Several Paths, One Destination
by ShroudedG
The ending scene of Final Fantasy VII is a tangled riddle of its own. It can lead through several different perspectives, several different views, several different interpretations. Yet, no matter how much you twist it, bend it and squeeze it, there is only one conclusion...
Several paths, one destination....
It can be seen right here, Aerith's hand reaching out for Cloud… Cloud in turn reaching out for hers. Separated by fate and by death… yet this moment alone shows how even Death is powerless in the face of Cloud and Aerith’s desire to be together again, even if it's impossible...
A Japanese language and cultural expert online at AllExperts.com tells us: “Foremost in Japanese romance as evidenced in cinema and popular culture is the idea of fukano na, or the impossible. Cinema in Japan is rife with this sub theme. Another central theme in Japanese romance is perseverance, or gambare. So to persevere in the impossible, way beyond any rational or realistic expectation, is a very strong theme in Japanese stories of romance.”
Going against the impossible… a riddle within a riddle.
An answer from the Planet…
the Promised Land…
I think I can meet her… there
The Promised Land is another of the story's open-ended themes... a riddle within a riddle… yet do we really need to solve this riddle to make a logical conclusion? Or are we overlooking the simple fact that Cloud believes he can meet someone who died right in front of him? Someone who we thought was lost forever?
To believe in something way beyond any rational or realistic expectation. A very strong theme indeed...
…but what of Tifa? What part did she actually play in that scene and those statements? She is an integral part of the Love Triangle discussion and should not be overlooked in this analysis. To fully elaborate, we need to look at how important Cloud is to Tifa. Remember the first time Tifa found Cloud in a comatose state, look carefully at what she gives up in order to be at his side...
Tifa: “I don’t care about anything else, only Cloud…”
(She turns to face them.)
Tifa: I… want to be by his side…”
Cid: “Yeah. Right. Hang in there, Tifa.”
Barrett: “Yeah, that’s probably best…”
“For Cloud… an’ for you…”
(She nods, but doesn’t bring her head back up, looking at the floor.)
Tifa: “I’m sorry, everyone… At a time like this…”
This scene alone shows that Tifa will do anything for Cloud, no matter what the cost. This is what Tifa does for Cloud. She is an unselfish individual who will give everything for him to be happy.
for him to be happy…
There is something in her statement that just isn't right for someone who has taken place as Cloud's new love interest. She believes him without even questioning why Cloud suddenly says, “I think I can meet her… there”. No questions asked, no doubt in her words.....
.....acceptance
How so? As I stated before, the ending scene can lead you through many paths, but I've yet to find another logical conclusion different from my own. In order to accept what should be accepted, you first need to understand the reason behind it...and so I will provide one path that I believe is most logical. Remember the scene when Cloud's party was thrown in jail in the Shinra Building, the time when Tifa asked Aerith what the Promise Land is…
Tifa: "EXCUSE me. You know, Aerith. I have a question."
Aerith: "What?"
Tifa: "Does the Promised Land really exist?"
Aerith: "...I don't know. All I know is... The Cetra were
born from the Planet, speak with the Planet, and unlock the Planet. And......then...
The Cetra will return to the Promised Land.
A land that promises supreme happiness."
Tifa: "...What does that mean?"
We still don't know what the Promised Land truly is, but we do know that it does provide supreme happiness to those who reach it. Whatever it is, Cloud wanted to meet her there... because with Aerith, Cloud is truly happy. Tifa finally understood what it meant… and at that point, Tifa makes a sacrifice which rivals Aerith's own sacrifice. Her own happiness… for Cloud.
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~ Script excerpts were taken from the Final Fantasy VII script at RPGamer