Jared's Choice, Reelive

Jared
Jared

In the end, we’re all just a collection of choices.

Voice
Voice

Do you want to be happy?

Jared
Jared

I just want to understand.

Voice
Voice

Understand what?

Jared
Jared

Why things are the way they are.

Voice
Voice

And what if you never find out?

Jared
Jared

Then I’ll just keep choosing.

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive

Jared
Jared

You know, they say that a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a typhoon.

Companion
Companion

That's just a metaphor, isn't it?

Jared
Jared

Maybe, but it shows how connected everything is.

Companion
Companion

But do you believe that?

Jared
Jared

How can I not?

Companion
Companion

So every choice I make leads to something bigger?

Jared
Jared

Exactly. Every moment is a butterfly.

Fading Memories, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Do you ever wonder if memories fade?

Companion
Companion

Of course. They’re just pictures, right?

Jared
Jared

But they feel so real.

Companion
Companion

Until they don’t.

Jared
Jared

Exactly... it’s like losing pieces of yourself.

Companion
Companion

Then hold onto what matters.

Jared
Jared

What if what matters is gone?

Life and Choices, Reelive

Jared
Jared

What do you think life is?

Companion
Companion

It’s a series of choices.

Jared
Jared

And what if I choose wrong?

Companion
Companion

Then you learn, and you choose again.

Jared
Jared

But what if it’s too late?

Companion
Companion

It never is.

Parallel Universes, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Do you believe in alternate realities?

Friend
Friend

You mean like parallel universes?

Jared
Jared

Exactly—different choices, different outcomes.

Friend
Friend

So you think there’s another me out there?

Jared
Jared

Why not? Every decision opens a new door.

Friend
Friend

Scary thought.

Jared
Jared

Or freeing.

Hope vs. Despair, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel.

Companion
Companion

Why? You have so much to live for.

Jared
Jared

Or so it seems.

Companion
Companion

Don't forget the light.

Jared
Jared

What light? It flickers.

Companion
Companion

That’s when it matters most.

The Unanswered Question, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Why didn’t I choose her?

Companion
Companion

You chose what you thought was right.

Jared
Jared

But did I? Or did I just choose fear?

Companion
Companion

Fear is a choice, too.

Jared
Jared

And it haunts me.

Companion
Companion

Maybe it’s time to stop letting it.

Looking Back, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Do you think it’s good to look back?

Companion
Companion

It can be. It helps you learn.

Jared
Jared

But what if all you see is regret?

Companion
Companion

Then you know what to avoid.

Jared
Jared

But I can’t change it.

Companion
Companion

No, but it shapes your future.

What if?, Reelive

Jared
Jared

What if I had chosen differently?

Companion
Companion

But you didn’t.

Jared
Jared

Does it matter?

Companion
Companion

Of course it does!

Jared
Jared

What if my choices are a curse?

Companion
Companion

Then turn them into a blessing.

The Nature of Love, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Is love even real?

Partner
Partner

Of course it is.

Jared
Jared

But it feels fleeting.

Partner
Partner

Maybe it’s meant to be.

Jared
Jared

Like everything else? Temporary?

Partner
Partner

Everything fades, except the memories.

Time and Choices, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Does time ever stop?

Companion
Companion

No, it keeps moving.

Jared
Jared

Then why does it feel like I’m stuck?

Companion
Companion

Because you’re thinking too much.

Jared
Jared

Or not enough.

Companion
Companion

Or maybe you’re just afraid to move.

Moments of Clarity, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Some moments define us.

Companion
Companion

And some moments we forget.

Jared
Jared

But isn’t that the beauty of it?

Companion
Companion

To choose what stays with us?

Jared
Jared

Yes. It’s how we become who we are.

Companion
Companion

And who we want to be.

Reflections on Existence, Reelive

Jared
Jared

What does it mean to exist?

Friend
Friend

To make choices.

Jared
Jared

But what if those choices lead nowhere?

Friend
Friend

Then you choose again.

Jared
Jared

And again. It’s exhausting.

Friend
Friend

Or liberating.

The Weight of Regret, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Regret is heavy.

Companion
Companion

Then let it go.

Jared
Jared

How can I? It’s a part of me.

Companion
Companion

But it doesn’t define your future.

Jared
Jared

Doesn’t it?

Companion
Companion

Only if you allow it to.

Embracing Uncertainty, Reelive

Jared
Jared

Uncertainty is terrifying.

Companion
Companion

Or exhilarating.

Jared
Jared

How can you feel exhilarated by the unknown?

Companion
Companion

Because it opens opportunities.

Jared
Jared

But what if I fail?

