Killing Them Softly
Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: November 30, 2012
6.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 304 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
156
Mixed:
101
Negative:
47
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
9
LeifDec 21, 2012
Admittedly the political commentary is heavy handed but watching Pitt, looking every bit his almost 50 years stare down Gandolfini while running through mountains of great George V. Higgins dialogue in bars and seedy locations across aAdmittedly the political commentary is heavy handed but watching Pitt, looking every bit his almost 50 years stare down Gandolfini while running through mountains of great George V. Higgins dialogue in bars and seedy locations across a less-than beautiful New Orleans can allow near excessive violence and somewhat indulgent use of quaint old-fashioned music as a parallel to brutality function quite well as a whole.… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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7
ThegodfathersonMar 13, 2013
Killing Them Softly is a well made hitman noir, it packs up great action sequences and great camera angles with great special SLO MO effects. But, this movie is incredibly long and has gaps that need to be filled in order for it to thrive andKilling Them Softly is a well made hitman noir, it packs up great action sequences and great camera angles with great special SLO MO effects. But, this movie is incredibly long and has gaps that need to be filled in order for it to thrive and be a mega blockbuster. Overall, Killing Them Softly is one to watch.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
foxgroveDec 12, 2012
Well written and articulate I would imagine this is not the film a lot of people were expecting. I know I wasn't, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the end result. Director Andrew Dominik has certainly got a way with actors andWell written and articulate I would imagine this is not the film a lot of people were expecting. I know I wasn't, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the end result. Director Andrew Dominik has certainly got a way with actors and imagery and the film is both stylish and very well acted. Ben mendelsohn is delicious in his drugged out supporting turn and the film's opening scene just grabbed me and then never let go.… Expand
7 of 8 users found this helpful71
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8
ultralight47Dec 4, 2012
I'm not sure exactly why but I Iiked "listening" to this movie. It's not Quentin Tarrantino but, the conversations between the characters, and there are many of them, are simple, almost unremarkable, and yet still somehow interesting. TheI'm not sure exactly why but I Iiked "listening" to this movie. It's not Quentin Tarrantino but, the conversations between the characters, and there are many of them, are simple, almost unremarkable, and yet still somehow interesting. The violence that I expected is not that bad compared to other comparable movies and it is artfully done in some instances. There's not a lot going on; it's basically revenge for a crime committed against criminals. They talk a lot; I liked hearing it.… Expand
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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7
cinemaquoteJan 18, 2013
a film by a director in love with brad pitt's image... nothing new under the sun. nonetheless, the cast THE CAST THE CAST is remarkable, some of the photography tricks are good and the soundtrack remarkable. this is kind of a sleeper, sincea film by a director in love with brad pitt's image... nothing new under the sun. nonetheless, the cast THE CAST THE CAST is remarkable, some of the photography tricks are good and the soundtrack remarkable. this is kind of a sleeper, since it was thrased in 65th cannes. it is worth the while and kind of makes you expect what its director might achieve next.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
PaganostaghettiDec 10, 2012
The one convention that gangster and mob flicks always associate with themselves is a capitalist society. Most of the time, these aren
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
AngusMilneJan 3, 2013
This is one of my favorite films of 2012 and lands at number 14 on my top films of 2012 list. Will probably be overlooked at awards season, but is definitely worth seeing for a few great performances and a solid narrative.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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7
LeonidasPeplisDec 3, 2012
If you are expecting gunfights,explosions and sex-scenes you were misled to the movie theaters by the trailer.Even though it was not what I fully expected I can say that enjoyed it.The dialogue was very sharp and fascinating and Brad PittIf you are expecting gunfights,explosions and sex-scenes you were misled to the movie theaters by the trailer.Even though it was not what I fully expected I can say that enjoyed it.The dialogue was very sharp and fascinating and Brad Pitt didn't disappoint me.… Expand
5 of 8 users found this helpful53
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10
RobbinsFilmsDec 1, 2012
