This piece contains major spoilers for the original Final Fantasy 7 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Please do not read unless you’ve finished Rebirth.
It’s hard to overstate how iconic Aerith’s death was in the original Final Fantasy 7. She may not have been the first main character to die in the series, but due to the immense popularity of the game on its release, her death certainly had the biggest impact. Its ripples continue in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the recently released second part of the remake trilogy.
But why was her death so memorable? It’s a shocking moment, simply told. Shocking because a key character players have grown to love is stripped away; simple because it’s shown with stark clarity, the music halts like an in-take of breath until she slumps and sombre piano plays. It’s quietly dramatic and the image of Sephiroth’s almost comically long sword piercing her chest is unmissable. Then, moments later, we’re snowboarding down a mountain, as is the FF7 way.
About Author
