Triangle (2009) Poster

(2009)

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7/10
"You Will Come Back....Won't You?"
Mr_Saxon24 November 2009
How to talk about "Triangle" without giving anything away? It's a puzzle equal to that which the movie presents its audience, because this isn't your standard horror movie. It has more in common with plot-twisting movies such as "Momento" and "The Machinist" than the gory likes of "Halloween" or "Ghost Ship".

Perhaps a good start is offer some praise to the director Christopher Smith whose work i've been a fan of since "Creep". I also greatly enjoyed his follow-up "Severence", but "Triangle" is easily his most mature effort so far; and the entire movie has an almost dream-like atmosphere to it. It certainly looks beautiful and the haunting music adds to this ambiance.

Melissa George, who plays the central role here, is quietly impressive; she's never really been an actress who has stood out to me in her previous roles, and so it was a pleasant surprise to see her rising to the occasion of taking center stage. It's only a shame that her character is so haunted and inaccessible. This isn't George's fault; the role is written in a way which keeps her detached not only from the other characters but also from the moviegoers. She's constantly aloof and distracted which can be initially annoying; it's hard to care for a character which you can't warm to.

I would certainly applaud the makers for attempting something different to the standard horror story (although, I do admit that it is very similar in theme to one other recent movie that you'll probably see mentioned a few times in the forum for "Triangle") and I certainly enjoyed the experience. I'd recommend staying away from learning too much about the plot beforehand (the trailer, in particular, gives far too much away) if at all possible.

"Triangle" is very much like a movie-length version of a "Twilight Zone" episode but its also a very flawed piece. There's an intelligence at work in the script; the way in which the pieces of the puzzle are presented to the audience is done in a skilled manner but it also suffers from thinking it's far cleverer than it actually is. There are plot holes to be found by those who dwell on the story, and the ending isn't quite as neat as the movie believes it to be.

Still, this is an impressive effort and well worth checking out (especially if you're a fan of the two superior movies mentioned earlier - "Momento" and "The Machinist"). In a world in which cinematic horror tends to involve torture and cheap shocks, it's nice to find a more psychological effort that looks for other ways to creep under your skin.
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8/10
Surprisingly excellent.
lewiskendell19 November 2010
"You're just having a bad dream. That's all baby. It's all it was. Bad dreams make you think you've seen things that you haven't." 

Triangle is a very good movie about Melissa George's perfect legs, and how they...wait, let me try this again. 

Triangle is actually an effective, intelligent, layered horror/thriller (starring Melissa George's perfect legs). I can't go into the story very much, as there's not much detail that can be given out with ruining it. I'll just say that a curiously detached young mother and a group of people go out sailing one gorgeous day, get caught in a storm, and find themselves shipwrecked. A massive approaching ocean liner appears to bring salvation, but once they're on-board, it seems strangely deserted. Soon people start dying, and the plot takes a sharp left turn that puts it at a cut above the typical slasher flick that Triangle seems to be at first glance. 

I'll admit that I was a little underwhelmed by the movie at first, but it definitely gets much better as it goes along. I really have to give the movie credit for how clever and ambitious it attempts (and succeeds) to be. The best description of Triangle I can give without ruining anything is a combination of The Shining and Donnie Darko, with a really hot lead actress. It's mind-bending in just the right way. There were lots of different points that the story could have fallen apart and stopped making sense, but that never happened. By the end, there are no loose ends. And I'll add that the title is particularly meaningful. 

If you're open-minded, attentive, and ready for something slightly different, chances are that you'll love this movie. I certainly enjoyed it.
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Haunting
Cujo10812 May 2010
Jess (Melissa George) is a single mother struggling to raise her autistic son. While working her job at a diner, she become friends with one of the customers, a playboy type named Greg who invites her on a yachting trip with he and his friends. Desperate for a break from her son, she takes him up on his offer. The day of the trip, she's late getting to the boat and arrives flustered. She says that her son is at school, but it's a Saturday. Despite her questionable frame of mind, Greg introduces her to the group (including uptight sister, Sally, and his first mate, Victor, both of whom are vocal in their reservations about her) and off they go. It's smooth sailing at first, but an out of nowhere storm leaves the boat capsized and the remaining passengers stranded. They think they're in luck when an ocean liner passes by, though boarding the ship is just the beginning of things going from bad to worse.

