PINNED UPDATE 3/28/25 7PM: An accurate subtitle track based on my script has been added to this video.

Correction: In the very long process of editing this, I also made a mistake. When discussing Japanese film, I included a clip from Wong Kar-wai’s “In The Mood For Love.” When thinking about the idea of more contemplative films, the slow-mo shots from that film were stuck in my head and, having not seen it in in many years (since high school), I forgot many details of the film including that it is NOT Japanese. I just remembered the contemplative feeling of the slow-mo moments. I should have double-checked that, especially during a sequence about cultural differences. Very sorry for that careless mistake.

Also, for the record, the idea I outline in "Cycle of Life" is just one way that I see how the elements can lead to a "synthesis" as I explain in the "FF7 Reverse" chapter. It's very likely the developers do something different, but it was just a pathway I found interesting in terms of bringing lots of Compilation elements together along with what's been established in the first two games. Please don't take "Cycle of Life" as a very specific prediction on the only way forward. The devs surprised me in Rebirth and they'll probably surprise me in Part 3. And the empty materia especially can really change things.

Finally, we don't need to reference the old Easy Allies video. Thank you for this.

Final Fantasy VII has always held deep meaning and nostalgia for me, but events over the past year have taken my connection to its themes to an entirely new level.

My wife passed away from cancer in May of last year, and playing Rebirth became one of the last pieces of content we were able to share together. We had spent years looking forward to this next chapter, theorizing and speculating  about what might come next.

Your analysis of the game’s themes—and especially the core message that "to move forward, we must accept the truth of who we are and what has happened to us, no matter how tragic or unfair"—hit me deeply and brought me to tears. Thank you for creating this video.

Your ideas for where the final part is headed has me truly excited at how beautiful this series could be. I remember there was so much fear that the core idea of accepting grief was being lost to a "fate" story, but the idea that our ability to control fate (or lack thereof) is actually going to be used as vehicle to explore true acceptance of life, death, and grief could be extremely moving. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

In my opinion the "Last minute twist" after putting trust in others prediction is clearly talking about Cait himself turning up at the temple of the ancients. He makes a big deal about everyone trusting him before he takes the keystone. Aside from that, this is a really excellent video which deserves its acclaim.

I think you hit the nail on the head with this one! Even with just the way that they are jam packing these games with so much content, I really think that this might be the last FF7 of anything will ever get and therefore they are gearing up to give Cloud and the rest of crew the biggest and best send off they can give.

First off, what you’ve put together here is an shining example of what top-notch content looks like. From the visuals you chose, to the music you intentionally paired with them, to the transitions and pauses between thoughts or sections, it’s all perfectly put together. But what makes it incredible is the way you layered incredible research, insights and analysis from your own experiences as a storyteller, and the way you structured your thoughts into a cohesive narrative journey for viewers. This video is a masterclass, my dude!

With that said, the video certainly accomplished its mission. You gave words to many of my own observations, feelings, and theories while also provoking me to consider new and different possibilities I hadn’t yet pondered; it’ll take me time to unpack those ideas and I’m thankful for it.

I appreciate all the time and effort you poured into this video!

This video was a genuine emotion rollercoaster. The video starts very cynically, calling the devs cowards and almost fear mongering about how the story would never off the Chekhov's gun it used an entire game to set up. The video then starts to ask questions of why the devs made certain story choices in a very critical manner. Then things start looking up, the themes of the story start to make sense and the intent of the developers seem as sound as can be. The video then takes a hopeful turn and encourages the community to feel a bit more at ease with how much intent this story and the devs have had from the very start. Thanks for making this Masterpiece SubTXT, this was an amazing watch.

After replaying Part 1, I started to believe Square’s real goal isn’t changing Aerith’s fate, but shifting the focus from Cloud’s personal twist to something deeper — a twist that targets the player. From early on, there are clues: Aerith and Sephiroth seem to know the future, Cloud sees visions that aren’t his, timelines are overlapping, and alternate versions of characters interact. Rebirth doubles down on this, gradually deconstructing the original twist about Cloud’s identity. The emotional punch is no longer for Cloud alone — it’s meant for us. The final scenes reflect this: Aerith both dies and lives, Zack exists in multiple timelines, and Cloud witnesses alternate realities. The remake invites players to piece together a bigger, multi-layered narrative. In short, Square is crafting a twist not just for the story — but for the experience of the player. And I truly believe this may lead to a powerful, ambiguous ending that redefines what made the original so impactful.

Max and Nico send me..  but i decided to watch your video first, and theirs later...
Saludos desde México, as a kid whose first entry in this series was FF-X, this series has had a huge impact on my life (just like KOF and SF) the amount of characters that have been brought into and also the people behind their work have earned my respect and thier dedication to bring such stories have been amazing to my eyes, and while X is still my favorite, The FF7 compilation might be a close second, needless to say i effing  love it all... and this is the video that might have re-enforcement that sentiment all over love how Remake/Rebirth had done elevate the OG and dear goood i hope we are still eating good for when the third and resolution of the climax comes, it might not be perfect, nor to the likes to everyone for this journey will last in my memories for a lomg time... thanks for this amazing work you pulled off.

This was an absolutely insane video. So much thought and detail put into every section. The editing was brilliant and the pacing was just right.  The idea that we’re experiencing what Cloud is for the first time, not really understanding what’s going on is interesting. The quote from the teaser way back in 2015 “The reunion at hand may bring joy. It may bring fear. But let us embrace whatever it brings” was very indicative of this remake experience. To tell us that once the full picture has been painted, it will be an experience to cherish. I’m very much looking forward to how this all concludes!

This video has reinforced why the FFVII universe is my favorite piece of media of all time.

I think you’ve made THE Final Fantasy VII Rebirth video. You did such an incredible job structuring, writing and conveying all of the feelings the community has been experiencing since the end of Remake. The writing, editing, breakdown of film and story telling mechanics was masterfully done and the video was engaging from the start. It definitely didn’t feel like a 2 hour video. Thank you for the hard work you put into the video. Can’t wait to see what you produce next. I know a lot of us will be waiting for it.

The best, highest quality, well structured video of any media I've ever experienced. Absolutely well done!

I can only hope that, after this whole ordeal is over, that I find something I love just as much as I've loved FF7R, something I love so much that I sit and watch theory crafting videos that are hours long and watching them over and over 😭❤

this is an absolutely amazing video!!! not just abt ff7 but also about storytelling in general, and it genuinely gave me a way deeper appreciation/understanding of what theyve been doing and especially a greater excitement for how the story will conclude. and the editing is incredible! emotionally potent and thoughtprovoking. great work!!

I came here from Maximilian Dood's stream. This video was so well put together and absolute CINEMA. Some of the best 2 hours of FF7 content I've enjoyed. Instant like and sub. Thank you for all the hard work you clearly put into this.

An absolutely incredible watch. Helped to give me such a new appreciation for what they are planning. Thank you for this unbelievable video.

Dude.  Well done.  Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

This video rules so much. Your insight and analysis is so so appreciated. The edits, research and use of music is really god damn cool.