where Aerith starts talking about Zack to Cloud, the music feels sadder, as though its reflecting Cloud's mood. I believe he felt slight disappointment in hearing that Aerith felt that Cloud reminded her of Zack. But as she reassures him that "you're not him", the music becomes hopeful and sounds uplifting. Cloud feels relieved hearing her words.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +3

      I just went back and slowly listened to the music and wow this is such a great detail!

  • @ladyvergerin6791
    @ladyvergerin6791 17 днів тому +16

    11:37 I had a feeling that at this moment Cloud looks like a sullen, offended child, an almost imperceptible irritation on his face demonstrates his feelings and attitude towards Aerith's words that he reminds her of someone whose name he doesn't even want to say on her date. Cloud's facial expressions are made at a very high level with such an unnaturally beautiful face, it is a pity that some people pass by this detailed animation and pay attention only to open gestures. Thank you very much for this video and analysis, as well as for your contribution to the FFVII community, such channels are worth their weight in gold)

    • @franklinpereira1662
      @franklinpereira1662 17 днів тому +3

      Nailed it!

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      Incredible insight here! Thank you for all of this! It's a shame people don't pick up on facial expressions, body language, and non verbal cues. The devs/mocap put a significant amount of details into these things and they are 100% intentional.

    • @xZarazWracam
      @xZarazWracam 16 днів тому

      The body language details are incredible in these games, I just wish they included pupil dilation though, would have added so much more to them.

  • @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101
    @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101 16 днів тому +10

    I really love the parallels between the Cloti and the Clerith dates.
    In the Cloti date, Cloud has a question in his mind and he didn't found the answer at the end of it. He says that "she(Aerith) must still have feelings for Zack"(not exact quote).
    And the answer to the question can be found in the Clerith date where Aerith tells Cloud that it is him she's looking for. Yes, he reminded her of Zack, but Cloud is not Zack and that's okay.
    At the beginning, Cloud seemed distant and is constantly drowning in some thoughts, but after Aerith's assurance to him he became confident, so confident he held out his hand for Aerith as well. I just love how all of these played out.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +4

      Yeah paying close attention to how Cloud progresses emotionally from the start of the date to the finish was a site to see for sure!

    • @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101
      @theirbrotherhoodandfriends6101 16 днів тому +2

      @mlwjrpg it's incredibly amazing to see Cloud's facial expressions and body movements in 4k to know what he feels💗.

  • @MikeHawjAerithSG2024
    @MikeHawjAerithSG2024 17 днів тому +11

    Wow amazing analysis video. Bravo!!! ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉😊😊

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  17 днів тому +3

      Mikey you were all over this ASAP haha, thanks brother!!!

    • @MikeHawjAerithSG2024
      @MikeHawjAerithSG2024 17 днів тому +1

      @@mlwjrpg i gonna send this link to my friend is Slashterpiece gaming and she gonna check it out for you ❤

  • @Sidnobody
    @Sidnobody 17 днів тому +7

    Another great video, it amazes me how people who claim to be FF7 fans can still be so full of spite and denial towards a major part of the story, even when presented with well researched evidence.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +3

      Yeah some people will never be swayed when they go full head canon lol

  • @elementstevie
    @elementstevie 16 днів тому +5

    Great video~!! I was surprised that you didn't touch on Cloud's "words drowned by fireworks" when his lips were moving (as I think Aerith doing it in Gongaga led up to this cinematography direction) but maybe you're waiting for the Ultimania plus to finally confirm it haha

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +3

      Yeah I thought about touching on that portion. But alas I decided not to for this video.

  • @user-iw1xu6le1y
    @user-iw1xu6le1y 17 днів тому +17

    Can you make an analysis about the songs hallow and no promises to keep? I think there are a lot of misunderstandings and distortions about these 2 songs. I love watching your analysis videos.