This is the third film I've seen from director Christopher Smith. Creep left me unimpressed, but I liked Severance well enough, shoddy ending aside. This, however, is easily the most rewarding of the three. What looked like it would be your typical slasher set on a ship turns out to be something far more intriguing. What we get instead is a mind-bending little trip with an obtuse mood and a curving story. I can see some people thinking of the film as being too repetitive, but I was caught up in the mystery right off the bat. This is a well put together film with some interesting questions at it's core. While it's not completely fresh (there are some definite similarities to Timecrimes), it still kept it's hooks in me for the duration. Smith put a lot of time into the script, reportedly a few years, and I feel that it paid off.

Triangle also wraps up with it's own unique explanation, one that's Sisyphean in theme. Another of the film's top qualities would be the strength of some of it's visuals, the most notable example being Sally crawling amidst something that I will leave unspoiled. A wicked sight and a sure shock when it pops up.

This film deserved to play in theaters. Aside from the fact that it's far superior to a lot of the horror that gets theater play these days, it's just a damn fine film that would benefit from being seen on the big screen. The Blu-ray is beautiful! Regardless, Christopher Smith has given us a haunting treat that will continue to fester in your mind long after that initial viewing. A must-see!
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7/10
For Fans of Timecrimes, This is a Must-See
gavin694218 August 2010
A small boat capsizes in the see and the people aboard must go to a large ship for help. But this ship is empty, with the exception of a lone killer acting out of unexplained motives... and then the plot goes from mundane to bizarre.

This film is written and directed by Christopher Smith, who made a few waves with his 2006 film "Severance". I think this is really going to be his break-out project, so long as enough people catch it. The plot is intelligent and tight, the directing is masterful, and the cast is kept in line.

Melissa George has been praised for this film, and I think that's fair. She has up until now been very second fiddle, and despite good performances in films like "Amityville Horror", never really got her due. This film is it -- she is front and center for the entire running time, showing her most anguished character possible.

There are few problem with this film. It does run a bit long, but not so long that it's unbearable... the first twenty minutes are bland, but it picks up after that. The biggest problem, which is unfortunate, is that this film was released after "Timecrimes"... and there are some similarities, even if minor, and critics will jump on this. But, if anything, this made me enjoy the film more rather than less, because it was like reliving the mindbend that "Timecrimes" gave me.

I completely endorse this film, and strongly recommend it to any horror or suspense fan. You may enjoy the subtle references to "The Shining", or simply the interesting and deep plot. And, at least as I write this (August 2010), the film is an instant play on Netflix, so you do not have to go out of your way to find it.
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9/10
One of the best mysteries lately
bobby_mak25 November 2009
This movie is really amazing. I recommend it a 100%. It plays with your mind from the very beginning until the very end. It just makes you think all the time and even when the credits roll you are left thinking and considering, and I mean that in the good way. Some movies leave you thinking "Why did that happen? It made no sense whatsoever.". Not this. However, in order to understand everything you must really pay attention to all the details, some lines, some specific shots and then I promise, it will all make sense. Of course, if you have someone to discuss it with after it is over, will make things a lot more interesting and engaging. I just want to say that this movie is not a horror and doesn't have any "jump" moments. It is a pure mystery and I am sure that any mystery fan would truly enjoy the experience.

I am not going to give away anything concerning the plot, because this will just spoil the pleasure from all the twists and turns this movie takes you through. This is my advice: Do not read anything about this movie or watch any trailers, before you actually see it. Believe me, it is going to be a lot more fun like this. The story is extremely engaging and the end is very satisfying. New elements are constantly added when you least expect them and the movie actually answers all the questions it asks, or at least provides you with enough clues to solve the puzzles yourself.

Melissa George gives probably her best performance up to date. She really helps a lot in making the movie what it is. She has a great potential in her as an actress and I hope this opens even more doors for her.

All I can say is, see this movie! You will not be disappointed and it will keep you guessing and guessing and then surely make you talk a lot about it. Don't you just love when that happens?
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Conundrum...
azathothpwiggins16 September 2020
TRIANGLE is a story about regret, remorse, and second chances.

Jess (Melissa George) is on a sailing trip with friends when they encounter a freak storm that overturns their yacht. Jess and company happen upon what appears to be a derelict ship, adrift in the ocean.

Once aboard, it's not long before a murderous frenzy unfolds. This is repeated from various angles and points of view. Sound bizarre? It is! It's also riveting to watch, as pieces of the puzzle fall into place. If you've ever done something that you wish you could undo, fix, or erase completely, then this movie will hit a nerve. Ms. George is the center and circumference of the film. Watch her every move!

