Reviews

This Is A Fever Dream

This drama is so unserious and UNHINGED! For real, who is driving this thing? My goodness these people on some crazy juice. No, but the unhinged scenes in this drama were clearly written by someone on some good arse mushrooms, expecting people with the combined IQ of a potato to enjoy it, cuz what in all things holy was this? Buuttt... I must be a potato cuz I found myself laughing like crazy, enjoying the hell out of this. I low-high-key loved how unhinged this drama was.

Listen, this drama is a 5 at best. Yes its a bit silly, but if you take away all the unhinged horny stuff it's a decent drama. Speaking of unhinged, I don't even know how to explain some of the stuff that went on in this series to you without sounding like I'm making stuff up. I spent most of the show thinking I was having a fever dream. My mouth kept opening and closing cuz some of the things that happened... Susan?? You have to see it with your own eyeballs to understand/believe. I went through like four different emotions each episode: laughing, shocked, aww-ing, and most of all, confused.

No really, before I knew it, these were happening:

1: One of the characters was having sex with a cucumber, and then said cucumber got prepared as food and he had to eat it. WHAT?? HUH? WHY?
2: The main character was having sex with not one, but two pillows. It was a whole arse romantic night he had with them. He even romanced a pillow at one point to some sexy arse music, and slow motion strokes. I don't---I wasn't---BROTHER?? They could have waited until Sangmin came back to give us a scene with the pair, cuz…? Low-key though, if I could have such a good time by myself I’d totally marry myself, cuz I won’t need anyone else ^^.
3: The second couple brought out a measuring tape so they could measure and compare their junk to an elephant's trunk. I kid you not, it happened.
4: Dinneaw's mother was beating the hell out of Singmin's mother in a brawl. Like full on fighting. I laughed so hard I almost fell off the sofa.
5: The third couple were having sex with one toy in a position I think only yoga can explain, and their hotel teacher was enjoying the noise they made while having her own sexy time with a teddy bear. Who is driving this thing?? What even??
6: Sangmin flat-out poisoned his step-father and went back to eating his kimchi. FAM? What happened to that sweet boy we knew for 7 & a half episodes? I applaud him a bit for that though. Sweet revenge and justice.
7: One pair of the third couple was getting his junk stepped on repeatedly, cuz the other had a rash on his arse and didn't want sexy times. Sharon, don't ask me the colour of nothing, I don't know!
8: The second couple took off their clothes inside the house, then one of them walked outside in just his underwear, so he could walk back inside to cowboy music, so they could have western sex? Frankly, I don't know what was happening there. I know nothing.

And these were only a little of what happened in this show. The crazy horny stuff in this drama was...Susan you have to watch it yourself to understand what I'm talking about.

PLOT
I started this drama with zero expectation, but I was aww-ing throughout the first episode, cuz Sangmin is so cute trying to speak thai and Dinneaw is so adorable. I loved how this isn't like the other dramas with foreign characters where they each speak their own language and the other one automatically/magically understands them. This one is realistic, and Sangmin makes the whole thing so enduring. Finding out Singmin's real name is also Sing Min had me going awwww, cuz the way he says Sangmin ;((((( cuteness overload.

This drama started out that Dinneaw wanted to become a tour guide, and then I think the writer's had plans for Sangmin to perhaps have some sort of tumor, but then half way through they decided to go with the headaches and the mentos cure. If you rewatch the beginning episodes Sangmin had no scars on his back, and the production team didn't even care to cut those out or hide it, so clearly their main focus wasn't on plot, and it showed. They literally did not respect the viewers enough to even bother making the effect during the editing phase. But, they did have a plot, the execution of it was just so bad that many of you would probably lose a lot of brain cells and feel stupid watching it. Me, I shut off my brain and decided to go with the crazy, and it was a fun ride for me. Personally, I enjoyed every bit of it.

If you are planning on watching this, don't do it for the plot. Do it for the cute leads and how unhinged it is. If you go in expecting anything else, you'd feel stupid and end up questioning your sanity.