Companion
Companion

Then you learn and try again.

The Search for Happiness, Reelive

Jared
Jared

What makes you happy?

Friend
Friend

The little things.

Jared
Jared

But what if the little things aren't enough?

Friend
Friend

Then find bigger things.

Jared
Jared

And what if they don’t exist?

Friend
Friend

You have to create them.

Living in the Moment, Reelive

Jared
Jared

You know, I think we forget to live in the moment.

Companion
Companion

Because we’re too busy thinking about the past or future.

Jared
Jared

But this moment is all we really have.

Companion
Companion

Make it count.

Jared
Jared

How?

Companion
Companion

By being present.

Nemo Nobody

I am nobody. And you are nobody. And we are all nobody.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

You don’t know what you will become. You can only choose what you want to be.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Choices are so important. They have the power to shape our lives.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Life is like a river. It neither ebbs nor flows in one direction.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

The past is just a story we tell ourselves.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

I don’t want to find my way home. I want to find my way to you.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Every decision is a choice, and every choice is a branch.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

To be is to be perceived.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

To dream and be awake simultaneously is the greatest paradox.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

If you don’t choose, you’ll be stuck where you are.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

You can’t change the past, but you can change how you react to it.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

What if you had the option to love without consequence?

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

What are you afraid of? No one really dies.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Our lives are defined by the choices we don’t make.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

What if I told you life is just the sum of what you choose to remember?

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

I have lived my life with a little gap between dreams and reality.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Time has a mind of its own.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

You have to take risks to make a dream come true.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

In the end, we are all prisoners of our choices.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Being yourself is the only thing that matters.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

The universe gives us everything we need, but we often fail to see it.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Love can be overwhelming, sometimes it is the only thing worth fighting for.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

Hey, remember that you are a beautiful accident of the universe.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive
Nemo Nobody

You have to find what you really want in order to live fully.

Nemo Nobody

Mr. Nobody, Reelive

All Is Love

All Is Love by Karen O and the Kids, Playing during significant emotional moments

Save Me

Save Me by Aimee Mann, Played in a reflective scene

Radioactive

Radioactive by Kings of Leon, Featured in a pivotal scene

By Your Side

By Your Side by Sade, Background during a romantic scene


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The First Moment of Choice

Nemo, as a child, must decide whether to follow his mother or father at the train station. The tension rises as he understands this decision will shape his future. The visuals of the crowded station, filled with uncertainty, reflect Nemo's internal struggle. When he chooses to run after his father, the sound of the train fading is haunting. This scene sets the stage for the film's exploration of choices and their consequences.

Context: This moment captures the essence of Nemo’s character and foreshadows the complex relationships and choices that will follow throughout his life.

The Infinite Possibilities

Nemo explains the concept of alternate realities while talking to Anna on the bus. The visuals become more vibrant, shifting between scenes of his different life paths. The dialogue is profound as he reveals how every choice leads to a different outcome. ‘Each decision branches out into a new reality…’ The moment feels electric, full of potential and confusion.

Context: This conversation reveals the film’s core theme of choice and causality, positioning Nemo as a conduit for exploring the infinite nature of life’s paths.

Meeting Elise

Nemo meets Elise at a party. The chemistry is palpable as they dance. This moment is beautiful and magical, filled with soft lighting and romantic music. When they share their first kiss, time seems to freeze, emphasizing how significant this connection is for Nemo. It highlights the romantic possibility in his life.

Context: Elise represents a turning point in Nemo’s life, and their relationship introduces a different set of choices that echo throughout the film.

The Death of a Child

Nemo attends his son’s funeral, overwhelmed by grief and despair. The raw emotion is palpable, shown in his trembling hands and tear-filled eyes. His voice breaks as he recalls memories. This heartbreaking moment showcases the weight of loss and the fragility of life, and it feels like a devastating wake-up call for Nemo.

Context: This scene serves as a hard reminder of the consequences of Nemo’s choices and the emotional toll they take on his life and relationships.

The Moment of Truth

In a climactic scene, Nemo faces the choice of revealing his true identity to Anna. The visuals are intense, focusing close on their faces, shadowed and lit by flickering lights. His words are cautious but impactful as he admits, ‘I am not who you think I am.’ This moment shifts the dynamic of their relationship substantially.

Context: This is a pivotal point where the facade crumbles, and both characters must grapple with the truth, forcing them to confront their feelings.

The Butterfly Effect

Nemo observes a butterfly in a park, contemplating how small choices can lead to significant changes. The camera zooms in on the butterfly, and then back to Nemo’s contemplative face. The scene is serene yet heavy with the weight of all the choices he has made. It is a moment of reflection that underscores the film's theme of interconnectedness.