    • @franklinpereira1662
      @franklinpereira1662 17 днів тому +4

      Endorsed 🔥 haha

    • @Sidnobody
      @Sidnobody 17 днів тому +4

      I think a lyric analysis video is definitely needed

    • @user-iw1xu6le1y
      @user-iw1xu6le1y 16 днів тому +4

      @@Sidnobody It would be really nice if these two songs were subjected to a cross analysis, like the common answer of cloud and aerith.

    • @mellemadswoestenburg1296
      @mellemadswoestenburg1296 16 днів тому +3

      I definitely interpret those songs as Cloud and Aerith each singing about the other. Really wanna hear your opinions about this, what do you think about part 3 bringing it full circle by making it's theme song a duet?

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +7

      This is such a great idea and I hadn't actually thought about breaking down these two beautiful songs! Noted for sure, thanks!

  • @potatofun3328
    @potatofun3328 16 днів тому +5

    Great analysis! Love it! Thank you for the vid! Aerith understands Cloud. She knows when it's him & not him.
    "And I'm trying so hard to find you."
    I thought that line was just as meaningful as "Right now, I wanna be with you."
    It was a double whammy. She was really trying to tell him that she already made her choice. She wouldn't be 'trying so hard to find him,' if she was conflicted about Zack!
    It's odd how in both dates, Tifa & Aerith lied or ommitted knowledge of Zack's death. I really believe in Tifa, that she didn't lie. Zangan always said Tifa had a pure heart. ToTP supports that.
    What I think happened was she had a girl-talk(revealed in pt. 3) & told Aerith the truth and both of them came to the conclusion of "very possible" because of Cloud's unreliable memory. They don't know for sure but they know Cloud is very delicate right now.
    Aerith didn't want to ruin their date with Zack's death. She wanted Cloud to know she absolutely chose him over Zack not just because he's dead & can't have him.
    So she latches onto his arm tight right after, and admits subtly, "I don't want to lose you too."
    An interesting reach would be that Cloud is clued into this somehow or notices from her body language that she knows he's dead. But he's emotionally smart & perceptive enough to understand that Aerith 'wanted him to know' between both of them alive, she chose Cloud. ❤️ And perhaps in that moment he didn't know for sure, but in the end where he sees the different worlds & sees that Aerith totally could be with Zack if she wanted, he 💯 knows she chose Cloud!
    The kiss is gunna be epic in part three in their spot in the church! I keep imagining Barret saying to Clotis, "Fire comin'! There's a fire comin'!" 🎀

  • @laserbeamlightning
    @laserbeamlightning 17 днів тому +19

    For me, holding off on the flat out kiss just builds it perfectly to what will happen in 3. Come back to this comment in a few years. You’ll see I’m right

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +2

      I really hope so. Part of me worries that the US Cloti lobby will force SE to move away from that. But I'm desperate to see a version where Cloud has his moment with Aerith.

    • @laserbeamlightning
      @laserbeamlightning 16 днів тому +15

      @@Silverfish-qv8ig it'd be so dumb for them to cave. To me they have a clear vision and while they gave the Cloti's the kiss for fan service, I think their intention was always for Aerith to be the one to complete Cloud's story. I like both characters. I don't side with either one but as a writer and as someone who studies story structure, this is the way you write something satisfying. You hold out and give people time to land the payoff. Holding out is the smart thing to do. It's called building to catharsis

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +4

      O, I completely agree with you. But I'm worried by past performance. Them removing Aerith from the end credits of AC due to CloTi feedback is a terrible marker. They really, really care about the US audience - I have colleagues in SE as I work for a Tokyo-based Video Games Publisher. Sadly, for them, the US audience is seen as being overwhelmingly Tifa-centric.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +7

      I'll come back to celebrate your comment!