CHARACTERS:
At one point I was certain none of the characters on this show were normal. No really, they were all on some crazy juice, cuz what the hell Sharon? The stuff they did?? The cast were good, the script was rubbish so this isn't even on them. I can never be an actor, cuz I'd be embarrassed to show my face for Christmas if I had to do and say some of the things they did.

FIRST COUPLE: Dinneaw and Singman were almost normal. They went the classic we like each other but none of us are saying anything route. They were so sweet and fluffy and adorable. Well, that was until Dinneaw was having sex with pillows and Sangmin was committing murder with a smile.

Sangmin & Dinneaw had amazing chemistry. Petch and Sangmin did such good job with their characters. I really wished this was a serious script as well, such wasted talent on whatever the hell this was. I swear, I'd have cried if these two didn't have their deserved happy ending. Sangmin had the best innocent, clueless face ever, and the way he spoke made him so very adorable. Yes, most of their nonsense problems they went through could have been resolved if they just communicated, mostly Sangmin who had chances to say so many things and didn't. Did I want to slap him with my rubber chicken, nope, Sangmin is so baby and can do no wrong. Obviously, they were my fav couple.

SECOND COUPLE: Athit is in love with Tor, who is in love with his best friend, Dinneaw, who is in love with Sing Min. Yep, train-wreck, but they did figure it out in the end. When Dinneaw didn't return Tor's feeling they kept their friendship, and eventually, after Tor almost lost Athit, he came to his senses and accepted his love. They were also unhinged with all those on your knees stuff they did. I'm still not sure what that barn, cowboy scene was and the reason for it. They were good friends to Dinneaw and I'm glad they ended up together. They were almost normal if you look past all the stuff they did in the place they sell things that goes into people's mouth.

THIRD COUPLE: These two showed up in episode 3 and brought all the shock factor and the crazy juice. I have no idea about their backstory only that they like doing it in what appears to be impossible position with pegs and in public. I would never hire these two to work for me. That cucumber scene was disgusting, so was the scene when he put that thing on his face like cream. I don't even know how they work, one of them is so calm and normal, and the other only thinks about doing it every single second. Legit, they served no purpose to this story, they could have been replaced by a houseplant, and the story would have started and ended the same way. Crazy children.

FOURTH COUPLE: Two episodes until the drama is over they introduced another couple. Again, served no purpose whatsoever cuz they appeared like 4 times, in which we learned one of them liked the other, who likes egg on his food. And then there was a blanket scene and a kiss. What was the need for them? Another pair they could have replaced with a houseplant, cuz really, all they did was walked in and ask Sangmin to sign the forms for the operation, anyone at the office could have done it. I supposed they wanted fillers? Whatever it was, at least with their limited screen time they seemed like the normal couple out of the 4.

BOSS & PONY: That Boss who was in love with Dinneaw and turned into the devil to get him, sucked. I wanted him gone way before his assistant was sniffing his junk by the pool. Rich people really do feel so entitled, don't they? As for Pony, y'all can't even spell extra. And all the over the top antics she did, woman calm down. At least in the finale she shocked me and helped Dinneaw so she wasn't all loud and unhinged.

MRS ORN and HANA: Dinneaw's mother was amazing, she was there for him and for Sangmin. I love how she beat Sangmin's mother up when she slapped and insulted her son. Real Mother, unlike Sangmin's mother who wanted to kill him to collect his life insurance. That step-dad deserved what happened to him so much, heck Sangmin should have reached for the mother's cup too and make her a drink, missed opportunity if you ask me.

As for Hana, I liked her well enough until she made her best friend who have been abused to the point of needing surgery, who has also lost his memories by the way, leave with the mother who was abusing him. Like? May this type of friend never locate me. Then she was like, I haven't heard from him since he left. And you didn't even try to check up on him? Nah, she was so wrong for that one.

Anyway, this bl could have been good, it had good cast, a nice soundtrack, and an almost interesting plot. I just wish the writer wasn't high on mushroom and the director didn't say pass it over, cuz both of them might have been high to give us this. I'm still very sure this is a fever dream of sort, cuz I'm generally baffled by some of the things that happened. My rating is a 5 because this made me laugh in confusion from all the crazy stuffs. The extra star is purely for the main couple, I loved them.

