The Great Gatsby

4

holymoviecrapMay 13, 2013

too long by 45 minutes and slow, very slow. once again they focus on the mega parties instead of the characters, as a result the acting did not seem to be explore real human dimensions, two dimsional instead of really being fleshed out.too long by 45 minutes and slow, very slow. once again they focus on the mega parties instead of the characters, as a result the acting did not seem to be explore real human dimensions, two dimsional instead of really being fleshed out.

of course the green light is so important, but they show it so many times that it lost all impact.

what i did like was that Gatsby is just as corrupt and delusional as everyone else. of course that makes Nick's line at the end pretty stupid, "your worth more than all the rest put together".… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

BenihanaMay 13, 2013

With expectations of the flashy Roaring 1920s, I was certainly given the experience I wanted, albeit to a certain degree. Baz Luhrmanns style has certainly left a footprint in the way we visually enjoy a film, however I felt that the cameraWith expectations of the flashy Roaring 1920s, I was certainly given the experience I wanted, albeit to a certain degree. Baz Luhrmanns style has certainly left a footprint in the way we visually enjoy a film, however I felt that the camera cuts to new angles and takes away from the film by a small margin. The Great Gatsby contains an excellent cast (With my money on Maguire winning Best Supporting Actor at next years Oscars) and a story that remains intact even with Luhrmanns visual flair. Like the book, Maybe this film will be appreciated with time.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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3

BHBarryMay 13, 2013

“The Great Gatsby” stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey maguire (he spells it that way), Jason Clark and Joel Edgerton in this remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of life and its extravagances in the mid ‘20’s. Unfortunately, not“The Great Gatsby” stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Tobey maguire (he spells it that way), Jason Clark and Joel Edgerton in this remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel of life and its extravagances in the mid ‘20’s. Unfortunately, not true to the flavor and depth of this great novel, Director and Co-writer Baz Luhrmann gives us a glitzy overdone film with no depth or intensity but, instead, the shallowness of a music video. First, a disclaimer. I am no fan of either Tobey maguire or of Mr. DiCaprio and with these precommitted feelings, it’s difficult to enjoy any vehicle either of them are in, let alone both. Mr. maguire whines his way through this overdone narrative and Mr. DiCaprio continues to look like a teenager trying to play an adult. If he uttered the phrase “old spoaht” one more time in the film, I would’ve thrown my 3D glasses at the screen. Speaking of that, this film has no dimension so the need to try to see it in 3D is useless. I at one point took off the glasses and could not honestly tell the difference. So visually and substantively, the film lacks so much except one thing…..time. This lifeless seemingly never ending film lasts for 2 and hours and screams for an editor’s splicing machine. The special effects and scenery, as costly as they may have been, seems to be the impetus for the movie’s length since it’s hard to put so much set money on the floor of the editing room. The old “how many times did I look at my watch” test proved accurate for I recall no less than 6. This Gatsy is neither ‘great’ nor ‘good’ and, at best, is mediocre. As bad as the 1974 version of the film with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow was, this is probably worse. I give the film a rating of 3.The viewers, F. Scott and those interested in good filmmaking deserve better.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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8

kifozemMay 13, 2013

1st Time

Good The Great Gatsby was a Spectacle that has to be seen in 3D. DiCaprio stole the show and Luhrmann really did a fantastic job getting behind the sentiment of F. Scott's story. Bad The beginning half of the story felt very1st Time

Good The Great Gatsby was a Spectacle that has to be seen in 3D. DiCaprio stole the show and Luhrmann really did a fantastic job getting behind the sentiment of F. Scott's story.

Bad The beginning half of the story felt very buggy and some of the films music really doesn't fit with the scenes they are in. This is a very unconventional film and its made in a way that respects the music over whats happening on screen instead.

Overall Definitely see this movie in 3D only. It has fantastic acting and needs to be seen on the screen. It can be jarring at first but give it a shot. While this isnt my Favorite Luhrmann Film(Moulin Rouge), it is good and needs your attention.

*** 3 out of 5 Stars!

2nd time

OK so the second Time through The Great Gatsby, and seeing it with a different perspective... really focusing on the meaning behind the shots, music and cutting I've come to really appreciate Luhrmanns work even more. since most of you either have seen it or not seen it i will just say this when watching it or reflecting upon it. Look at the fast jittery scenes as an illusion of what was expected in that time period, a sort of Facade for what was really going on. Look at the slowed down bits as a realistic view of a romantics dream. the whole story hinges on Gatsby's love for Daisy and he goes to extreme heights, even jeopardizing himself just for her. i don't want to give away the ending to anyone who hasn't seen or read the story but this is a tried and true look at what people who truly love will do for other people while others who only want safety are willing to give up.

