The First Alteration, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I can change things.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

If you could change anything, what would you change?

Evan
Evan

I would change everything. I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You think you can just go back and fix everything?

Evan
Evan

I have to try. I have to make it right.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

But you don’t know what will happen next.

Evan
Evan

I’ll take that risk. I can’t watch you suffer.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Evan, sometimes things are meant to happen.

Evan
Evan

No, not like this. Not you.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

What if changing it makes everything worse?

Evan
Evan

I can’t let that happen again.

Facing the Darkness, Reelive

Evan
Evan

Why did you hit me? Why did you let it happen?

Evan's Dad
Evan's Dad

It was just a mistake, son!

Evan
Evan

A mistake? You call that a mistake? You ruined my life!

Evan's Dad
Evan's Dad

I was trying to teach you!

Evan
Evan

Teach me what? To be afraid?!

Evan's Dad
Evan's Dad

I did what I thought was best.

Evan
Evan

Best for who? Not for me!

Evan's Dad
Evan's Dad

You don’t understand—

Evan
Evan

No, I understand perfectly! You think you can just forget it all?

Evan's Dad
Evan's Dad

It’s not that simple.

Evan
Evan

Then make it simple. Stop pretending it’s okay!

The Cry for Help, Reelive

Evan
Evan

Mom, please, you have to believe me.

Evan's Mom
Evan's Mom

Believe what? That you can just change the past?

Evan
Evan

Yes! I can. I saw it happen.

Evan's Mom
Evan's Mom

No, Evan, this isn’t a game.

Evan
Evan

This is my life! Everything is falling apart!

Evan's Mom
Evan's Mom

You’re scaring me.

Evan
Evan

I’m scared too! That’s why I need to fix it.

Evan's Mom
Evan's Mom

And what if you can’t?

Evan
Evan

Then everything… everyone I love will be gone.

Evan's Mom
Evan's Mom

You can’t control everything!

Evan
Evan

I have to try. For you, for me, for Kayleigh!

The Breaking Point, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I wish I could take back everything.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

But you can’t.

Evan
Evan

I know. I just… What if I made things worse?

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You didn’t mean to.

Evan
Evan

But I hurt you. I didn’t protect you.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You were just trying to save us.

Evan
Evan

Us? I don’t think I save anyone.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You have to believe that you tried.

Evan
Evan

But trying feels like failing.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

No, it’s part of the fight.

Evan
Evan

And what if I lose?

The Desperate Decision, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I need to do something drastic.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

What do you mean?

Evan
Evan

I can fix this. Even if it means I disappear.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You can’t just do that!

Evan
Evan

I have to. It’s the only way to keep you safe.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

But what about us?

Evan
Evan

We aren’t us if I can’t protect you.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

There has to be another way!

Evan
Evan

This is my choice to make.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Evan, don’t!

Evan
Evan

I love you too much to let you suffer.

The Final Choice, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I can’t keep hurting you. I have to let go.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

But how? If you leave, I’ll never have a chance to know you.

Evan
Evan

That’s the point. I’d rather you be safe.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Safe from what? From us?

Evan
Evan

From everything we went through.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Evan, don’t you see? You’re everything I want!

Evan
Evan

And that’s why I have to go.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Please, don’t do this!

Evan
Evan

It’s the only way to keep you from pain.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You can’t just run away!

Evan
Evan

Watch me.

The Moment of Truth, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I wish we could have more time.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

Me too. But this is our fate.

Evan
Evan

I’m sorry for everything.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You did the best you could.

Evan
Evan

But I hurt you. I changed everything.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

You were trying to save us, Evan.

Evan
Evan

And that’s the worst part.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

No, it’s the choice you’re making.

Evan
Evan

One way or another, I love you.

Kayleigh
Kayleigh

And I love you.

Evan
Evan

Always.

The Seeds of Change, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I can see my past like a movie.

Friend
Friend

And you think you can just change it?

Evan
Evan

Why not? I can fix everything.

Friend
Friend

What if you change the wrong thing?

Evan
Evan

I won’t. I’m careful.

Friend
Friend

Careful? It sounds dangerous.

Evan
Evan

More like risky.

Friend
Friend

You realize you could lose everything, right?

Evan
Evan

I’d rather take the chance than live in regret.

Friend
Friend

Just think about it, man.

Evan
Evan

I have to try.

The Echoes of Pain, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I keep seeing the same things over and over.

Therapist
Therapist

It sounds like you’re trapped.

Evan
Evan

Trapped? It’s worse than that.

Therapist
Therapist

Then we need to address the root.

Evan
Evan

I don’t know if I can face it.