One thing is for certain though, even with all the confusion and crazy, I enjoyed watching this drama. I was always ready to see what crazy, unbelievable thing they'd give me each episode. The drama didn't take itself serious, so I went in expecting some laughs, sweet moments between the main, and lots of unhinged stuff, which it delivered. So yeah, if you're looking for a new drama, I'll recommend this one, cuz at the very least, it's entertaining. I am seated and waiting for more from Petch and Sangmin, hopefully something sensible that matches their talents.

Anywho, thank you Sangmin Dinneaw team, and whoever gave you those mushrooms for making my Sundays a little bit less boring. I'm gonna miss the crazy.

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I was hesitating whether to write a review or not these past few days because of my feelings towards the ending, I decided to.

Where do I begin with this drama? this drama had me hooked since episode one, I fell in love instantly with the aesthetic of the whole world and costumes and not to mention Feng Tian Yi, he is one beautiful hypnotizing man, I wasn't expecting much starting it but then before I knew it I was going insane waiting for the next episodes to the point I watched a lot of them raw, I even made Youtube videos and gifs of them and I do not make those things so it's pretty apparent I fell in love with this drama.

Feng Tian Yi was definitely my favourite character and a reason to watch this, he has a fiery temper and attitude but a kind heart underneath who is willing to put everything at stake to protect who he loves, Zhang Ruo Yun's acting was the best in the drama, I was impressed and so drawn by his graceful yet fiery way of portraying Tian Yi. I could feel all of Tian Yi's emotions just from the look in his eyes. As for Fu Ling, I really liked her too, she was sincere, kind and stood up for herself and what she believed in and never liked to see someone put themselves at risk for her sake, as for her acting, I think it could have been better but it's fine. There is many characters in this you will hate, my god is there lol and a lot of the story could have been avoided had this imbecile characters stayed out of the way but a drama is a drama after all.

Music was really nice too, though the end theme forever has me going wth because it's kind of random lol but oh well it's catchy.

In short the story is basically about fated lovers and what they have to overcome in all of their lives, will history repeat itself? or will something worse happen? or something better? watch to find out ;)

I give this drama 10 because I truly loved it even if I am upset about the ending (the ending is heartbreaking bad, I love a good tragic end as much as the next masochist but this was just BAD) despite this, I was hooked for the past month on this, this is my favourite drama of 2016 and I don't see a drama topping it this year. If you love romance and fantasy and action this is for you, beware there is a lot of sadness in this drama too throughout, but the love story between them will have you smiling, honestly the drama is so visually stunning you would watch for that alone! The CGI also had me surprised considering how cringe worthy many drama CGI is but I think it was all good.

I'm going to miss this drama and Tian Yi and Fu Ling, I wish for a second season, if only :)

EDIT: while originally heartbroken over the horrific unjustified illogical ending, there is an alternative ending and it makes much sense and all is well :) it is happy and now I can breathe again lol. Make sure to skip episode 28 and watch episode 29 instead, episode 29 is the same as 28 but with the better ending instead.

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Okay, my review of this drama will only be about the BL part. I did not bother watching it for the other couples-(too many and some were annoying), so please keep in mind that it will only reflect some aspect of the drama. I'm sure that the other couples' stories were interesting (not to me), but I could not get into them at all. I tried and gave up and ended up just watching Pete and Kao's relationship.

Onto that part then. If you like BL dramas (I actually like any drama, but lately BLs have been taking over my life) then you will definitely like the way Pete and Kao's relationship evolves. It's the typical "I hate you to then I like you" story line, but it was nice to see. Pete's cockiness and his bad boy attitude wanted me to punch him at times, but he made it up with the way he would look at Kao, not realizing that he was falling for him. I also liked Kao's way of putting himself and his feelings first and making it clear to Pete that he could not play with him and his feelings. It was so refreshing to see a character that put their needs and feelings first in order to protect themselves.

Aside from that, I also liked the way the ex-girlfriend was not made into a villain in the end. She was a bit needed and manipulative, but she also had some moments were you could empathize with her and realize that people are not just bad, they can be good and they can also change for the better.