    • @laserbeamlightning
      @laserbeamlightning 16 днів тому

      @@mlwjrpg See you in 2027. Glad they made FFVII Part 3 before GTA 6 (this will definitely age well)

  • @AlyssaJ14
    @AlyssaJ14 16 днів тому +8

    While I absolutely love this date, I think one of my favorite things about it is that the devs made sure to include basically every major aspect of it in other non-optional cutscenes. If you get the date, you are reinforcing those moments (or this date will be reinforced later, depending on which happens first) but even if you DON'T get the date, the devs wanted to make SURE you got those moments between Cloud and Aerith solidified in canon.
    Cloud is hesitant to sit by Aerith even though she wants him to because he's hung up on the Zack issue? As you pointed out, we saw it in Nibelheim. Aerith acknowledges that the Cloud she's with isn't fully the "real" Cloud and she wants to find and meet the real one? She says in the Sleeping Forest that he needs to focus on himself - the one she's "trying to find". Aerith makes a clear move and indicates that she likes Cloud and is ready to move on from Zack? Happens in the church at the end of the dream date. The intimate hand-holding? Happens at the end of the game after they tag-teamed Sephiroth and showed what a power couple they truly are. Even the minor moment of Cloud taking Aerith's hand and leading her off the gondola is backed up by him ALWAYS briefly taking her hand and leading her forward for her big moment after she sings, regardless of who your date was.
    The devs were not messing around with this. They wanted everyone to know that regardless of which date you got or which date you insist is canon, all those moments remain intact and undeniable.

    • @bronzeapple05
      @bronzeapple05 15 днів тому +2

      I love reading this. Soo spot on🥹

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +2

      There's a reason why most of their dates are literally canon to the main story and the "optional" ones have some many tie ins, parallels, and references.

  • @Silverfish-qv8ig
    @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +13

    The reason I love the Clerith date in comparison with Tifa, is that he is so much more shy and broken with Aerith. Cloud is basically a kid who has been tortured for the last five years. This representation of him seems much more realistic of how someone like that would be. With Tifa, he's just a bit too relaxed, too well formed. Doesn't work for me. The fact that these two broken people are healing one another, is the core magic of this game.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      Such a great point to address specifically how Cloud is acting during both dates, and you can even expand that to the other dates as well.

    • @Guy9998
      @Guy9998 16 днів тому +7

      The high affection version of the Tifa date, in my opinion, just feels contrived. Sometimes I wonder if Square actually hates Tifa. She never gets a moment with Cloud without Aerith being brought into the conversation. The closest thing would probably be Gongaga. But then Cloud doesn't even make an attempt when Tifa leans in which makes the kissing part of the date seem even more contrived since it's so out of character. And he also does it after talking about Aerith and getting down about the possibility of Aerith still liking Zack. Maybe it's just Square's way of telling the audience, this time 'round, that Cloud and Tifa aren't really a thing.

    • @Silverfish-qv8ig
      @Silverfish-qv8ig 16 днів тому +2

      Most Tifa fans seem to like 'contrived', but I know what you mean.

  • @ajzz7303
    @ajzz7303 17 днів тому +9

    As always a very well placed and perfect analysis on Cloud and Aerith date. Enjoyed your video, keep it up bro

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      These words are gold ajzz! Thank you!

  • @katwuf
    @katwuf 17 днів тому +9

    thank u for posting this. I missed my babies 💔💔

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  17 днів тому +4

      Thank you for being here! Babies are delivered!

  • @Hsienkko
    @Hsienkko 16 днів тому +6

    Yeeey! Here we go with another fantastic Clerith video. Thanks as allways for this!!

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      Thank you for watching and being here! 💗

  • @endacott0915
    @endacott0915 17 днів тому +10

    Do you think in part 3 we’ll get Aerith motioning him to sit next to her and he finally does it? 🥺
    Always look forward to your Clerith vids, thank you 😍

    • @ladyvergerin6791
      @ladyvergerin6791 17 днів тому +5

      It will be more touching if we see a reverse gesture and Cloud asks Aerith to sit next to him.😏

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +2

      Oh yes! That with a kiss I believe is coming in part 3!