Be warned, Killing Them Softly is an anti-thriller. Instead of gangster action, most of what you see is conversation. Or better yet, negotiation. Because the film is set in 2008 during the financial crisis, what these lowlifes are mostBe warned, Killing Them Softly is an anti-thriller. Instead of gangster action, most of what you see is conversation. Or better yet, negotiation. Because the film is set in 2008 during the financial crisis, what these lowlifes are most desperately chasing, is just a bit more money. So even though the dialogue is razor-sharp and the performances are amazing, from an A list cast, most people don't want to watch negotiation for an hour and forty minutes. This is a more European take on the American crime drama, even though Andrew Dominik is Australian. The movie has a lot in common with Drive. And like that movie, this one will divide audiences between those put off by the angry tone, gruesome violence, and long periods of inaction. Which might be a problem if not for the incredible stylistic passion that bursts through every frame. Even when it's just two people talking in a bar, subtle camera movements, musical cues, and acting decisions always keep your attention.… Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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7
dante_finnDec 2, 2012
A smart gripping movie
3 of 6 users found this helpful33
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8
KenkingeryDec 9, 2012
This is a movie you will really like if; A) you are a real thinking person and b) if you like films done with the same kind of pace (and irony) of a Quentin Tarantino film. First, you would be hard pressed to find a movie about thieves, hitThis is a movie you will really like if; A) you are a real thinking person and b) if you like films done with the same kind of pace (and irony) of a Quentin Tarantino film. First, you would be hard pressed to find a movie about thieves, hit men, mob bosses, etc. that has more grit and raw feel than this film. Brad Pitt, as a hire hit man, is simply perfect in this role. At the heart of his character is simply a business man who is out for profit. Speaking of great acting, the price of admission to this movie is worth watching the 2 scenes with James Gandolfini; he is simply brilliant. The movie ironically juxtaposes the stark realities of 21st century "business" with TV and radio snippets featuring George Bush and then Senator Obama apologizing for the crash of the economy and how we are all "one" and need to "pull together. If you want to see what the real American has come to; go see this film.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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7
Wes_BrewerJan 20, 2013
Killing Them Softly was an interesting blend of great scenes and forced spoon feeding. While the title implies a subtle delivery (and thus an expectation of heavy interaction), the audience is bombarded with explanation and repetition.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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9
mau1133Jan 26, 2013
ok, so they rob the wrong people, but is always funny when you know the guys pulling it off are idiots, so you are just waiting for them to mess up. um, oh i know its an action movie but i laughed so much ina seen that i cried and then had aok, so they rob the wrong people, but is always funny when you know the guys pulling it off are idiots, so you are just waiting for them to mess up. um, oh i know its an action movie but i laughed so much ina seen that i cried and then had a stomach ache, these guys have a sawed off shot gun and well you can see part of the bullet, well that just made the movie for me, i still cant stop thing what would happen if you pull the trigger.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
violentmilkJan 1, 2013
supermegaultraepic
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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10
mickeyboyJan 2, 2013
epic
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Andys_ReviewsAug 11, 2013
I liked the way the film started with a very bleak and down-to earth approach to the whole set-up. Some interesting low-life characters planning a robbery always catches my attention. If anything, it steps up a gear when Brad Pitt enters theI liked the way the film started with a very bleak and down-to earth approach to the whole set-up. Some interesting low-life characters planning a robbery always catches my attention. If anything, it steps up a gear when Brad Pitt enters the scene and I’m really beginning to get into it. Sadly, it wasn’t to last, when the James Gandolfini character appears it does take a bit of a dive. He seems a bit of a wasted character; only there to pad the thing out a bit. It’s a shame because I really liked Gandolfini as an actor and felt this was not a fair reflection of his talent. Some very interesting effects were used and I found these very interesting. The use of slow motion in one particular assassination scene was quite breathtaking. There is also a scene depicting the world from a drug addict’s point of view that looked pretty strange too. Over all, it’s one of those that I think I’ll have to watch again to fully appreciate. For now, I liked it, but didn’t fall in love with it; I’m sure a future viewing may fix that one way or the other.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 7.2/10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
VidsRuleApr 1, 2013
It doesn't really make sense to hate a movie largely because it is an obvious allegory to (then) current events. So what if it is? I don't mind if they put at the beginning of the movie "This is an allegory to the financial crises of 2008".It doesn't really make sense to hate a movie largely because it is an obvious allegory to (then) current events. So what if it is? I don't mind if they put at the beginning of the movie "This is an allegory to the financial crises of 2008". That could be the title of the movie for all I care. The question is if it is actually a good movie. And yes it is. True Romance/Resivior Dogs/Pulp Fiction like. Wish the larger story would have kept up throughout the film, but still.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
bram29Feb 20, 2013