I still don't see how this series flows into Kiss me, because it seemed like here June was aware of Pete and Kao's attraction, but in Kiss me, he was totally clueless. We also didn't see much of Sandee who was the only person to know their relationship (what the hell happened to Sandee btw?) The fact that Pete's father found out, albeit though the evil scheme of the ex-girlfriend-was a good touch, because the boys had someone else on their side. I also believe that Kao's mother was hinting at her knowing they liked each other and it's nice to see parents support their children.

If you want to see the drama for just the BL, then you won't be disappointed (I suggest Lazysubber as she is the only one who has the BL parts in order and translated). If you want to see it for the other couples, then go head and watch it. This drama suffered from too many characters syndrome and I just couldn't commit to the other couples because they were not to my liking. Some of the pairings were super annoying from the bit that I watched and that's why I stopped following the whole thing.

Cons: MY GOD those long a&& commercial promos in the drama. Why were they always given to Pete and Kao? That soup company truly invested a lot of money into that drama. Pete and Kao spent on average two minutes just making that soup and slurping it--2 minutes we could have had of more character development.

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In the land of the scorpion the rooster is king.

This drama adapts Wei Yu's well loved romantic and suspenseful adventure novel Xī Chū Yù Mén /西出玉门 or West out of the Yumen (Jade Gate). The spirited and mysterious Ye Liuxi's first waking memory is of the desert with scant personal belongings to point to who she was and where she is from. A picture links her to Chang Dong, who lost all he held dear in that same patch of sand. Liuxi persuades Chang Dong to return to that most treacherous part of the desert with her. Together with a team of three others, they set out to crack the mystery of the Yumen Pass. On their quest to face their past, they stumble into a different, frightening and dangerous world where they find love, adventure, friendship and betrayal.

The most fabulous thing about this drama is that Ye Liuxi is a force of nature that simply sweeps you away with her beauty, strength and charisma. It is a role that must have been written for Ni Ni, whose portrayal of Liuxi is nothing short of iconic. Bai Yu's rendition of Chang Dong's quiet might and reserved brilliance is the perfect foil for Liuxi's more vivid personality. Their chemistry is so natural and shockingly scrumptious that I replay most of their couple scenes with a silly, lovesick grin on my face. I now have a whole new appreciation for Bai Yu's hotness. The other two romances are quite cute and endearing but neither is compelling or even necessary. Skipping or toning down one or both of these secondary romances could have helped the pacing of this drama.

The acting, rapport and comedic timing of the main cast is terrific and a heavier focus on their friendship over romance would have been no less enjoyable. It was a lot of fun to watch them humorously pull off their clone geminus selves. It is nice to see Jin Han in his element again as a misguided and flawed character. Lu Yuxiao makes an impression again as a young actor to watch. I also found both Gao Shen and Ding Liu's kick ass youthful exuberance a joy to watch. Sadly Meng Ziyi is the biggest let down in the cast. Long Zhi is an interesting role, a character with a world vision and the ruthlessness to achieve it. Sadly Meng Ziyi delivers a shallow and uninspired interpretation with two expressions - stone-faced and pissed off. She manages to turn a layered character into a cardboard and archetypal one. I used to wonder why such a lovely and charming actor didn't get more lead roles. Now I know.

Where this drama falters is in the pacing and narrative style. The transitions between sub-plots are not well handled with abrupt cuts to a side romance or worse, the narrator and the painter in the middle of action scenes or as momentum is building nicely into an interrupted reveal. The world within the Yumen Pass itself is well designed, rich in history and lore and occupied by dangerous and fascinating characters. The world building mostly takes place via exposition and usually right before the viewer needs that information. This kind of heavy foreshadowing diminishes the surprise factor in what comes next. This also comes with few pay-offs; in the end all I really needed to know is that in the land of the scorpion the rooster is king.

Even though this drama wraps up nicely with no major loose ends, the ending is anti-climatic. With one notable exception, most characters have fitting endings. However, the climax on the action adventure side takes place very early in the drama and the main romance peaks shortly after the mid-point. After that, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and the plot seems to build towards a final, badass showdown that doesn't quite materialise. The writers decided it is better to jaw jaw than to war war which would be fine if this weren't a fantasy action adventure. I am also miffed that my thirst for justice and symmetry that demands some serious loss of limbs is not satisfied, nary a hair was even harmed! I console myself with the fact that the roosters once again show the scorpions who is the boss!

