You are here:

Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel

Name: Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel
Director: Shinji Ishihira
Released: 2009
Duration: 28 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2009

PG-13

Director

Shinji Ishihira

Runtime

28 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

This short film functions as a character-driven study of resilience in a post-disaster landscape. It succeeds in deconstructing previous power structures by focusing on the necessity of communal rebuilding and social reorganization. However, the work remains limited by its reliance on traditional character archetypes and a lack of explicit characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The fantasy setting provides a vacuum for social exploration but lacks the specific markers needed for deeper identity-based narratives. Ultimately, the film offers moderate progressive depth through its themes of systemic recovery, even while remaining largely silent on specific demographic diversities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not explicitly depict LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy. It focuses on interpersonal dynamics related to survival and community rebuilding.

How does Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel portray gender?

Fair

The film avoids rigid hierarchies by emphasizing emotional labor and communal care. However, it relies on traditional archetypes like protective maternal figures and stoic guardians.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel?

Fair

Set in the speculative world of Gaia, the film uses a stylized, non-human aesthetic. It avoids racial stereotyping but lacks intentional blending of diverse identities.

How does Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story explores the reconstruction of society through the World Regenesis Organization. It focuses on collective survival rather than dogmatic religious or nationalistic frameworks.

Does Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile - Episode Denzel include disability representation?

Limited

The film addresses the psychological trauma of inhabitants and a wounded planet. It lacks specific, agentic depictions of individual physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Explores the deconstruction of traditional power structures through the lens of societal reconstruction.
Disrupts aggressive male clichés by emphasizing emotional labor and communal care.
Provides a nuanced look at the psychological aftermath of systemic collapse and environmental trauma.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Fails to provide agentic depictions of specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
Relies on traditional gendered archetypes rather than actively subverting them.

Official Synopsis

It's been four years since Meteor fell on Midgar. Denzel meets Reeve at an outskirts coffee shop about joining the World Regenesis Organization. Upon the request Denzel tells Reeve about what his life was like prior to the Meteor incident.

How are these scores produced? →