A wonderful brain-twister, this!...
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6/10
Triangle (2009)
SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain30 December 2011
Triangle is a very interesting and worthwhile film. Until it starts repeating itself at nausea. It builds up nice and slow, something that a lot of films are failing to do these days. Something is obviously not quite right before the cast even set-off. Once a deserted ghost ship enters the picture, it all questions and mysteries. The film is very similar to others out there, such as Timecrimes. Once you get the gist of it, you pretty much know how it's going to unfold. It's still a very interesting idea, and is very intriguing to watch. There is some very powerful imagery, such as a large pile of bodies, with a bit twist to them. Certainly a great watch for a bit of suspense and mystery, and it doesn't try and fry your brain too much either.
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6/10
Intriguing, imperfect mystery-drama
grantss9 April 2023
A group of friends are sailing at sea when their yacht is hit by a massive storm and capsizes. They are picked up by a liner that appears to be largely deserted. One of the friends, Jess, has a strange feeling that she's been here before.

A reasonably intriguing mystery drama. Starts slowly, though it turns out the opening scenes aren't filler but do have a bearing on later developments. From a point though it gets very interesting and exciting as things start to fall into place, or become murkier, depending on your perspective.

The film was set up for a great wrap-up but here it is a bit disappointing, leaving more questions than answers. Still, the middle section is riveting viewing.
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8/10
Very good and intriguing
Lord_Frog27 August 2009
I just came back from the world premiere at FrightFest in London, it was the festival opener as well so expectations were high and it didn't disappoint! Much better than Creep and Severance, this is Christopher Smith's most ambitious film. A mind-bending story that is as puzzling as it is original, Triangle is more a mystery than a horror movie in my opinion. Gorehounds will be sorely disappointed. This is more about a situation which becomes more and more surreal, almost dream-like, I thought during the film that I've had similar nightmares as a kid... nightmares going around in circles and getting more and more frightening because I knew when or how the monster would inevitably come back...

The plot (no spoilers): after their yacht is overturned during a freak storm, a group of friends are desperate for help. A cruise ship suddenly appears and they see a figure looking down at them from the bridge for a few seconds. They climb on board but there is no crew, no passengers, nothing. Saying anything more would be ruining the movie, so I'll stop here.

After the movie ended in a round of applause, Christopher Smith said that it took him 2 years to write the script, and in the end it's not surprising as this is a very complex plot and to make all the pieces fall into place must have been a daunting task! Good acting by Melissa George and the rest of the cast, but her haunting performance takes center stage very quickly as the movie goes on a WTF / Twilight Zone-ish mode. All in all I recommend it, I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing the whole time so if you like unconventional, mind-f*** movies, this is one for you!
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7/10
Surprisingly good thriller
uzicm16 November 2022
There are plenty of movies out there in this genre, all of which suffer with flaws. Triangle is no exception but that shows no disrespect to the writer. No movie of this type can avoid holes in the story. Don't question the if's and but's and just enjoy this somewhat screwed up movie for what it is.

Melissa George plays an exceptional role which at first you find yourself asking why is she being weird but as the story progresses so does the understanding of what is happening.

It's a great story that is well acted throughout and does play with your mind.

Enjoy the movie and don't think too hard about the logistics.
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8/10
An intelligent and complex mystery-thriller that demands your attention
Magic_Lantern20 October 2009
I went to see Triangle on a whim hoping it might be thrilling, entertaining or fun at least. I love it when a film exceeds your expectations like Triangle did.

Mellissa George stars as the lead in a small cast of young people on a yachting break off the coast of Florida who encounter a mysterious ship with no passengers after their yacht is upturned.

What follows is a complex and superbly written mystery that unfolds at a perfect pace. I spent most of the movie trying to work out what was going on, trying to piece together all the elements of the storyline. Christopher Smith has clearly spent a long time putting this film together with an intricately crafted deal of detail. I was gripped from the moment the yacht capsized.

The lead performance is excellent, superbly holding the plot together; and the supporting cast are more than passable. If you're looking for something a little different and you're happy to pay close attention to detail for an hour and a half, then I can thoroughly recommend Triangle as an original, well written and directed mystery that will keep you guessing until the final scene.