This is a must watch drama for just Ni Ni and Bai Yi's acting and chemistry alone. If anyone else were in the lead roles, I would only rate this an 8.0/10.0 but I am bumping my rating up to an 8.5 to recognize their riveting performances.

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UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST BL OF 2023!

When you cast the right actors and put them with the right director and writers, YOU WILL GET A MASTERPIECE!

Highly recommend this show if you are looking for the following:
• Impeccable Period Drama.
• Impressive characters development.
• All types of couple (Has BL, GL, and even Straight).
• Complex and unpredictable storyline.
• Excellent acting of the cast.
• Amazing chemistry of the three couples and the whole cast.
• Realistic and un-sugarcoated life during the 1920's.
• Angsty and heavy drama.
• Right amount and right timing of comedy.
• Excellent songs and background music that fits a period drama.

Anyone who loves BL and Period Drama should watch this show. Nonkul and Bright are both spectacular in giving life to their characters.

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1) The reason I watched this:

I was attracted by the synopsis so I decided to give it a try.

2) Storyline/Plot:

The general story isn't complicated nor original; I saw this type of story in "Sweet 18" before yet this film's storyline was really appealing.

Positive points:

*The story was romantic but not too romantic since it focused on family too.
*It had a great combination since it was funny, cute while being a little serious
*The story's developement was amazing to follow.
*The whole adult-child love story was somehow innocent even when they lived toghether: I liked that concept.

Negative points:

There isn't, I just wished that they made this into a drama instead; it would have been perfect that way.

Story: 8.5/10

3)Acting/Cast:

It couldn't been any better even though I am not too familiar with the leads.
*The chemistry between them was somehow captivating even though it wasn't that present.
*Moon Geun Young did a great job in portraying the innocent 15 years old girl with all its sides; whether it was with her husband, her family, her school and everything else.
*I loved how Park Sang Min reacted with his little bride by trying to be the responsible adult but that didn't cut out the funny side of his character.

Cast: 7.75/10
Acting: 8/10

4)The ending:

The type of ending that anyone would like to see even though it was typical but that doesn't deny that it was fluffy.

The ending: 8/10

5) My Impression (How did it affect me):

*I was intrested in the whole concept ever since the film began, I had fun while watching it and it wasn't boring, not even the slightest bit.
*This is is a great memorable film.

My Impression: 9/10

6) Overall :

*If you like rom-coms then you must watch this.
*If you like old-young relationships then this is for you.
*If you like innocent love stories then you may like this.

Overall: 8.5/10.

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don’t waste your time

don’t waste your time on this for it shitty ending.

It started well for me, but the plot went down hill at some point, the last 6 eps were disappointing.

The good :
- the acting was decent
- the music
- the third couple (who was not seen a lot) was cute, pretty good communications, healthy relationship. they solved their problems pretty fast
- I think all 3 couples have good chemistry
- some scenes impacted me emotionally, like ep 18 with the second couple or just scene related to first and second couple, I was almost crying
- I like the eps when the leads were with the kid
- the friendship
- this is a good and bad point, but I appreciate at first using mental illness of ML as a plot for problems/breakup, that felt real to some aspect and not like some cdrama where are think the breakup is pretty stupid or the use of a third party is annoying
- at some level, I liked the second couple, I loved their chemistry, but I don’t think their story was well written
- I enjoyed the romance between the leads (expect the last part of the drama)


the bad :
- dragging second couple getting together
- dragging the problems between the leads
- became somehow boring at some point, 36 eps was too much
- the worst ending possible that literally ruins everything. Doesn’t make any sense, rushed, nothing explained. FL is 100% hallucinating him, sad ending. And this is just nonsense. be clear damn it!! if he is dead, explain it, be clear about it. Why end with such horrible nonsense ending. Feel incomplete. Poor FL too, I hate it.

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One of my all-time favourites. And the nth sign that Kimura Takuya is not the star he is for nothing.