killing them softly reminds me of one of those 20th century classical books. what you basically have is a simple setup for the story, but you cloak the story in metaphor, a metaphor that you let one of the main characters explain at the endkilling them softly reminds me of one of those 20th century classical books. what you basically have is a simple setup for the story, but you cloak the story in metaphor, a metaphor that you let one of the main characters explain at the end of the story. i like the way how it is executed in this movie, to the extend that the actual story isn't even that much fun to watch, because it is sacrificed for the metaphor. it makes me feel really smart for having read the 20th century classical books.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
StevenFAug 22, 2013
There is talk and preparation that comes before everything, the politics of it all, thats exactly what Killing Them Softly is about, its a real talkative film and one which needs to be followed with close attention, it knows how to grip andThere is talk and preparation that comes before everything, the politics of it all, thats exactly what Killing Them Softly is about, its a real talkative film and one which needs to be followed with close attention, it knows how to grip and entice without being flashy and in your face, people expecting any different will be disappointed. There is a bleak and pessimistic, but perhaps real outlook on life when money is low and the whole world knows it, we have a crime film that involves a simple heist and how the ones who carried out said heist will be dealt with.
But this opens up questions which the film confidently answers, who takes the fall for crimes, what are the repercussions of such acts, what if a hitman is familiar face to his target? These questions are all answered in very deep, humorous and very insightful conversations, with longer scenes to highlight the point being made. The cast includes Brad Pitt, playing his vintage cool guy persona with slicked back hair and leather jacket, while we also have the late James Gandolfini playing a raging alcoholic of a hitman who is on parole, but the surprising performance comes from Ben Mendelsohn, who plays a heroin-addicted robber, his performance can only be summed up with praise for his appearance, style and commitment to the character, who has seen better days.
The underlying tone of the film is in lieu of the Presidential election of 2008, we have the various campaigns playing on TVs, radios and other outlets throughout the film, sometimes these background cues become louder than the actual moments in the film, a deliberate attempt to put across what the film is saying, that everyone is alone, and the film portrays unpredictably, lack of loyalty and every man for himself with the goal being a payoff. Its an excellently shot film, focusing on each character and also using the backdrop of the election as broader shots throughout the film, Brad Pitt as Jackie knows the problems and difficulties he faces each and every day in the country he calls home, but a place he also doesn't call a 'country' but rather a business.
This is certainly a surprise to what I expected the film to be, it does the opposite and explains its actions throughout, becoming a smart and witty character study of real life in tough times and how people just need to get by.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
vdiaz9Jan 23, 2013
90 minutes of a well constructed, albeit dark, crime thriller that should be praised for it's originality (how many mob movies actually try to have an underlining message?) rather than dismissed for its pace or lack of conventional mob movie90 minutes of a well constructed, albeit dark, crime thriller that should be praised for it's originality (how many mob movies actually try to have an underlining message?) rather than dismissed for its pace or lack of conventional mob movie aesthetics. I expect great things from Dominik in the future, and although this film was not a "box office smash" I expect over time this film will surface as a cult classic. If you want a mobster/crime movie that exhibits all the obvious qualities spoon fed to you - watch Gangster Squad.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
morfilSep 5, 2013
I liked the way the film started with a very bleak and down-to earth approach to the whole set-up. Some interesting low-life characters planning a robbery always catches my attention. If anything, it steps up a gear when Brad Pitt enters theI liked the way the film started with a very bleak and down-to earth approach to the whole set-up. Some interesting low-life characters planning a robbery always catches my attention. If anything, it steps up a gear when Brad Pitt enters the scene and I'm really beginning to get into it. Sadly, it wasn't to last, when the James Gandolfini character appears it does take a bit of a dive. He seems a bit of a wasted character; only there to pad the thing out a bit. It's a shame because I really liked Gandolfini as an actor and felt this was not a fair reflection of his talent. Some very interesting effects were used and I found these very interesting. The use of slow motion in one particular assassination scene was quite breathtaking. There is also a scene depicting the world from a drug addict's point of view that looked pretty strange too. Over all, it's one of those that I think I'll have to watch again to fully appreciate. For now, I liked it, but didn't fall in love with it; I'm sure a future viewing may fix that one way or the other.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
LaMagiadeVirueAug 11, 2013
Buen thriller. Excelentemente interpretado, con un buen guión y por sobre todo entretenida, que es el fin del cine, entretener al espectador. Sorprendido gratamente.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
lazatoyMay 4, 2016
Interesting, but certainly not for everyone.