***` 3 1/2 stars out of 5… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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7

osuwkumanMay 12, 2013

You never know what you're going to get when a movie is hyped to the point of seeing some reference to it at every turn. Gatsby was a bit like that for me. And sometimes, the hype meets the HIGH expectations and sometimes it falls way short.You never know what you're going to get when a movie is hyped to the point of seeing some reference to it at every turn. Gatsby was a bit like that for me. And sometimes, the hype meets the HIGH expectations and sometimes it falls way short. I'd say Gatsby is somewhere in the middle. I enjoyed the movie, the story, and the characters, but there were a few sappy moments as well. I felt a bit torn between realism and fantasy and which one the director wanted me to be. Leonardo and Toby "made" the movie and without them, it could have been a yawner. The scenery, costumes, and makeup were EXCELLENT and who can argue the soundtrack that was pure genius to take today's music and spin it as 1920's. I left entertained and satisfied.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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6

Compi24May 11, 2013

It's first act is certainly aimless and unbearably frantic, but the rest of "The Great Gatsby" endures as an emotionally involving and thematically thought-provoking piece.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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10

theofficeMay 11, 2013

'The Great Gatsby' was an absolutely fantastic movie! The story, acting, cinematics... everything was at the highest level and definitely shows a high production value. Best movie I've seen in a long time. I had mixed expectations coming in'The Great Gatsby' was an absolutely fantastic movie! The story, acting, cinematics... everything was at the highest level and definitely shows a high production value. Best movie I've seen in a long time. I had mixed expectations coming in just based on some of the negative reviews I've heard but I honestly don't see why those even exist. I think what makes Gatsby a great film is that it is different. It's not your typical summer action movie. It's not your typical romantic love story. 'Gatsby' goes much deeper and further than the vast majority movies today tend to go. The acting and story really draw you in while the cinematic shots never cease to impress. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the film and highly recommend it to everyone. Just goes to show that when directors and writers actually try and stick to the source material instead of making their "improvements" you come out with a much better product.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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6

A7sus4May 11, 2013

I wasn't sure what to expect, but my expectations were relatively high. They were high however for Luhrmann's "thing" and here he frankly walks a pretty straight and narrow. The movie is a solid "good" movie, wonderful costumes,I wasn't sure what to expect, but my expectations were relatively high. They were high however for Luhrmann's "thing" and here he frankly walks a pretty straight and narrow. The movie is a solid "good" movie, wonderful costumes, acting/casting... but it never really took off the way I imagined the director would make it.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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10

mrfutbol107May 11, 2013

It was a great movie with a fantastic performance by Leonardo DiCaprio. It is an emotional thrill ride that has you on the edge of your seat throughout nearly all of the movie.

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

BadmohfackaMay 11, 2013

Baz Luhrmann really outdone himself with this one. Great honour to Fitzgerald for making a great movie out of a brilliant book. A don't get the negative reviews from the critics but I know they're unfair.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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5

tropicAcesMay 11, 2013

The set pieces are great. Exactly what I imagined when I read the book. The acting is pretty solid. But the overuse of CGI (on things as simple as rain on a dock) and heavy music take away from the movie. I don't hate the film, but I didn'tThe set pieces are great. Exactly what I imagined when I read the book. The acting is pretty solid. But the overuse of CGI (on things as simple as rain on a dock) and heavy music take away from the movie. I don't hate the film, but I didn't like it either. I literally nothing this movie.… Expand

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

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9

AwesomeReviewerMay 11, 2013

Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” is fairly accurate to the classic novel and keeps most of its themes intact. However, Luhrmann’s own flair adds a new dimension to the story. Visually this film is incredibly stunning. From grand sets to theBaz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” is fairly accurate to the classic novel and keeps most of its themes intact. However, Luhrmann’s own flair adds a new dimension to the story. Visually this film is incredibly stunning. From grand sets to the detailed period dresses, this film is a treat for the eyes. Never once does it not take your breath away from its impressive scenery. Many people might be worried about the updated music, but there is nothing to fear. Jay-Z’s track works incredible well with the film and complements the era in which it is set.