8/10.
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10/10
Brilliant Movie! Don't Miss It!
carlshelley28624 January 2010
Please don't read any reviews before you watch this one. (Even though you're reading now). This movie will take you in at the beginning and will not let you go (even when it's over)! Watch it without any distractions. You will love this hour and a 1/2 journey! I watched it on my laptop with my headphones on....just me and the movie. Awesome....awesome....awesome!

The movie starts out like any other. Friends going out on a sailboat ride. Shortly after the proper introductions there's a mysterious storm. In a matter of minutes they're trapped in raging waters. Then....this journey begins. Don't blink!

Trust me. I will earn my stripes on this review. Watch it!
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7/10
Not what you are expecting
lord_orsum19 March 2024
Given the synopsis and poster, I was expecting a survival horror flick. Maybe something supernatural on the boat picking off the survivors one by one.

This is not what I got. I got something a whole lot weirder, more tightly plotted and interesting.

I cannot explain what happens without spoilers, so I will just say that the film delivers an interesting premise, with enough hints to suggest an explanation (of sorts). There are some very nice twists and imagery in places.

The runtime is quite short, and the pacing is good. The acting is adequate. The special effects budget is clearly limited. The script is what lifts this above average.

Give this film a chance - it is definitely worth it.
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1/10
Absolutely a waste of your night
shanelmcg29 June 2010
This film is not worth any of your time, let me start with that. I rented this from Red Box, thinking it might be a fun twist on the Bermuda Triangle or at least and entertaining B horror film...sadly I was wrong on both counts.

The film starts out decently, with most of the cast giving very believable performances...save for the lead who seems to almost never change her initial "I'm on too many painkillers" expression.

As the story finally hits its 2nd act it degrades into something that only really resembles swiss cheese. The amount of holes in this film are unbearable and ultimately any intelligent movie viewer will just feel stupid for trying to find any logic in the main characters actions or dilemma. I wont go through any details as calling them spoilers are worthless...the film makes no sense and relies completely on the characters simply being stupid.

I felt I needed to add a review because I really don't understand how this film has even a few good reviews....did you all even see the same film? Its an interesting concept for sure, but is just so poorly thought out and terribly written. Trust me on this. I'm not a hater, the film is legitimate crap recycled over and over until a climax that makes no sense with its supposed cyclical beginning. AVOID AS BEST YOU CAN!!!
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7/10
A puzzle with missing pieces
DavCastaneda2 June 2020
Regardless of the plot holes, it is an interesting and entertaining movie that never lets go the hand of the audience.

It could be slowed down in some point, and a little predictable, but after all you stay in your chair, completely absorbed.

A generic modern thriller, but still pretty good.
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9/10
A truly great, complex film.
Sleepin_Dragon26 September 2016
What an absolute gem of a movie Triangle is, it seemed to go very much under the radar, which was a huge shame, as it really is a clever, intriguing film that crosses several genres, thriller, horror, action etc.

A fantastic lead performance from the wonderful Melissa George, she is capable and charismatic enough to add a huge energy into the character, given something different to each 'version' of Jess. She's a brilliant actress.

On first watch you come away completely perplexed, but wonderfully entertained, this is a very cleverly crafted movie, which looks so good, and moves along at a great pace. Some hugely powerful imagery, Sally's death scene, and discovery of her 'other' selves is a very haunting moment. I also thought the arrival of the storm looked fantastic too.

Considering this was made as it were on the cheap, it's a quality film. 9/10.
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7/10
She looks great despite having only the one t-shirt and shorts throughout
christopher-underwood13 December 2019
I preferred the beginning and end of this to the rather protracted and repetitive main body. The opening credits have real style and prompt thought of David Lynch as we espy from unusual angles the likes of a revolving garden sprinkler, a lazily pushed lawnmower, an unclean pond and a washing line. At the same time the enigmatic ending promises to make sense of what we have seen with a mix of rescue and disaster on the street. In between a rather protracted tale is told upon some ghost ship where shipwreck survivors come and go and come again. Its not terrible but I wouldn't want to watch it again, except for the fact that leading actress Melissa George works her socks off almost single-handed in an attempt to keep this afloat. She looks great despite having only the one t-shirt and shorts throughout and it is a shame she gets little support from the others.
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9/10
Simply brain-twisting.
Darkillas7 January 2010
I love this kind of braintwisting movies where turns are as less expected as possible and shocking. You are really pushed to pay close attention to all details in the movie, otherwise you can miss the "real" point in the story. This movie is quite confusing and easy to get lost in to, but the reward of successfully understanding all aspects and layers of the movie is well worth it (at least for me).