The story (at least, to me) was interesting, and, the characters are pretty well written, even though they're all terrible people. This said, it's also pretty hard to understand what's going onInteresting, but certainly not for everyone.

The story (at least, to me) was interesting, and, the characters are pretty well written, even though they're all terrible people. This said, it's also pretty hard to understand what's going on until pretty much halfway through the film, and this really strike-d me in the first part of the movie.

I still kinda enjoyed this film though. Excellent? NO! But mediocre like most of the critics (and users) have stated? It honestly depends on your taste in film, but, personally, I found it a strangely intriguing hour and a half to spend.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MarkHHNov 5, 2013
What it is about people who object to intelligent and interesting dialogue? Most of the people on this forum hated the movie for these very reasons. Anyway, to avoid pedantic remarks, let me just get on with this review and say that thisWhat it is about people who object to intelligent and interesting dialogue? Most of the people on this forum hated the movie for these very reasons. Anyway, to avoid pedantic remarks, let me just get on with this review and say that this was a surprisingly good film that reaffirms good filmmaking. The closing remarks in the bar by Pitt's character summed it all up rather nicely. Not too many movies are able to do this. The reason this movie failed is that not many people in the audience have a clue as what he was saying and the significance of it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
calhouniteNov 16, 2013
Like Glen-Garry Glen Ross? Same brutal portrait of human scum same mamet-like dialog. Same great acting by all participants. Otherwise, stay away because it is like a REAL depressing tale of human frailties greed, stupidity, arrogance, etc.Like Glen-Garry Glen Ross? Same brutal portrait of human scum same mamet-like dialog. Same great acting by all participants. Otherwise, stay away because it is like a REAL depressing tale of human frailties greed, stupidity, arrogance, etc. Also, don't think the city is New Orleans. Cold weather northeastern city Boston perhaps. The protaganists are wearing overcoats and appear to be freezing to death at times.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
JumboJym69Nov 16, 2013
10 out of 10 stars. One amazing movie and I was blown away. If you are smart you will get this movie and understand its meaning. If you are dumb u will not like it. If u are dumb stay away.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
bfoore90Aug 13, 2020
Lean and mean and not to mention smart and articulate, Killing Them Softly makes use of a good cast with the usual drivel that comes with mob based movies
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
VapidityMay 24, 2014
Good flick. Economic metaphors aside, its wonderful. Well shot, unique, and entertaining. This movie is fun to watch, its dark, and I like them dark. I don't watch movies with expectations (unlike the majority of negative movie reviewersGood flick. Economic metaphors aside, its wonderful. Well shot, unique, and entertaining. This movie is fun to watch, its dark, and I like them dark. I don't watch movies with expectations (unlike the majority of negative movie reviewers on this site,) and a lot of people on meta have enormous confirmation bias when it comes to movies. "Oh this is probably going to suck because of x, y, and z." "Hey I was right! I'm so smart." Anyway, watch this movie if you want to have a pleasant, relaxing, dark, and funny two hours.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Will_EarwoodJul 18, 2015
Killing Them Softly is an artful flick can be celebrated even by non-noir enthusiasts. Its plot is rather straightforward allowing for the great acting to really shine. Pitt, Liotta, McNairy, and Gandolfini all shine in their own ways.Killing Them Softly is an artful flick can be celebrated even by non-noir enthusiasts. Its plot is rather straightforward allowing for the great acting to really shine. Pitt, Liotta, McNairy, and Gandolfini all shine in their own ways. Regrettably, Pitt's character is a shade of what we've come to expect but he does well nonetheless and, as a result, doesn't detract from any of the film's positive elements. In general, some great performances were accompanied by a great soundtrack and interesting recurrences - campaign speeches, for example - that fit in nicely within the flow of the movie. For gangster film advocates Killing Them Softly is both refreshing and captivating, but isn't too heavy for the average viewer.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
arrivistMar 2, 2019
Hated it when I saw it in the cinema first time round. Years later I decided to give it another shot, with analogy and subtext in place; it was like watching a different film. Brilliantly directed and shot by Dominik as always. P.S StillHated it when I saw it in the cinema first time round. Years later I decided to give it another shot, with analogy and subtext in place; it was like watching a different film. Brilliantly directed and shot by Dominik as always. P.S Still think they should have called it Cogan's Trade.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
LegitSaltFeb 25, 2020
This is a movie that speaks to the modern-day American strife, i.e. the plight of neoliberalism. Director Andrew Dominik (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) taps into so much of what causes the white American male toThis is a movie that speaks to the modern-day American strife, i.e. the plight of neoliberalism. Director Andrew Dominik (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) taps into so much of what causes the white American male to feel estranged that Dominik's Australian nationality might come as a shock. Killing Them Softly seems at first to be a heist movie, but this falls away fast and the movie quickly turns its focus towards the current neoliberal system and its relations with the largest class of players within it, those being aspirational low-class white men. The acting and writing are undeniably great, but what sets this movie apart is the use of Ray Liotta (Goodfellas). He returns to his gangster roots and plays out very entertainingly. However, the ultimate arbiter, Cogan (Brad Pitt), takes his toll regardless, and we get a tragically wonderful death scene. The concepts and politics that this film tackles can be unsettling especially for those that fall squarely liberal or conservative. The film encapsulates a growing epidemic, issuing a challenge.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
MahmusOct 1, 2020
This movie is massively underrated.