Therapist
Therapist

It’s the only way to heal.

Evan
Evan

What if healing means losing everything?

Therapist
Therapist

You have to decide what pain is worth keeping.

Evan
Evan

And what if I can’t bear to let it go?

Therapist
Therapist

Then we work through it, step by step.

The Ripple Effect, Reelive

Evan
Evan

Every choice leads to something unexpected.

Friend
Friend

So, what’s your plan?

Evan
Evan

To make the best choices possible.

Friend
Friend

But what if it backfires?

Evan
Evan

Then I’ll just have to fix it again.

Friend
Friend

That sounds exhausting.

Evan
Evan

It is. But I can’t let fear stop me.

Friend
Friend

You think you can hold everything together?

Evan
Evan

I have to believe I can.

Friend
Friend

That’s a heavy burden.

Evan
Evan

And I’ll carry it if it means saving them.

The Burden of Knowledge, Reelive

Evan
Evan

I carry the memories of every choice.

Mentor
Mentor

That sounds like a heavy load.

Evan
Evan

It is. But no one can see it.

Mentor
Mentor

You have the power to change it.

Evan
Evan

But at what cost?

Mentor
Mentor

Every decision has a price.

Evan
Evan

And some prices are too high.

Mentor
Mentor

It’s about what you’re willing to sacrifice.

Evan
Evan

I don’t know if I’m ready.

Mentor
Mentor

Then take your time.

Evan Treborn

I can't change the past. I can only change the future.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

You can change what happened, but you can’t change how it feels.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Every time I try to fix things, I make it worse.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Kayleigh Miller

If you could go back and change one thing, would you do it?

Kayleigh Miller

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

You were never meant to be here.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Kayleigh Miller

We're all just trying to be happy.

Kayleigh Miller

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

What if you had the power to change your life?

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Sometimes, you have to let people go.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

I'm sick of running away from my life.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Everything happens for a reason.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Lenny

You have to make a choice, Evan.

Lenny

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Kayleigh Miller

This isn't a movie. This is my life.

Kayleigh Miller

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

I just want to be normal.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Kayleigh Miller

We can’t go back to the way things were.

Kayleigh Miller

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Kayleigh Miller

It’s always been you, Evan.

Kayleigh Miller

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan’s Father

You can't control everything, Evan.

Evan’s Father

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Fight your demons.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

You’re already a different person than you were yesterday.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Life is a series of choices.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

Don’t let the moment define you.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Lenny

The past is a part of who we are.

Lenny

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive
Evan Treborn

We’re all haunted by our choices.

Evan Treborn

The Butterfly Effect, Reelive

The Day the World Went Away

The Day the World Went Away by Nine Inch Nails, Used during pivotal emotional moments

Luna

Luna by M83, Featured in the reflective scenes

Aenema

Aenema by Tool, Plays during a significant turning point

Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking by The Black Heart Procession, Used in the closing sequence

The Way

The Way by Fastball, Background during key narrative moments


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The First Flashback

In a dimly lit room, Evan remembers a traumatic childhood event involving his father. The tension builds as he realizes that revisiting this moment could lead to his understanding of his past. The pivotal moment comes when Evan, under immense emotional strain, decides to relive this memory through a flashback. The visuals shift from present-day chaos to the haunting innocence of his childhood. The aftermath sees Evan shaken, realizing the depth of his childhood trauma, setting the stage for his quest to change his past.

Context: This moment sparks Evan’s journey and introduces the idea that altering memories can reshape reality.

The Visit to the Asylum

Evan visits Kayleigh at a psychiatric facility. The atmosphere is filled with tension as past feelings are stirred. The pivotal moment occurs when Kayleigh doesn't recognize Evan, leading to a painful realization that their lives have drastically diverged due to his choices. The impact is heartbreaking as Evan understands the weight of his actions on Kayleigh's life, showcasing the tragic consequences of his time travel.

Context: This scene highlights the emotional ramifications of Evan's attempts to fix the past and shows the toll it takes on everyone involved.

Meeting with the Father

Evan confronts his father about the abuse and chaos surrounding their childhood. The room is filled with long-standing tension. The turning point occurs when Evan calls out his father, leading to a volatile confrontation. The visuals are stark, focusing on Evan's rage and his father's defensive nature. The aftermath leaves Evan more determined but also feeling conflicted about seeking the truth.

Context: This moment underscores familial trauma and the struggle for truth and reconciliation, shaping Evan’s motivations.