  • @lapieCP
    @lapieCP 16 днів тому +3

    Thanks for another great analysis video! Aerith is seriously someone I strive to be… she is so gentle, patient and undeterred by the frosty Cloud, and while she clearly likes Cloud, she is able to keep herself from getting swept away by the emotions of the moment and focus on Cloud. She’s just so incredible 🥹

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +1

      She truly is an incredible character!

  • @redrose7970
    @redrose7970 17 днів тому +6

    We appreciate you! 💯

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +1

      Actually I appreciate YOU! Thank you so much!

  • @raquelmota14
    @raquelmota14 8 днів тому +3

    Hey man, great content as always. Do you have plans to cover the remake too? There's also a lot to talk about.
    Something that i really like to see is your analysis of the "cloud resolution" scene with Aerith, considering the literal translation from JP that i know they change a little bit in english, which made some folk to misunderstand

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  8 днів тому +4

      Yeah I will for sure hit on to some Remake scenes for sure! I have to speak to the Resolution scene!

  • @Uhoh_itsAshley
    @Uhoh_itsAshley 16 днів тому +3

    This was so cute tysm! Their date is so romantic, and those two are perfff together 💛😭

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому

      Perfect power couple!

  • @didinau
    @didinau 15 днів тому +2

    Finally had the time to watch it. Just as always a great job!

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +1

      Glad you got around to it didi! It's always an honor to receive praise from you!

  • @not_interested9310
    @not_interested9310 17 днів тому +5

    This video was 🔥 🔥

  • @xZarazWracam
    @xZarazWracam 16 днів тому +3

    I'm pretty sure Aerith only references searching for Cloud in sleeping forest in english version, which is interesting considering that usually the english translation is deliberately downplaying clerith.
    But it doesn't really matter because kobito tsunagi happens again at the end of the game canonically, which is an obvious proof that Aerith gondola date is the canon one.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +1

      I haven't touched on the JP dialogue for the sleeping forest yet, I'll have to check that out.

  • @drunkengaming4072
    @drunkengaming4072 16 днів тому +3

    Great Analysis!

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +1

      Thanks!!!!!!

  • @raquelmota14
    @raquelmota14 16 днів тому

    I didn't play the og game so a have a question: the date companion is optional like in the rebirth?
    I'm sure about clouds feelings towards Aerith, but i'm still gathering the pieces about what Aerith feels, because while in rebirth we have a Lot of material to base on, i'm not so sure about the og. And i'm talking about non optional stuff

    • @ArkadiEnver
      @ArkadiEnver 16 днів тому +4

      There is quite a bit of information about these things from both the og and from the guide books. You don't mind spoilers?

    • @raquelmota14
      @raquelmota14 16 днів тому

      @@ArkadiEnver definitely not

    • @kurearisu
      @kurearisu 16 днів тому +6

      The dates are optional, but the dates are determined by a point system which aren't shown in the game, it's dependent on the answers you give to each character. The starting affinity points for each character for the OG were determined by the devs: Aerith starts with 50 points, Tifa starts with 30 points, Yuffie starts with 10 (but you can completely miss Yuffie, she's an optional character in the OG), and Barret starts with 0 points. If there are any ties in points, the characters have priority and it's listed as 1. Aerith 2. Tifa 3. Yuffie 4. Barret meaning.. if Aerith and Tifa tie in affinity points, Aerith would be the default date. If.. Tifa and Yuffie tie in points, then it would be Tifa as she's ahead of Yuffie, etc.
      If you play the game naturally without bias towards any of the characters, Aerith would likely be your date for the Gold Saucer. You really have to pick Tifa based answers while giving Aerith negative answers to trigger Tifa and it's even more difficult to trigger Yuffie and Barret in that sense since you have to pick super specific answers. Back then, we didn't have internet like we do today, we didn't have that knowledge like we do today, you can easily Google a guide on which answers to pick in OG to get whichever character you want and they'll even tell you the point values for each answer given.