I remember the first time I tried to watch this. We wanted something fun to pass the night. This clearly wasn't it. We didn't finish it. It was slow and boring. Then, I decided to watch it on my own. IThis movie is massively underrated.

I remember the first time I tried to watch this. We wanted something fun to pass the night. This clearly wasn't it. We didn't finish it. It was slow and boring.

Then, I decided to watch it on my own. I sat in my living room, I popped the DVD in, and patiently watched Killing Them Softly. And it was amazing.

Sure, the political allegory is incredibly unsbubtle, but Brad Pitt's performance, the films's slow pace and cold tone with sudden bursts of stylish violence, Pitt's final monologue and just the overall mood of the film are more than enough reasons to give this movie watch.

If you want a fun crime thriller, you'll be disappointed (this movie is s l o w), but if you're in the mood for something heavier (and slower) give this a watch. It's no Jesse James, but few films are.

It deserves a lot more love and it definitely does NOT deserve and F on Cinemascore.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
JackScratchDec 19, 2019
Underrated and unnoticed, this movie isn't the plot so much as the overall statement synopsized by pitt in a conversation at movies end. Its easy to overlook and will be missed or misconstrued by those looking for a "mob movie". It is quiteUnderrated and unnoticed, this movie isn't the plot so much as the overall statement synopsized by pitt in a conversation at movies end. Its easy to overlook and will be missed or misconstrued by those looking for a "mob movie". It is quite cynical but dead on with the state of america and quickly becing in the world - if not completely there yet. So if you watch this excellently made flick look beneath the plot to see what it's really all about.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
TripleBypastMay 16, 2023
Once I watched this movie once, it had me returning again and again because I love the characters and the often hilarious and witty dialogue. My favourite is Ben Mendelsohns portrayal of a dirty and disgusting Australian crim. Most definitelyOnce I watched this movie once, it had me returning again and again because I love the characters and the often hilarious and witty dialogue. My favourite is Ben Mendelsohns portrayal of a dirty and disgusting Australian crim. Most definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. 9/10… Expand
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