Kayleigh's Birthday Party

A joyful scene turns dark when Evan's flashbacks reveal a tragic incident at Kayleigh's birthday party. The build-up is filled with laughter and enchanting childhood memories. The pivotal moment occurs when Evan witnesses the events unfolding, highlighting his inability to change outcomes despite knowing what happens. The aftermath leaves viewers saddened as innocence is shattered and friendship deteriorates.

Context: This scene emphasizes the cruel twist of fate and how small choices can lead to larger tragedies.

The Dog Incident

Evan attempts to change a small yet significant past event involving a dog that gets hurt. The tension escalates as he realizes the dog's fate mirrors his own unresolved trauma. The pivotal moment comes when he decides to intervene, which leads to unforeseen consequences. The aftermath is tragic, revealing the butterfly effect that ripples through his life.

Context: This moment illustrates how even well-intentioned actions can spiral into disastrous outcomes.

Evan's First Time Travel

Evan experiences his first time travel back to childhood. The camera spins as he transitions into his younger self's world, filled with nostalgia and dread. The moment peaks as he realizes he can change events, but the visuals become distorted, symbolizing chaos. Aftermath sees him back in the present, but life takes an unexpected turn, setting up the unpredictability of his future choices.

Context: This scene marks the beginning of Evan's desperate attempts to navigate his troubled past.

The Confrontation with Tommy

A tense encounter with Tommy escalates when Evan defends Kayleigh. The build-up revolves around a history of bullying and resentment. The pivotal moment occurs during a heated exchange, culminating in violence. This impacts Evan greatly, making him question his worth and power to affect change.

Context: Here, we see the struggle between good and evil, showing how simple choices shape character development.

Evan and Kayleigh's Kiss

In a moment filled with longing and nostalgia, Evan and Kayleigh share a tender kiss. The moment is charged with emotion as it's a culmination of their unresolved feelings. The pivotal moment is interrupted by chaos, symbolizing that their happiness is forever out of reach. The aftermath leaves viewers with a sense of heartbreak and frustration.

Context: This scene showcases youthful love’s innocence and its struggle against overwhelming darkness in their lives.

The Death of Lenny

In a shocking turn of events, Evan witnesses the death of his friend Lenny as he tries to alter their past. The build-up creates a sense of dread as Lenny’s fate hangs in balance. The pivotal moment hits when Lenny falls, sending Evan into a spiral of despair. The aftermath is profound as Evan learns he can't save everyone, reinforcing the tragedy of his powers.

Context: This moment reflects the high stakes of Evan's journey and the sorrow that accompanies his every decision.

The Truth about His Mother

Evan uncovers painful truths about his mother's past. The build-up reveals layers of family secrets and pain. The pivotal moment is marked by a conversation between Evan and his mother, where she divulges her struggles in raising him. The aftermath alters Evan's view of his family, deepening his sense of empathy.

Context: This scene reinforces themes of familial bonds and the hidden burdens carried by loved ones.

Kayleigh's Final Choice

Kayleigh grapples with a heart-wrenching decision to let Evan go for their own good. The build-up focuses on their emotional connection, making the moment incredibly poignant. The pivotal point is captured in their final embrace, filled with unsaid words and longing. The aftermath leaves both characters fundamentally changed, with a sense of loss lingering.

Context: This moment underscores themes of sacrifice, love, and the bittersweet nature of relationships.

Evan's Transformation

Evan undergoes a dramatic change as he steps into his new life, leaving his past behind. The build-up consists of his plethora of memories flooding back. The pivotal moment occurs when he decides fully to embrace his new self, showcasing internal growth. The visuals shift to a lighter palette, symbolizing hope. The aftermath signifies a fresh start, highlighting the importance of letting go.

Context: This scene encapsulates the idea of growth, healing, and the possibility of redemption in the wake of chaos.

The Classroom Incident

During a seemingly normal day at school, Evan flashes back to a traumatic incident that defines his character. The tension rises as he realizes the implications of this moment. His pivotal act of defiance in class leads to unexpected consequences. The aftermath showcases a ripple effect that leads to life-altering decisions for Evan.

Context: This encounter reveals the challenging dynamics of adolescence and how school memories can haunt a person.

The Final Decision

In a climactic moment, Evan confronts a major choice to undo all that has happened to save his loved ones. The atmosphere is thick with desperation and hope. The pivot comes when Evan realizes how to truly fix things to ensure everyone’s happiness. The aftermath shows bittersweet resolution, leaving the audience contemplative about fate and free will.

Context: This scene encapsulates the essence of the butterfly effect and the nuances of altering one’s path in life.

The Last Goodbye

Evan and Kayleigh share a heart-wrenching farewell as they confront the consequences of Evan's journey. The build-up is filled with emotional weight as they reminisce. The pivotal moment comes in their final words, striking a deep chord of love and pain. The aftermath leads to a lingering sense of hope overshadowed by sadness.

