Mortal Kombat
New Line Cinema | Release Date: August 18, 1995
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 398 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
310
Mixed:
60
Negative:
28
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
Rox22Feb 13, 2013
While this movie is far from good, it is still one of the few video game to movie adaptations that is both good and fairly loyal to the source material. If anything this movie has an iconic soundtrack that pretty much any MK fan knows byWhile this movie is far from good, it is still one of the few video game to movie adaptations that is both good and fairly loyal to the source material. If anything this movie has an iconic soundtrack that pretty much any MK fan knows by heart. For it's time this movie was really good with some pretty decent fight scenes. A shame they went the PG route as a bit more blood and gore would have made it a bit more interesting. But, still that aside it still is pretty good. Acting is cheezy at times, but far better than can be expected. Overall: Far from perfect, but still a fun movie to watch.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
weskergamerApr 17, 2017
Mortal Kombat is one of the best martial-arts movie of all time. Based of the greatest fighting videogame franchise ever made, the movie has great kombats, lovely characters and the best music ever in any action movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
GeorgeK.Mar 1, 2009
Absolutely amazing. Sure it is an old movie now but still it has lavish production design. Everything is created in full detail, good acting, nice injections shots of humor, fascinating fights, excellent editing and one unfuzzy direction Absolutely amazing. Sure it is an old movie now but still it has lavish production design. Everything is created in full detail, good acting, nice injections shots of humor, fascinating fights, excellent editing and one unfuzzy direction from Anderson. Plus the exotic locations. Maybe the story is not serious-which it isn't-but it is presented in a way that makes the movie serious. Another plus-the exotic-atmospheric score by George S.Clinton, the techno soundtrack and the photography. It 's good to see locations that they have a blue feeling(Stage with SubZero), a hellish one(Scorpion) etc.. Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa is simply fantastic!… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful
10
gm101Mar 2, 2011
Best video game movie ever! I feel this is the only movie where the filmmakers actually respected the video game source material. I've watched this movie many times as a kid, and I always shout "MORTAL KOMBAT!" whenever I feel like it.
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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8
billrullerMar 21, 2012
I understand why some people say that this is a mixed bag type of movie. But myself, I honestly thought this was a very cool movie. Sure it's PG-13 and not as gory as the video games, but I still give it credit for some Fatalities, FlawlessI understand why some people say that this is a mixed bag type of movie. But myself, I honestly thought this was a very cool movie. Sure it's PG-13 and not as gory as the video games, but I still give it credit for some Fatalities, Flawless Victories, really cool fight scenes, and very good choice of casting. My most favorite MK character, Johnny Cage was funny and awesome. The best part was Goro looked great! The animatronics with the face and arms were fantastic that time in 1995. If this movie was made today, it would probably be CG. Sure there are a few problems with the movie, but its still a very good Video Game Based Motion Picture. Out of all of them, this is probably my most favorite out of VG films.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
JamyzDec 22, 2011
It's a fun movie to watch and to makes jokes of but it will be remembered for being the best live action video game movie it may not be a great movie but its a pretty ok movie with some awesome fight scenes and colorful characters like subIt's a fun movie to watch and to makes jokes of but it will be remembered for being the best live action video game movie it may not be a great movie but its a pretty ok movie with some awesome fight scenes and colorful characters like sub zero and scorpion.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
MovieLonely94Dec 21, 2010
this is way better than other horrible video game movies
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
MKfan95Mar 1, 2012
4 years since my first review on this movie, and still the best video game movie ever made, Mortal Kombat is what a fighting game movie should be; faithful to the game with a group of well-choreographed fight scenes and spot-on casting that4 years since my first review on this movie, and still the best video game movie ever made, Mortal Kombat is what a fighting game movie should be; faithful to the game with a group of well-choreographed fight scenes and spot-on casting that resembles the characters very well, plus, the overall concept is cool, the plot is well-paced, the actors do a great job (especially Robin Shou and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), the cinematography and set designs are wonderful, and for a film released in 1995, the special fx are actually nice to look at, I easily recommend this film to any hardcore gamer (especially those who are fans of the MK franchise).… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
TheQuietGamerJul 19, 2015
Cheesy martial arts fun. It's got overacting, plenty of goofy one-liners, and over-the-top action galore. The plot falls short thanks to simplicity and a lack of focus so the movie just comes off as one long fight scene. That's not really aCheesy martial arts fun. It's got overacting, plenty of goofy one-liners, and over-the-top action galore. The plot falls short thanks to simplicity and a lack of focus so the movie just comes off as one long fight scene. That's not really a bad thing. Even with the crappy CGI and bad special effects the movie is still a treat to look at thanks to the fact that it looks almost exactly like the videogames it's based on.