The direction in this film is impeccable. The cinematography is marvelous and really lets the viewer absorb the sheer artistry that has gone into making this film. Luhrmann keeps a high level of energy throughout the film and the party sequences are choreographed and edited in a way that it makes you feel envious of not being apart of it. Editing in the film is seamless and really keeps the viewer engaged. A common criticism the film receives is that it is more style than substance, however, I must disagree. This modern interpretation doesn’t forget its themes and morals from the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald tale.

Performances are phenomenal by the entire cast. Carey Mulligan’s Daisy is every bit as careless as one would expect, but she also manages to show some complexity in her role. Tobey Maguire is a great avatar for us to take on as we enter this film. He is very much the viewer as he sees everything happening, but is ultimately helpless to change anything. The true standouts in the film are Joel Edgerton and Leonardo DiCaprio. Edgerton as Tom Buchanan brings a lot of personality to his character that I thought was absent in the book. He’s a bit more tender and more vulnerable, especially when he finds out his wife’s secret. The true award recognition worthy performance comes from DiCaprio’s Gatsby. He hones on being a respectable, but idealistically insane man. His performance is not only compelling, but also charming and quit hopeful. He truly deserves some recognition come Oscar season.

Overall, “The Great Gatsby” is a fantastically entertaining and enthralling film. It is horribly underrated as it is filled with awards worthy visuals, sets, costumes, direction, and performances. It is a great time at the movies for anyone that enjoys the classic novel or who haven’t even heard of it. Not only is this film dramatically satisfying, but also quite humorous and a spectacle like no other. I give it 4.5/5, a great adaptation of one of the greatest novels ever written.… Expand

8 of 12 users found this helpful84

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10

knieskjMay 11, 2013

Perfection. Brought out every emotion from the book and then some. It may have left out or rearranged the details, but the heart and the idea of the book remained intact.

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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10

PinBBMay 11, 2013

Baz Luhrmann really has outdone himself in this film. The cast is beautiful as is the script. The scenes are a visual feast. It is as if Luhrmann reached into Fitzgerald's vision of the 20's, pulled out the heart of it and merged it with whatBaz Luhrmann really has outdone himself in this film. The cast is beautiful as is the script. The scenes are a visual feast. It is as if Luhrmann reached into Fitzgerald's vision of the 20's, pulled out the heart of it and merged it with what society is today, over nine decades later. Alongside personal strife, we see social inequality, abuse of drugs and alcohol, political and moral corruption, and the failure of financial institutions and their responsibility to people. This film will make you feel that these issues will always be relevant, and that not much changes from generation to generation.

The achingly romantic and hopeful Gatsby is played impeccably by DiCaprio. He has aged into a beautiful man while still possessing those boyish good looks. The beginning of the film has the viewer itching to see Gatsby and hear him speak, and when he finally appears he holds on and captivates throughout the film. The film may awaken something in you, a memory of when you were crazy in love with a person or in love with an idea for what your life should be. DiCaprio embodies a dream and makes you root for him, even though he is shown to be a liar and a man who is desperately trying to steal another's wife- all that does not matter because we see the gentle child-like frailty in him and identify with it. DiCaprio is an excellent actor and was perfect for the role.

I must say that I didn't think that Mulligan can pull the role of Daisy, who in my mind was supposed to be a flawless beauty. However, she didn't disappoint. It made Gatsby's love and desire for her even more fascinating- she was beautiful to him and that's all that mattered. Mulligan was able to play the spoiled and dazed rich girl well, while adding an emotional dimension to the character. Tobey Mcguire definitely held his own, and his story line had an interesting deviation from the novel which was enjoyable. All in all I think it is a must see this year for movie buffs.… Expand

11 of 16 users found this helpful115

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10

ClayMerrittMay 10, 2013

Let us get the obvious out of the way: The Great Gatsby as the inspirational literature piece, is extremely better than this movie. But lets not kid ourselves. This movie was a damn good movie. An AMAZING movie. Upon seeing the trailer forLet us get the obvious out of the way: The Great Gatsby as the inspirational literature piece, is extremely better than this movie. But lets not kid ourselves. This movie was a damn good movie. An AMAZING movie. Upon seeing the trailer for this movie, I had high expectations and couldn't wait to see the movie. Reviews starting filing in and I couldn't understand it. Bad review after bad review. My expectations lowered. As you would expect. The movie starts and it sort of started slow to me and somewhat worried me, but the movie started to get going and I found myself enjoying it thoroughly. By the end, the tragedy, the romance, the broken relationships, the lies, deceit. It was pure emotion. These were truly the life and times of Jay Gatsby. The rise and fall of Jay Gatsby, if you will. It was extraordinary from start to finish. Nothing captivated me like this since Django Unchained last year. I will definitely see this movie again. I highly recommend this movie regardless if you're a fan of the book or haven't read the book at all and enjoy a good movie. Very good.… Expand