Context: This scene leaves viewers grappling with the realities of love and the sacrifices made for it.

The Teacher's Revelation

A shocking reveal by Evan’s teacher shows the ripple effects of Evan’s past decisions. The tension heightens as this moment exposes the interconnectedness of their lives. The pivotal exchange reveals the hidden struggles faced by those around him. The aftermath brings newfound awareness for Evan, prompting him to rethink his choices.

Context: This scene emphasizes how one person’s journey affects others in ways they may not fully understand.

The Breakdown Scene

In a raw emotional moment, Evan experiences a breakdown as he confronts the weight of his past choices. The build-up creates an unbearable tension of pent-up feelings. The climax hits when he finally lets his emotions spill over, captured beautifully by a close-up of his face reflecting despair. The aftermath leaves him more conflicted yet determined to go forward.

Context: This moment captures the emotional toll of carrying secrets and the fight for acceptance.

The Reunion

Evan reunites with Kayleigh after a prolonged absence, and the moment is charged with nostalgia. The build-up showcases their shared past and the emotions that linger. The pivotal moment comes when they recognize their connection despite the years apart. The aftermath is bittersweet, as their lives have drastically changed, reflecting lost time.

Context: This scene beautifully illustrates the theme of love enduring despite the trials of life.

The Fight for Friendship

Evan defends his friendship with Lenny against cruel bullies. The tension escalates as he stands up against peer pressure. The pivotal moment happens when Evan's courage leads to an unexpected showdown. The aftermath solidifies the bond between the characters, showcasing the importance of loyalty and friendship.

Context: This scene underscores themes of camaraderie and the fight against injustice.

The Memory Box

Evan discovers a box of memories from his childhood that triggers his time-traveling abilities. The build-up is filled with nostalgia and curiosity. The pivotal moment occurs as he opens the box, unleashing a whirlwind of memories. The aftermath propels him into a quest to mend the past, intertwining emotions of excitement and dread.

Context: This moment highlights the power of memories and their role in shaping identity and choices.

The Final Acceptance

Evan finally accepts the need to let go of the past and the people he loves. The atmosphere is heavy with resolution as he reflects on his journey. The pivotal moment is evident in his calm demeanor and acceptance of fate. The aftermath offers a sense of closure, as viewers see the potential for a brighter future.

Context: This scene represents a turning point, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and healing.

The Epilogue

In the closing moments, Evan achieves a new normal, leaving his dark past behind. The build-up shows a stark contrast to where he began. The pivotal moment is found in his hopeful new life, encapsulated in a single smile. The aftermath signifies rebirth and renewal, leaving audiences with a sense of optimism.

Context: This serves as a powerful conclusion to the emotional journey, emphasizing themes of survival and resilience.


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Casting Changes

Initially, the role of Evan Treborn was intended for Ashton Kutcher's close friend, but Kutcher advocated strongly for himself, leading to a swift change in casting.

Why it matters: Kutcher's determination resulted in a more layered performance, allowing him to bring both a comedic and dramatic presence to Evan, which deepened audience connection.

The Title's Significance

The movie's title, 'The Butterfly Effect', stems from chaos theory, implying small actions can lead to significant consequences.

Why it matters: This theme enriches the narrative, prompting viewers to consider how their own choices might shape their lives and those of others, making it a thought-provoking experience.

Dark Tone Adjustment

Director Eric Bress initially envisioned a lighter tone, but after test screenings indicated a preference for a darker narrative, he shifted the film’s focus.

Why it matters: This pivot led to a more intense viewing experience, resonating with audiences who appreciate films that explore the grim realities of life and the consequences of actions.

Evan's Vision Sequences

The visual style during Evan's traumatic flashbacks was influenced by the use of distortion effects and handheld cameras, creating a disorienting experience.

Why it matters: This choice heightened the emotional stakes and the sense of confusion, immersing the audience in Evan's psychological turmoil effectively.

Alternate Endings

Several alternate endings were filmed, including one where Evan dies early on, and another where he chooses to erase himself from existence.

Why it matters: These endings emphasized different interpretations of the butterfly effect and allowed for narrative exploration, showcasing the significance of choice and consequence in the film.

The Dog’s Fate

In an early draft, Evan’s dog was meant to be killed, but the filmmakers decided against this due to mixed reactions from test audiences.

Why it matters: This decision helped maintain audience empathy for Evan and prevented the loss of emotional engagement that might have resulted from an unnecessarily grim narrative decision.