Context: This scene emphasizes the ripple effect of choices, reinforcing the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative.

The Old Man's Reflection

Older Nemo recounts his life choices to a younger character, reflecting on his past. The setting is quiet and solemn, creating an atmosphere of introspection. His voice carries the weight of regret and acceptance. ‘I have lived many lives…each one a different me.’ This moment feels like a summation of his journey.

Context: This reflection elevates the narrative, tying together past and present, allowing the audience to see the full impact of his choices.

Seeing Anna Again

Nemo reconnects with Anna after years apart. Their initial awkwardness gives way to a profound honesty as they share their feelings. The lighting is warm and inviting, and the dialogue is heartfelt. ‘I thought I lost you forever,’ Nemo says, revealing deep vulnerability. Their chemistry reignites, culminating in an emotional embrace.

Context: This meeting emphasizes the persistence of love and connection amidst the chaos of choices they’ve faced.

The Train Station Revisited

Nemo returns to the train station from his childhood, mirroring his first choice. The visual parallelism speaks volumes. He watches the trains come and go, contemplating the paths he could have taken. 'What if…?' hangs in the air as he begins to reflect again on his life.

Context: This location holds significant emotional gravity for Nemo and acts as a metaphor for the choices he faces.

The Embrace of Time

Nemo experiences a time lapse during a montage that showcases different moments from his life. The visuals shift quickly through happy, sad, and even mundane moments. The music builds and layers the emotions beautifully. It feels like a whirlwind of life, showing time’s relentless passage and the choices intertwined with it.

Context: This scene encapsulates the concept of time in the film, reiterating that every moment is woven with the choices we make.

The Reckoning with Regret

In a quiet moment, Nemo reflects on his past relationships, filled with regret. He recites, ‘There’s a strange comfort in knowing you could have chosen differently.’ The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow. The camera slowly pans out, showing him alone, symbolizing his isolation amid the choices he wishes he could alter.

Context: Here, viewers are confronted with the emotional burden of regrets and the importance of acceptance.

The World Without Him

Nemo imagines a reality where he never existed, experiencing feelings of abandonment and loneliness. The visuals are dark and cold, contrasting with vibrant moments from his life. A voiceover captures his realization, ‘Without me, there’s a whole world that keeps moving forward…’ It is a chilling revelation.

Context: This scene forces Nemo (and viewers) to confront the impact of one’s existence and the reality of choice.

The Intertwined Fates

Nemo meets the different versions of people he's loved in various timelines, showcasing how relationships change based on choices. Each interaction is visually distinct, portraying varying levels of love and happiness. Nemo sees the contrasting lives he could have led with each of them.

Context: This moment dives into the theme of interconnectedness and how our lives are shaped by the choices we make.

The Final Decision

In the climax, Nemo faces the ultimate choice between two paths. The environment is beautifully chaotic, reflective of his inner turmoil. ‘No matter what I choose, I lose something,’ he mumbles, grappling with his fate. As he takes a step forward, the screen blurs, emphasizing the weight of his decision.

Context: This moment marks not just a plot climax but also a character defining moment.

The Love Letter

Nemo writes a letter to Anna that he never sends, revealing his deepest feelings and regrets. The visuals focus on his hand, trembling as he writes. ‘You were my anchor,’ he writes, conveying vulnerability. This intimate moment showcases his longing and sorrow.

Context: The unmailed letter symbolizes unexpressed emotions and the weight of love unfulfilled.

The Balloons of Possibility

During a birthday party, Nemo watches balloons float away, representing lost opportunities. The camera captures the moment in slow motion, drawing out the bittersweet feelings as he realizes that each balloon signifies a path not taken.

Context: This visual metaphor resonates deeply, emphasizing the thematic focus on chance and choice throughout the film.

The Dance of Life

At a pivotal gathering, Nemo dances with different people, symbolizing the varied paths his life could take. Each dance is different, reflecting the nuances of connection and choice. The energy builds, creating a joyous yet melancholic atmosphere.

Context: Dancing serves as a metaphor for the spontaneity of life and how each action can lead to entirely different realities.

The Leap of Faith

In a powerful moment, Nemo stands at a cliff, contemplating a leap into the unknown. The visual of him against the vast landscape evokes a sense of freedom and fear. As he jumps, the world blurs around him, symbolizing the significant transformation that comes with any major decision.

Context: This leap signifies a turning point, embodying the essence of choice and the bravery it often requires.

The Final Goodbye

Before parting from a significant relationship, Nemo shares a bittersweet goodbye. Their parting words hang heavy in the air. ‘I will always choose you, in every life,’ he states. A lingering gaze reveals mutual understanding and pain, solidifying their connection.