Admittedly if this wasn't based off of the Mortal Kombat games it probably wouldn't have been watchable. Had they have gone with original characters and themes the issues the movie has wouldn't have been so forgivable. It really is the faithfulness to the source material that keeps it afloat. The only thing it is missing are the series signature gory finishers. The action is noticeably tame in comparison to the games.

Still, fans of the series should definitely check this out. It might not be the most high-quality film out there, but it's enjoyable and probably the best movie adaption a videogame series like Mortal Kombat could hope for. Even if you are unfamiliar with the games it's based on the action and setting should still keep you entertained provided you like martial arts and don't mind putting up with all of the cheese.

I give "Mortal Kombat" an 8.5/10.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
10
CastleGhost666Apr 29, 2011
This is by far the best video game movie ever made!
The plot is enjoyable,the fighting is awesome,the acting is good a little cheesy but good.Every fan of MK will be pleased with this movie!
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
10
cfergojrSep 23, 2013
Mortal Kombat is still to this day the greatest video game-to-movie adaptation yet! The story follows the first game pretty well, the locations, actors, special effects and stunts were all amazing for its time. Hard to believe the moviesMortal Kombat is still to this day the greatest video game-to-movie adaptation yet! The story follows the first game pretty well, the locations, actors, special effects and stunts were all amazing for its time. Hard to believe the movies almost 20 years old.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
Voodoo123Sep 2, 2017
Guilty pleasure of mine please excuse....
+Made by a Director/production team who actually understood the 90's MK universe
+Fights include character moves from the original game +Well chosen cast execute the impressive martial artsGuilty pleasure of mine please excuse....
+Made by a Director/production team who actually understood the 90's MK universe
+Fights include character moves from the original game
+Well chosen cast execute the impressive martial arts choreography with gusto
+Story feels like a 90's saturday morning cartoon
+Sets and locations breath life to the story
+Memorable soundtrack
-sequels are just not the same ratio of fun/quality… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
TSDGApr 12, 2015
DECENT, Compared to the sequel, considering I found this movie at Walmart few days ago that had both the first and second MK movie on a single disc, I also saw both reviews by Nostalgia Critic!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TheJaggedShowJul 22, 2015
This is easily one of the better films based off of a video game. Though, it still has numerous flaws, as expected. If memory serves me well, it is the 4th highest grossing film based off of a video game ever. The presentation of theThis is easily one of the better films based off of a video game. Though, it still has numerous flaws, as expected. If memory serves me well, it is the 4th highest grossing film based off of a video game ever. The presentation of the characters were hit or miss. I do like Christopher Lambert's interpretation of Raiden, rather being wise and a little cocky than just the usual all-knowing thunder god. The action sequences were just okay, but when it came to any fight scenes with Goro, boy did it look clumsy. I know stop-motion can be unusual to work with, but I've seen more believable stuff from Monty Python. Obviously, this film did no favors for any of the actors' careers. Lambert was already established with the Highlander films, Robin Shou did Beverly Hills Ninja with Chris Farley and had a small role in DOA: Dead or Alive, and Bridgette Wilson was in Billy Madison with Adam Sandler....haven't heard anything from any of them since. A couple of the martial artists, like Chris Casamassa who played Scorpion and Hakim Alston who played Liu Kang's first opponent in the tournament, were on a short-live kids show called WMAC Masters and haven't really done anything since, unless you count what they do in their lives as martial artists. Overall, as any film, it was just okay. As a video game based film, it's definitely one of the much better ones.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
leviathanargApr 8, 2021
One of the greatest action movies ever.