Emotional Preparation

Ashton Kutcher engaged in extensive emotional preparation for his role, sometimes isolating himself to tap into the darker aspects of Evan’s character.

Why it matters: This commitment added a layer of authenticity to his performance, allowing audiences to witness a more profound internal struggle that resonated with viewers on a deeper level.

A Unique Concept

The script initially started as a short story that focused solely on time travel but evolved into a complex exploration of fate and consequence.

Why it matters: This evolution from a straightforward narrative to a multi-layered one enriched the film's depth, adding philosophical discussions that intrigued audiences.

Practical Effects

Many of the film’s more intense sequences, such as the physical confrontations, utilized practical effects instead of CGI to maintain realism.

Why it matters: The authenticity provided by practical effects contributed to a more visceral experience, enhancing the emotional impact of pivotal scenes.

Casting Challenges

Actors such as Anne Hathaway and Ryan Gosling were considered for roles before the final cast was determined, but Kutcher's star power ultimately shaped the casting decisions.

Why it matters: The final casting not only gave the film star appeal but also molded the overall chemistry and dynamic among the characters, impacting audience reception.

Time Travel Mechanics

The mechanics of time travel were meticulously crafted to align with the storyline, allowing viewers to understand the ripple effects of Evan's choices.

Why it matters: This careful groundwork fostered audience investment in the narrative, making the fantastical elements more relatable and impactful.

Score Enhancements

The film's score featured a blend of haunting piano pieces and atmospheric sounds, designed to evoke an emotional response from the audience.

Why it matters: The score played a pivotal role in enhancing the film's tension and emotional weight, drawing viewers deeper into Evan's journey.

Editing Process

During editing, the filmmakers faced tough choices about which scenes to include based on pacing, leading to significant cuts that reshaped the narrative flow.

Why it matters: These decisions refined the film's structure and ultimately created a tighter, more compelling story that kept viewers engaged throughout.

Pivotal Scenes shot in One Take

Some key scenes, such as the dinner table confrontation, were filmed in one continuous shot to capture the raw emotions and reactions of the characters.

Why it matters: This technique heightened the realism of the interactions, making the moment feel more authentic and immediate for the audience.

Visual Inspiration

Cinematographer Matt Silman drew inspiration from classic thrillers to define the film's visual style, emphasizing chiaroscuro lighting to create tension.

Why it matters: The visual choices added depth to the film, amplifying emotional stakes and creating an eerie atmosphere that suited the narrative well.

Autobiographical Elements

The writers infused elements from their own experiences with trauma and loss into Evan's character to deliver an authentic portrayal of his struggles.

Why it matters: The autobiographical elements enrich the story and allow audiences to connect more genuinely with Evan's journey and transformation.

Focus on Psychological Impact

The decision to emphasize Evan's psychological struggles over straightforward time travel mechanics deepened audience investment in his character arc.

Why it matters: This focus transformed the story from a typical sci-fi into a profound psychological exploration, resonating more strongly with viewers searching for character-driven narratives.

Last-Minute Story Changes

Significant plot twists were added during filming, which were not part of the original script, causing cast and crew to adapt on-the-fly.

Why it matters: These unexpected twists kept performances fresh and spontaneous, contributing to a more gripping storytelling experience.

Set Design Reflecting Themes

The production design aimed to reflect the psychological themes, using stark contrasts in environments to represent Evan's shifting realities.

Why it matters: The scenery visually represents Evan's internal conflicts, enhancing viewer understanding of the emotional stakes.

Audience Test Screenings

Test screenings revealed audience reactions varied significantly, prompting the team to refine character motivations and relationships.

Why it matters: These refinements ensured a more cohesive story that resonated with the majority of audiences, enhancing the film's overall impact.

Filming Locations

Filming took place across various locations to enhance authenticity, particularly in setting up Evan's childhood environment.

Why it matters: The diverse settings added realism and enriched the film’s emotional landscape, grounding the story in a relatable atmosphere.

Casting Childhood Characters

Child actors were specifically chosen to resemble their adult counterparts to create a visual continuity that echoed throughout the film.

Why it matters: This casting choice not only added to the believability of the narrative twists but also highlighted the film’s exploration of childhood trauma.

A Surprise Cameo

Director Eric Bress made a cameo as one of the frat house boys, offering a lighthearted moment amidst the film’s heavier themes.

Why it matters: This subtle inclusion provided a connection between the filmmakers and the story, adding an enjoyable layer for attentive fans.

Symbolism of the Butterfly

The butterfly is a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizing change and the unpredictability of choices.

Why it matters: This symbolism reinforces the film's central theme, inviting viewers to contemplate the far-reaching effects of seemingly small decisions.


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