Context: This moment embodies the emotional weight that choices carry and serves as a reminder of what’s at stake.

Facing the Mirror

Nemo confronts his reflection in a mirror, grappling with his identity. The lighting is stark, and the silence amplifies his internal struggle. ‘Who am I?’ he whispers, emphasizing his confusion over the choices he’s made.

Context: This moment deepens the audience's understanding of Nemo’s character and the existential themes echoed throughout the film.

The Voice of Youth

Younger Nemo passionately speaks about his dreams and aspirations, brimming with hope. The enthusiasm in his voice is infectious, highlighting the innocence of youth before reality complicates things. ‘We can be anything!’ he declares, filling the scene with optimism.

Context: This contrasts with Nemo’s present self, juxtaposing the idealism of his youth with the complexity of adulthood.

A Glimpse Forward

In a brief vision, Nemo sees snippets of possible futures, each dictated by different choices. The visuals flit between vibrant and dark, showing the duality of possibility. The tension builds as he realizes the significant weight of his decisions.

Context: This vision captures the essence of uncertainty that choices bring, a central thesis of the film’s exploration.

The Reunion with the Past

Nemo unexpectedly meets an old friend from his past, reigniting memories and emotions. The visuals flash back and forth between past and present, creating an emotional whirlwind. Their conversation touches on lost chances and the paths they took, deepening the impact of nostalgia.

Context: This scene explores the impact of past relationships and how they shape one's identity and choices.

The Sound of Silence

In a poignant moment, Nemo sits in silence, lost in thought. The world around him fades to a hushed calm, isolating his emotions. It’s a powerful portrayal of loneliness amidst chaos, emphasizing the solitude that often follows big decisions.

Context: This moment underscores the internal conflict that choices can provoke, resonating deeply with the audience.

The Collective Journey

As multiple characters’ storylines converge, the visuals depict different paths traversed by each character. The intercutting reveals connections and consequences of choices made. ‘We’re all just trying to find our way,’ one character reflects, bringing the film’s themes of universality to the forefront.

Context: This moment encapsulates the essence of the film, highlighting how interconnected lives can be shaped by individual choices.


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Casting Choices

Initially, director Jaco Van Dormael sought out several high-profile actors for the role of Nemo Nobody, including actors like Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp. Ultimately, Jared Leto was cast, bringing a unique depth to the character.

Why it matters: Leto's portrayal introduced a profound sense of vulnerability and complexity to Nemo, allowing audiences to connect with the character's existential dilemmas. His performance resonated with the film's themes of choice and the multiplicity of life paths.

Non-linear Storytelling

The screenplay's non-linear structure was highly deliberate, aimed at mirroring the chaotic nature of choices and life paths that the character navigates.

Why it matters: This unconventional narrative technique forces audiences to engage actively with the plot, making them reflect on their own life decisions as they piece together Nemo's fragmented story.

Iconic Visual Effects

The film employed over 700 visual effects shots, which was ambitious for a modest budget. Many effects were created in-house by the production team, enhancing the film's ethereal quality.

Why it matters: These visual elements not only accentuated the surreal atmosphere but also supported the themes of perception and reality, drawing viewers deeper into Nemo's multifaceted universe.

Personal Connection

Jaco Van Dormael based some aspects of the film on his own life experiences, including themes of choice, love, and identity.

Why it matters: This personal touch adds authenticity and emotional weight to the narrative, allowing audiences to feel a genuine connection to the philosophical questions raised by the film.

Experimental Music Score

The film's score, composed by Pierre Van Dormael, featured an innovative blend of orchestral and electronic elements, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.

Why it matters: The score enhances the film's emotional landscape, evoking feelings of nostalgia and longing that resonate with the character's journey through various lives.

Mise-en-scène Details

Every visual detail was meticulously planned, with significant symbolism embedded in the set designs, such as the use of contrasting colors to reflect the character’s emotional states.

Why it matters: These choices deepen the audience's understanding of Nemo's internal conflicts, enriching the viewing experience beyond the plot itself.

Shooting Locations

The film was shot in various locations across Europe, including Brussels, Berlin, and Toronto, which contributed to the diverse atmospheres reflected in the story.

Why it matters: The choice of locations helped emphasize the theme of different paths in life, showcasing the beauty and complexity of human experience.

Jared Leto’s Transformation

To accurately portray a character spanning numerous ages and experiences, Leto undertook significant physical transformation, including weight fluctuations for various life stages.