7 of 13 users found this helpful76

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8

samichsupernovaMay 10, 2013

As a huge fan of DiCaprio, Mulligan, Fitzgerald and Lurhmann, I went in with pretty high expectations. Sure enough, the acting, direction and script are top-notch, if a little too faithful to the source material in letter, while being wildlyAs a huge fan of DiCaprio, Mulligan, Fitzgerald and Lurhmann, I went in with pretty high expectations. Sure enough, the acting, direction and script are top-notch, if a little too faithful to the source material in letter, while being wildly all over the place in tone, leading to a bloated, overlong production.

That said, I'd rather take something ambitious over the safe treatment any day: within these 2 1/2 hours, there are moments of incredible power, and the excesses of the time period are well demonstrated through the wicked party scenes.

Gatsby's parties are the highlight recalling modern mega-raves or top-notch Vegas clubs with the energy amped to 11, their bombast and spectacle threaten to overwhelm the rest of the film. If only Luhrmann could find a way to ensure that his film's visual dynamism didn't go head-to-head with anything that might be considered subtle... the director's over-abundant style robs the film of is realism: it takes place in a world that's decorated, lit, and shot as if it were an ethereal realm somehow divorced from the everyday, and like its titular character, the film does go above and beyond what's needed to impress.

Therein lies the film's biggest problem: the weight of Gatsby's ambitions and the non-stop eye-popping visuals coupled with lightning fast editing takes a toll on the flow of the story. For most of the film, Luhrmann doesn't let his scenes attain an organic flow of their own. His camera swivels through the air as if more interested in the set decoration than his own stars, and the edits rarely slow down even during the most intimate sequences.

Still, the performances are great all across the board. DiCaprio is far and away the standout, Maguire's Carroway is thankfully subtle (although his voice overs get to be a bit much), Carey Mulligan (my waifu) brings a real heart and soul to an underwritten and unlikeable Daisy (an unfortunate result of the film following its source material too slavishly), and Joel Edgerton makes a great Tom Buchanan. Perhaps it's telling of the strength of the source material and cast that the human element shines through despite Luhrmann's excesses.… Expand

14 of 23 users found this helpful149

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9

MattyiceMay 10, 2013

This movie was absolutely great, mainly for its screenplay and it staying true to the Gatsby storyline. It was enjoyable all the way through, DiCaprio was amazing as Gatsby, and all of the roles were well played. The music though was stunningThis movie was absolutely great, mainly for its screenplay and it staying true to the Gatsby storyline. It was enjoyable all the way through, DiCaprio was amazing as Gatsby, and all of the roles were well played. The music though was stunning and fit the mood, even if it wasn't all Jazz (Black 1920s music). Instead, cleverly they used Hip-hop (Modern day black music). Overall, if you have read, or not read the book, you should absolutely see this.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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10

Gatsby123May 10, 2013

Dude! This is the best movie of the summer!! I saw one of the best performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and the rest breaks too! I recommend to all!!

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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9

Movie1997May 10, 2013

I remember watching the trailer for this movie a year ago and expecting it to come out at Christmas. I just don't understand why the movie was delayed 6 months. But now that the movie is here I can personally say it was worth the wait. TheI remember watching the trailer for this movie a year ago and expecting it to come out at Christmas. I just don't understand why the movie was delayed 6 months. But now that the movie is here I can personally say it was worth the wait. The Great Gatsby is a very beautiful story and well told through miraculous cinematography, some visuals and fantastic acting. Hands down, Leonardo DiCaprio is the heart and soul of the movie. I mean, he's just such a tremendous actor. It may not be his biggest and best role, but he still gives one hell of a performance (just as usual). There were some even some other great actors such as Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan and even Tobey Maguire. I honestly wasn't sure if I would like him in this movie but he actual is really good. But his best role for me will always be in "Brothers". The cinematography is definitely one of the things that impressed me the most. Cinematographer Simon Duggan really knows how to not only get great shots, but take you through the world of Jay Gatsby himself. The one thing I really don't understand is this. Why is there a 3-D release for this movie? I mean, it has those good shots, but honestly it doesn't need to be shot in 3-D. That's like making "The Notebook" in 3-D. It just doesn't work. But don't let that distract you from watching an (Oscar worthy) type-movie. If your going to go watch it, watch it in 2-D. But overall, it's a beautifully crafted story of drama and romance.… Expand

7 of 13 users found this helpful76

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4

nothanksgivingMay 10, 2013

All of the ambiguity and thoughtfulness that is required to read 'The Great Gatsby' is thrown out of the window with characters' blatant explanations of symbols, ideas and character development.