I recall those special effects back in the day.
Actirs and characters so cool. My favorite actors were the ones playing Sonya and Shang Tsung. Also memorable are C. Lambert, Robin Shou and the guy thatOne of the greatest action movies ever.
I recall those special effects back in the day.
Actirs and characters so cool. My favorite actors were the ones playing Sonya and Shang Tsung. Also memorable are C. Lambert, Robin Shou and the guy that played Johnny Cage.
Great movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
josakFeb 6, 2007
Cool movie. If you liked the games at all, your going to enjoy this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanieruMay 13, 2008
Pure fun. And also the best film based on game. I think it really deserves its 10.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GabboE.Sep 2, 2008
Mortal Kombat is the greatest movie based on a video game ever made, everything about it was great, it followed the game really well, it was well casted, the special effects were pretty decent for it's time, the fight sequences were Mortal Kombat is the greatest movie based on a video game ever made, everything about it was great, it followed the game really well, it was well casted, the special effects were pretty decent for it's time, the fight sequences were excellent and the soundtrack was superb, this movie is definately one of my favorite movies of all-time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
FredBobOct 18, 2006
This movie has it's good spots, but the acting could be a little better. It does a great job capturing the intensity and creativity of the Mortal Kombat world.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
McGeeJul 12, 2006
One of my top 10 movies of all time. And, the first Movie Based on the Video Game, that captures everything the Game was ment to be.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KevinMMar 13, 2009
I liked this movie too, but I'm surprised it got this good of reviews, especially from critics.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
Phail3dOct 27, 2006
Alhtough the plot went a little too complicated and seperated from the main idea in it's latter parts, I still found Mortal Kombat fun to watch. Because the plot follows one of the original video games kind of well, I have the strange Alhtough the plot went a little too complicated and seperated from the main idea in it's latter parts, I still found Mortal Kombat fun to watch. Because the plot follows one of the original video games kind of well, I have the strange feeling that people who have played the video game(s) get more out of the movie; hence the better rating by users.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
Libra85Jan 1, 2011
I noticed this movie has no bad reviews and I couldn't agree more. This movie today is still in my top ten and Is the best video game adaptation to date. The presentation was flawless and the acting was very impressive. One of the best moviesI noticed this movie has no bad reviews and I couldn't agree more. This movie today is still in my top ten and Is the best video game adaptation to date. The presentation was flawless and the acting was very impressive. One of the best movies I have ever seen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
skohlMay 3, 2019
There's no need to write a review for this movie in 2019, but I just want to say that for my money it's still the best video game to film adaptation.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
imthenoobJun 12, 2020
I think it's the perfect cult movie. The cast is spot-on for the characters they portray, The action scenes are enjoyable and it manages to be just the right amount of cheesy where it's comedic but not overly so. Mortal Kombat is such aI think it's the perfect cult movie. The cast is spot-on for the characters they portray, The action scenes are enjoyable and it manages to be just the right amount of cheesy where it's comedic but not overly so. Mortal Kombat is such a criminally underrated movie and really one of the better video game based films to ever come out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Meth-dudeDec 9, 2014
While the special effects and story are not well made,The acting and the fight scenes are better that I expected.The tournament is well made,but unfortunately it's hard to get into the movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
Kai82Feb 1, 2020