Why it matters: His commitment to embodying Nemo’s complexity is palpable in the performance, effectively conveying a sense of life lived fully and deeply across different realities.

The Butterfly Effect

The concept of the butterfly effect is woven throughout the film, illustrated through key scenes that show how small decisions can lead to drastically different outcomes.

Why it matters: This philosophical underpinning invites viewers to reflect on their life choices and the unseen impact they may have, making the film a thought-provoking experience.

Last-Minute Script Changes

Several scenes underwent significant rewrites just days before filming to tighten the narrative and improve character arcs.

Why it matters: These changes helped refine the film’s themes and emotional peaks, making the character journeys more relatable and resonant for audiences.

Subtle References to Other Works

The film includes nods to various literary and philosophical works, including Borges and the concepts of parallel universes.

Why it matters: These references enrich the narrative, allowing for deeper readings and discussions among audiences familiar with these ideas.

Innovative Editing Techniques

The editing process involved unique cuts and transitions, blending scenes in ways that reflect the fluidity of memories and choices.

Why it matters: This editing style enhances the viewer’s immersion in the chaotic and multidimensional aspect of Nemo’s journey, making the narrative feel alive and dynamic.

Cameo from Jaco Van Dormael

Director Jaco Van Dormael makes a brief appearance in the film, adding his personal touch to the storytelling.

Why it matters: This cameo provides a unique connection between the creator and the narrative, reinforcing the themes of identity and the self.

Philosophical Foundations

The foundation of the film rests heavily on existential philosophy, particularly the works of philosophers like Schopenhauer.

Why it matters: The engagement with these complex ideas gives the film a richer context, prompting audiences to contemplate deeper existential questions.

Character Backstories

Detailed backstories were created for each of Nemo’s potential lives, although not all made it into the final cut.

Why it matters: This careful world-building adds depth to the narrative, enriching viewers' understanding of choices and their implications even in unseen contexts.

Emotional Performances

The emotional weight of the film was heightened by extensive rehearsals and improvisation between actors, resulting in spontaneous moments captured on camera.

Why it matters: These authentic interactions added realism and emotional resonance, inviting viewers to connect on a personal level with the characters.

Artistic Collaboration

The film's visual style was the result of close collaboration between Van Dormael and cinematographer Christophe Beaucarne, who developed a unique aesthetic.

Why it matters: Their collaborative vision made the film visually striking and thematically coherent, reinforcing the emotional stakes through creative imagery.

Animal Symbolism

Butterflies appear throughout the film, symbolizing transformation and the fragility of life choices.

Why it matters: These symbols deepen the narrative, encouraging viewers to interpret the significance of change and possibility in their own lives.

Jared Leto's Research

Leto conducted extensive research on the effects of aging and memory to accurately depict his character's experiences across various timelines.

Why it matters: His dedication to authenticity enhances the believability of the character, allowing audiences to engage with Nemo’s complexities more deeply.

The Role of Narration

The film's narration was initially recorded in a more traditional manner but was later reworked to have a more conversational tone.

Why it matters: This change made the storytelling feel more intimate and personal, engaging viewers as if they’re part of Nemo's inner dialogue.

Cultural References

The film features numerous references to pop culture, ranging from music to films, grounding its surrealist narrative within the context of viewers’ own experiences.

Why it matters: These connections help bridge the film's high-concept ideas with relatable cultural touchstones, enhancing accessibility for diverse audiences.

Impact of Audiences

Test screenings led to additional edits, including the reordering of scenes for improved narrative flow based on audience reactions.

Why it matters: This responsiveness to viewer feedback underscored the filmmakers' commitment to creating an engaging and coherent experience, demonstrating the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Visual References to Art

Certain scenes were visually inspired by famous artworks, consciously integrating artistic influences into the film's aesthetic.

Why it matters: This layering of visual art within cinema enriches the film's imagery, inviting art enthusiasts to appreciate the film through multiple lenses.

Themes of Isolation

The film explores themes of loneliness and isolation, particularly through the character of Nemo, who reflects on the nature of human connection.

Why it matters: This thematic exploration resonates with many viewers, inviting personal reflections on their connections and choices in life.

Experimental Film Techniques

The filmmakers experimented with various film techniques, including using multiple cameras for certain scenes to capture different angles and emotions.

Why it matters: These experimental techniques contributed to the film's unique visual language, enhancing its dreamlike quality and pushing narrative boundaries.

Audience Reception

Upon its release, the film received a mixed response, with some praising its ambition and others finding it confusing.

Why it matters: This polarized reception has contributed to its cult status, encouraging repeated viewings and discussions that uncover new layers with each watch.


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The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Dave Chappelle: Sticks & Stones

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