"I think what's interesting about Cloud is that a lot of the time, he's not a hero, but merely human like the rest of us. There doesn't seem to be any reverse sides to him and he complains every now and then, but he's still, what do they call it, picture perfect?"
-Takahiro Sakurai on Cloud Strife (as translated by AC.net)
Veteran voice actor and fan of Mr. Strife Sakurai Takahiro provides Cloud's voice in the Japanese version of Kingdom Hearts as well as the new film Advent Children. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about Cloud's role in Advent Children -- I was apprehensive about Advent Children period -- but he did a great job.
As mentioned, Sakurai is a long-time fan of Final Fantasy VII and really knows Cloud's character inside out. Hearing him talk about the character is even more enjoyable than hearing him as the character, and I highly recommend picking up the Reunion Files if you haven't already. The pages in which he discusses his role (written in both Japanese and English) really shouldn't be missed.
Highlights from his extensive resume include the following:
- Dissidia -Final Fantasy- ... Cloud Strife
- Crisis Core ... Cloud Strife
- Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII ... Cloud Strife
- Kingdom Hearts II ... Cloud Strife
- Final Fantasy VII: Last Order ... Cloud Strife
- Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children ... Cloud Strife
- Bouncer ... Sion Barzahd
- Kingdom Hearts .... Cloud Strife
- MASTER Kiidon .... Ralph
- Digimon Adventure .... Tentomon, Techimon, Mimi's Father
- Digimon Adventure 02 .... Tentomon, Mimi's Father
- SAMURAI DEEPER KYO .... Kubira
- ZOIDS .... Bit, Cloud
- Weiß Kreuz .... Daku
- Cardcaptor Sakura: Sakura and the Kind Grandfather ... Kouno Kouichi
- Geneshaft ... Hiroto Amagiwa
Alternately, you can read the original resume in it's entirety. In addition to his voice acting, Sakurai also hosted a radio show with Kenichi Suzumura, the voice of Zack!
You can hear a clip from Advent Children and Kingdom Hearts II by (right) clicking (and saving) the clip below. Please note that if this file is abused it will be removed.
- Advent Children: "I think that I want to be forgiven... yeah, I want to be forgiven"
- Kingdom Hearts II: "It might be difficult if there was just one more of them"