    • @raquelmota14
      @raquelmota14 16 днів тому +1

      @@kurearisu I see. The thing is, i'm totally a Clerith and, as much as the gondola scene is so awesome, i avoid to use scenes that aren't 100% non optional to read the characters and advocate for our case, because folk (toxic clotis) certainly will say "oh but this is optional and bla bla bla". That's why i like the church scene so much because whats aerith says and does there is totally non optional, meaning that the devs wanted to show everyone that. Also the marlene and zack conversation about aerith feeling is really good.

    • @xZarazWracam
      @xZarazWracam 16 днів тому +4

      Regarding Aerith and Zack - back in 1997 when OG came out, ZA relationship was not nearly as important as it is being portrayed now. They have basically only been friends who met a couple of times, Zack was just a plot device to Cloud's identity reveal. Also Nojima always liked to connect the main couples through a third person, think Rinoa/Seifer/Squall, or Yuna/Jecht/Tidus.. There wasn't any doubt when it came to Aerith's feeling because ZA barely even existed.
      Unfortunately that changed in 2007 when Tabata took over directing of CC and AC... They have retconed ZA relationship completely, stealing many clerith scenes such as Zack falling through the roof (that never happened in the OG, where he had met Aerith as she was selling flowers on a Midgar street). CC also blew ZA relationship way out of proportion, suddenly everything about Aerith (and even other parts of that world) had to do with Zack. It was a horribly written mess that ruined clerith for many people (myself included).
      Fortunatelly now when OG dev team is back at the helm, they are somewhat fixing the damage done by CC and some stupid CC things are being either omitted completely in the Remake or just clearing the air with Aerith's obvious confession or through Marlene.
      Aerith's feeling are now obvious after Rebirth (even though the shitty localisation is trying very hard to make it as vague as possible), it is now Cloud who is being portrayed as irritatingly oblivious/undecided when it comes to his feelings. In part3 he will have to come to terms with his true feelings and hopefully SE will finally man up and canonize CA like it should always have been. The whole LTD nonsense only hurts the story in general and brings more and more toxicity in this hapless fandom.

  • @StelioMichonta
    @StelioMichonta 17 днів тому +3

    💛 🤎
    🖤 + ❤️

  • @martinaguiluz4063
    @martinaguiluz4063 13 днів тому +2

    No people. We're all wrong here. These guys are clearly just having a casual hangout here. There's nothing romantic about this date🙃🙃

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +2

      100% friend coded lol

  • @TheAIFoundry-sp4mw
    @TheAIFoundry-sp4mw 12 днів тому +2

  • @venomactual73
    @venomactual73 17 днів тому +7

    I’ve been waiting for this for ages 🥲

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому

      Sorry to have kept you waiting! I still have plenty of other scenes to do this for as well!

    • @venomactual73
      @venomactual73 16 днів тому

      @ it was worth the wait, I love these analysis/breakdowns because there’s a lot of debate between cleriths and clotis about who cloud loves or who does aerith love, explaining these scenes helps understand better how the characters feel and why they act the way they do, it really important to do these type of videos 🙏🏻 I can’t wait for an analysis of Aerith’s dream date, that’s like a highlight of their chemistry/relationship with a lot of questions from the fans
      Keep up the good work 🙏🏻

  • @wmen48
    @wmen48 17 днів тому +3

    When should they kiss if ever? According to you.

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  16 днів тому +13

      After Cloud has found himself ofc, which would be in part 3 and would be the case when they finally reunite again together as both their true selves.

  • @brileonn
    @brileonn 16 днів тому +7

    Thank you for our weekly prescribed dose of Clerith 🩷 it's funny that some Clotis think we would be disappointed with this date. I actually think it should be the opposite haha. This scene literally could not have been more perfect. I wept from the cuteness 😭

    • @brileonn
      @brileonn 16 днів тому +3

      Reminds me of Aruuu saying "As a Clerith, I'm also a big fan of the Cloti date"...just not in the way they expected 😂

    • @mlwjrpg
      @mlwjrpg  12 днів тому +3

      @@brileonn LOL! I remember watching her VOD of her watching the CT date, we found out how much better the CA date was lol