10 of 23 users found this helpful1013

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10

woohooMay 10, 2013

I'll admit this is one of my favorite novels of all time. In my opinion it is THE great american novel. I think it encapsulates everything that is America. The excess, the lust for money, the shallowness of keeping up appearances, andI'll admit this is one of my favorite novels of all time. In my opinion it is THE great american novel. I think it encapsulates everything that is America. The excess, the lust for money, the shallowness of keeping up appearances, and people's admiration for those they deem successful.

I also think that Fitzgerald's novel stands the test of time and is just as relevant today. This movie captures the novel perfectly and hardly deviates from the book which is it's greatest strengths. The performance by DiCaprio as Gatsby is also out of this world. Don't listen to the critics, if you're a fan of the book you'll enjoy this movie.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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8

matteo704May 10, 2013

Contrary to what the majority of critics are saying about Luhrmann's Gatsby, there is a lot to love about the picture.2013's Gatsby contains everything that fans of the book have come to expect: grande scenes, vivacious music, and a world ofContrary to what the majority of critics are saying about Luhrmann's Gatsby, there is a lot to love about the picture.2013's Gatsby contains everything that fans of the book have come to expect: grande scenes, vivacious music, and a world of shallowness that becomes to much for the narrator (and audiences) to handle. The cast is stunning all around, from Jason Clarke's unstable Wilson to DiCaprio's glowing Gatsby, the performances are A-list. Tobey Maguire was brilliant as Nick Carraway, capturing the dry wit that Fitzgerald frequently utilized in the original novel. Unfortunately, it is not until the final act of the film that Luhrmann's direction truly allows the cast to genuinely act. The movie's first two acts were more focused on the glitz and glamour of the Roarin' Twenties than effectively setting the scene. Nonetheless, the colors of this adaptation are a breathe of fresh air in comparison to previous efforts. Overall, despite having an excess of flash and a sometimes effective ("Love is Blindness" at the film's climax)-often inappropriate (Jay-Z's "$100 Bill" used literally whenever the director saw fit) inclusion of modern rock and hip-hop into what is supposed to be a classic Jazz Age story, Luhrmann's clear passion for the work and a perfect cast more than makes up for it. Definitely worth the $9.50… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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9

MichaelDNMay 10, 2013

I'm going to make this very simple for you. If you like the book, you'll like the movie. Why? It encompasses everything that makes the novel great. The script basically is the book, from the narration, to the dialogue, the the plot line. TheI'm going to make this very simple for you. If you like the book, you'll like the movie. Why? It encompasses everything that makes the novel great. The script basically is the book, from the narration, to the dialogue, the the plot line. The magic of the book is brought to life by Baz Lurhmann's direction, and by the performances. We really get to see this fantastic world the same way we imagined Nick saw it, when we were reading the book. People complain about the style, and how it's too shallow, and goes out of its way to look good, but that's the point. Gatsby's fantastic life was completely shallow, but Nick didn't see that initially. I'm interested in hearing the opinion of someone who liked the book, but didn't like the movie, because I'd like to know what they were expecting. They must've read a different book than I did.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

GreenlemonadeMay 10, 2013

Saw this when it opened. Had low expectations because of movie critics who obviously grew up in the wrong era. The quality of the book is revived perfectly; It's a period peace, but transcends period with its subtle hints of modern music andSaw this when it opened. Had low expectations because of movie critics who obviously grew up in the wrong era. The quality of the book is revived perfectly; It's a period peace, but transcends period with its subtle hints of modern music and style. Every actor was perfectly cast. It's heavy use of Art Deco (my favorite architectural style) fills the screen with beauty that reaches for the heavens, however unattainable they were and still are.
Gatsby looks to the past not with nostalgia, but with regret of what was and what will never be.

p.s. I am usually very anti-3d but this movies 3d really pulls you into the grandness of it all.… Expand

26 of 37 users found this helpful2611

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The Great Gatsby

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