The extremely rare case of a good video game adaptation. With a bit of improvements and adding of fatalities (Unique feature of the Mortal Kombat games) this would be a cult classic of its genre. It is based on the famous Mortal KombatThe extremely rare case of a good video game adaptation. With a bit of improvements and adding of fatalities (Unique feature of the Mortal Kombat games) this would be a cult classic of its genre. It is based on the famous Mortal Kombat fighting video game series. Which had about 18 games at the time of writing and sold more than 25 million copies. There were 2 unique features of the games: 1. They used blue screen to capture real life actors. 2.The games gave you fatalities that are over the top gory executions of your enemies. It was what made the games popular. It was the hot topic on the school yard and the stuff of legends back then;-). Back to the movie: They capture the essence of the games. There is a fighting tournament that determinate the fate of the earth (realm). It was set up to avoid a war as an evil immortal ruler of another realm wants to takeover earth (The term assimilation / merge is closer if I think about it). The best martial artist of earth fight against their best fighters. When earth realm has lost 10 times in a row all will be lost. This times it is serious as earth has lost the last 9 tournaments. The strength of the movie is the good balance between seriousness and taking itself not serious. If this was intentional then this is magnificent and should be praised. Then there is the good humour. I didn't expect to have this many good laughs in this movie. The cast is well chosen. Robin Shou is an incredible Liu Kang. Practical an uncut diamond that will grow in his role. Linden Ashby nails the role of Johnny Cage. An actor who is also a martial artist that is not taken serious because of his acting role. He is also the stereo type of an American that has the cultural sensibility of a brick (but is a hero underneath). Bridgette Wilson is a fitting Sonja Blade first but a decline for the later parts (Script wise she got demoted / Not the actress fault). The fan favourites Ninjas Scorpion and Sub Zero are underused outside of combat. Christopher Lambert as Raiden should be a mismatch but his acting is so over the top hilarious and entertaining that he became a highlight. The villains are awesome. Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa performance as Shang Tsung puts a smile on your face. He likes to be the bad guy and plotter. Goro (A clay model) is an intimidating opponent that lives to crush his enemies. A martial arts / fighting movie is only good when it has good battles. This movie delivers a lot of good and memorable battles. The best are Johnny Cage vs Scorpion / Goro followed by Liu Kang vs Sub Zero / Reptile and the final battle. The only mismatch is Sonja Blade vs Kano. It would be good but Sonja looks really skinny / inferior in the scenes (Could fix it with better cuts). It must also mention the score. The Mortal Kombat theme is as energizing and awesome today as it was back then. The rest of the score helps to deliver the atmosphere of the movie. Overall this is a good video game adaptation and an enjoyable movie. The main critique from others is pointless. It is not a cultural valuable or intellectual movie. Comparing this to a Shakespearian movie is like rating a fish for his climbing skills.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
reconplayer9037Jan 30, 2015
Unlike it's sequel, this movies plot is respectable. The fight scenes are better than its sequel and the special effects are great for its age. If you are a fan of action movies, this is a must have. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DanielGrimes94Aug 28, 2023
Get a grip the Actual game spirit, well sync choreographed scenes, mix with a high pump original score, charming acting and enlarge the one dimensionality that character's and Story suffer from the videogames at that time, no without it'sGet a grip the Actual game spirit, well sync choreographed scenes, mix with a high pump original score, charming acting and enlarge the one dimensionality that character's and Story suffer from the videogames at that time, no without it's flaws, some cheap lighting and at sometimes bad special effects still make put the movie on thumbs up list… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
CalcalousAug 8, 2015
Disastrously cheesy but eerily intriguing/nostalgic like futa porn overall.
Acting was hammy but Lambert and Ashby's performance did stand out. I feel it was more the fault of the script rather than the cast (for the most part), like theDisastrously cheesy but eerily intriguing/nostalgic like futa porn overall.