I hate hockey, therefore I was very hesitant before starting it, a good two years ago. But I soon realized that this particular sport was a narrative necessity, being a rude, violent one, but played by people with a lot of heart.

Pride is a sweet love story, between a man whose name means Spring and a woman who's called Autumn. They are totally different in almost everything, to the point they become complementary and fit into each other's life like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. He has his way of pulling her out of her shell, and she has her own at showing real strength is not the physical one.
They are a pleasure to watch together. As I said before, Kimura does not disappoint, he's a great actor who knows how to charm the audience. I'm very partial to Yuko Takeuchi, I can't help being completely captured by her voice, her elegance and blend of ingenuity and wisdom.
Aki and Haru - Autumn and Spring - are one of my favourite drama couples, with tons of sparks crackling between them whenever they are on screen together.

The music doesn't need a review. The entire OST is by the Queen. Like them or not, they have been one of the greatest rock bands in history. And they fit the drama to a T.

I have already watched Pride twice and a third view is definitely in my plans, therefore I'm ready to give it a very high re-watch value and recommend this show to everyone.

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This movie really emphasized the meaning “actions speak louder than words”. Through the silence of the main character the watcher was able to focus more on the actions and were able to freely translate the body language. Things like eating with one another, crying on each other's shoulder, touching feet under the table, taking a picture together, or other such simple gestures became much more powerful and meaningful.

This movie is very quiet but it works quite well for it. Throughout the entire movie, probably only about 4 songs are played. Three of which are instrumentals and the fourth an extremely calming, beautiful song called Gafsa sung by Natacha Atlas. Music would only be played if a scene needed to be over emphasized. This only happened a select few times in the movie but when music would play it would do exactly that. It would evoke a whole new kind of feeling from a scene.

As for the dialogue, it was also very quiet. In the entire movie, the extras had more dialogue than the two main characters. The main male character, Taesuk did not have a single line while the main female character, Sunhwa, had two.

The plot and dialogue alone may not have been anything amazing, but the idea of the movie appeared not to be focused on a gripped story. Instead, it felt more focused on extracting emotions from the audience and allowed the audience silence to think and interpret the movie without distractions of constant dialogue, music, and plot changes. Its beauty lies in its simplicity.

For people that are into solid plots, surprising twists, complex dialogues, and romance, I would not recommend this movie. But for the people that can appreciate a calming, simplistic movie with realistic themes this would be for them.

This is my all time favorite movie and is the only thing on this site that I'm okay with giving a 10 on rewatch value because no matter how many times I watch it I never get sick of it

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STORY 9.5/10
As many reviewers pointed out before me: the title of this show is really misleading. This is most definitely NOT a Cinderella story and the difference in social status plays no significant role in the story. The story itself is interesting and complex and all four main characters go through a real development during the series. It's really refreshing to see a story about an intelligent, career-driven woman who (usually) has no problem balancing her work and personal life. Also, she is a scientist (a lab worker of some kind) which is a field not often enough associated with women.
I only wish they would give more space to the character of Yoko. That's my only regret.

ACTING/CAST 10/10
Flawless, but I would expect nothing less from this cast. Oguri Shun is especially hilarious as socially awkward, short-tempered Hyuga Toru and he has great chemistry with adorable Ishihara Satomi who makes her character extremely relatable.

MUSIC 7.5/10
OST is nothing extra special, though several tracks are great. I usually don't like when one song is 'overused' in the show, but I didn't mind with 'Hikari E' . It's an amazing, catchy song that goes well with the mood of the show.

REWATCH VALUE 10/10
I've already rewatched all my favorite parts...oh so many times and I suspect I will rewatch the whole show in the future (also many times).

OVERALL 10/10

WHAT KIND OF FEELS THIS SHOW GAVE ME
This show made me literally giddy with joy. And I mean all the episodes, not just the ending. Despite the fact that some plot points were quite predictible, it never bore me. The Special was superb and it gave a great closure to the series (which is kinda rare in the world of dramas...). I admit I am not praying for the second season. Second seasons are usually worse than the first ones and I am afraid they would ruin this perfect show.

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