Acting was hammy but Lambert and Ashby's performance did stand out. I feel it was more the fault of the script rather than the cast (for the most part), like the special effects, it had '90 s' written all over it. Tagawa, the actor everyone know though few can name managed to pull off the serious side to an otherwise comedic role if handed to another. What I did like were two of the fight scenes which the original MK soundtrack complimented so perfectly and charged our anticipation, alas it didn't last long. In the end it's not a bad movie but just a sign of the time's limits as well as extensive boundaries in film. You can just tell straight off if a certain production have a cultist following, and this does for good reason. It does have little nods to the game but nothing overly satisfying. Fans; don't expect it to be anything like the game. (PS. dank soundtrack)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
kirkhillesJul 26, 2020
Ah, I remember seeing it in the theater and those opening credits with the music was shaking the seats. Awesome. So, does it hold up 25 years later? You bet. Cheesy? Yep. Fun? Oh yeah. It's a movie that doesn't pretend to be anything it'sAh, I remember seeing it in the theater and those opening credits with the music was shaking the seats. Awesome. So, does it hold up 25 years later? You bet. Cheesy? Yep. Fun? Oh yeah. It's a movie that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. It's true to the game, it doesn't drag on and the dialog and special effects while silly, is usable. I'm watching it now and have no interest in doing anything else.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
JPKDec 7, 2019
Dumb Fun
Mortal Kombat ain’t smart, But for a fan of action, It’s a dream come true.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
KelvinSelimorMar 2, 2020
Mortal Kombat. Get over here! Generally speaking, Mortal Kombat is a good transfer of the game to large screens. The battle scenes look great even though Liu Kang constantly screams at them. Loved Rayden by Christopher Lambert.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
CoreGamer1408Dec 16, 2018
This one film gave hope that video games to film adaptations could really work. I waited form 1995 till 2007 for the Hitman movie to drop, damn it. Was this a flawless victory of cinema going? Not quite, but it was fun to watch. With someThis one film gave hope that video games to film adaptations could really work. I waited form 1995 till 2007 for the Hitman movie to drop, damn it. Was this a flawless victory of cinema going? Not quite, but it was fun to watch. With some really cool fight scenes and fight finishers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
alexandreaNov 25, 2021
Believe me when I say that the only thing missing from this movie is insane amounts of gore.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Rcavey92212Jul 2, 2020
This movie was such a huge part of my childhood. I remember my dad taking me and my friends to a matinee the theater went dark and the theme exploded in digital sound. What followed just blew my mind. Revisiting it now it obviously hasn'tThis movie was such a huge part of my childhood. I remember my dad taking me and my friends to a matinee the theater went dark and the theme exploded in digital sound. What followed just blew my mind. Revisiting it now it obviously hasn't aged well. Its undoubtedly goofy, the special effects leave something to be desired and the performances are overly campy. That being said Paul W.S. Anderson future director of the Resident Evil franchise and also responsible for the underrated sci-fi epic Event Horizon directs the proceedings with a straightforward confidence celebrating the corny aspects and relishing in the video game world. Ultra stylish with a killer soundtrack and some great action sequences. Mortal Kombat is truly one of the best video game adaptations.

Budget: $18M
Box Office: $122.1M

8/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KunrayApr 9, 2021
Amazing overall aesthetic, interesting story & characters not a whole lot to hate on to be honest. Me, for my part enjoyed it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DiptanshuJul 12, 2022
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Classic!
The 90s chessiness and awesome music in between fight with the mortal kombat characters and the tournament It was a iconic movie, The story was decent and cgi was absurdly bad still enjoyed how cringe and awesome it was, The starting character intros the johnny cage, sonya balde and lui with the princess The chemistry was great, the absurd jokes of johnny cage and the love relations was amazing, The scorpio fight was iconic and the sub-zero water kill was awesome, although the classic characters were dead early still the villian's corny and awesome performance makes it last, The raiden was awesome and the 4hander fight was good, The ending fight at outerworld was decent and the ending with classic iconic pose of all it was an awesome end, Overall it was cheesy, entertaining and an iconic classic!… Expand
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10
HardRockLiveJun 14, 2022
This movie is awesome. Low budget and great result. "Get over here" of the century.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
mikesgold2KFeb 8, 2022
Świetny jak na swoje czasy film, sceny walk dalej świetnie się ogląda, jednak efekty specjalne nie przetrwały już próby czasu. Jest szacunek do materiału źródło
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Mr_arsenelJun 4, 2022
I did not expect this movie to be as good as it was it gets a positive 7,8 from me I can’t stand Chris lambert as rayden and I am not ok with how they felt my man reptile but the soundtrack mwha and it sets up for a epic sequel even tho fromI did not expect this movie to be as good as it was it gets a positive 7,8 from me I can’t stand Chris lambert as rayden and I am not ok with how they felt my man reptile but the soundtrack mwha and it sets up for a epic sequel even tho from what I heard the sequel will be everything but epic… Expand
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7
GuzmaNn131Sep 7, 2023
Esta película me encanto. Pero siendo objetivo es bastante regular tirando para mediocre...


Aun así, si eres fan de esta saga, te la recomiendo. No pierdes nada con verla
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