Are you bored with easy predictable story lines of 90% today's movies? Do you like mystery and something more than "common" life situations? Than watch this movie to shift the pattern of understanding the reality.

Have a nice loop ;-)
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7/10
Original and thought provoking, but not perfect
perica-4315127 June 2018
The idea of the movie is nice, the underlying story archetypal, but some more work on the plot could have made this movie even better. There are a few plot holes that could have been polished, but still, it is a nice movie with some emotional impact. Worth a watch.
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6/10
Really good
skrstenansky13 October 2021
This is a really underrated and hidden gem. A very interesting and original story, great cast of characters, good acting, full of action, tense, suspenseful and very mysterious. Lots of good effects, though it may lack at times, brutal, violent, and full of good twists, very entertaining and well done movie.
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A Must See!
mennfox-5191822 May 2017
I remember the trailer for this movie, wasn't too impressed really. 8 Years later I stumbled across it and checked the reviews which seem overwhelming positive.

Sat down and saw it last night and it was a fantastic film. No gore, just pure suspense I could feel the butterflies in my stomach, you know its a good movie when that happens. Additionally I love movies that keep you guessing even when it's finished, which this did. There are only a few films that I would watch over again, this is one of them.

Just goes to show that you do need blood and gore, famous faces or a silly story line for a good flick. This was more than good and I wish they would continue to make movies like this. Well done!
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7/10
Could have been so much better, but definitely worth the watch
Catocala11 August 2023
Short version: This is a movie about a group of people shipwrecked , being saved but stranding on a seemingly abandoned ship with weird stuff going on. Even though the plot is cool, a lot of needless mistakes were made. It's a decent movie, but it could have been infinitely better if a little more effort was put into story and character development.

Plusses +++++++++
  • The actress playing the main character does a good job;
  • The story is a pretty good version of groundhog day versus Sisyphus (see Greek/Roman mythology). The latter myth is mentioned within basically the first second, which unfortunately immediatly spoils the plot. So even though the plot itself is a plus, the execution is a minus.


  • The visuals (camera work, setting, directing, SFX) are well executed;
  • Music/sounds are nice;
  • Thrill without cheap jumpscares;
  • Good pacing, distributed tension throughout the length of the film.


Minusses --------
  • The acting (aside from solid main lead) could be better, although it's definitely not bad;
  • None of the characters aside from main function as more than a flat, secundary character: no interesting personalities or even the tiniest background stories are explored. Aside from their name and looks, you basically know nothing about these people by the end of the movie. This also majorly obstructs any sympathy or empathy you have with anyone but the main lead;
  • The plot (I won't spoil) is very predictable. A sin in itself, but an even bigger sin because there are very obvious, easy ways this transparant plot could have been prevented. The movie would have been 10 times better if it was more of a mystery to figure out what was going on. Sadly, I feel just about anyone will guess the cause of the strange things going on within the first "exciting" scene.
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6/10
May cause dizziness.
tele-cine24 January 2010
Somewhat confusing. I didn't hate it, but this plot concept has been implemented more successfully before, I think. This film spins dizzily until you get that vague feeling like when you've forgotten why you walked purposefully into another room in your house. You stand there befuddled for a moment, then you do your best to muddle through the ambiguity without context.

The recursive nature of Triangle's plot emerges almost immediately, but is not used as skillfully as in the movie Identity (2003), in my opinion. I kept waiting for some original defining twist that never appeared. There are no intermittent flashes of thread interconnection to serve as clues. So, you keep watching for the big surprise that doesn't pop. I'm sure this plot device is not original to Identity, either. Both films resemble Hitchcock's Vertigo (1958), a little, but in Triangle you barely have any inkling, beyond motion-sickness, that the plot is even moving forward.

There is much to confuse the viewer in this film. The intentional circular logic does not congeal, even to the very end, failing to confirm the complete sequence of events. Is the main character dead? Is she in a coma? Is she in a mental state of dissociative fugue? We never really know for sure. I really don't understand why the "just a driver" character is introduced so late. Perhaps a half-hearted attempt at plot resolution? However, as soon as you start feeling the relief of it finally being over, you just find yourself back at the beginning of the endless loop, again. Since the film viewer always sees through the main character's eyes there is no disinterested observer to imply objectivity. You can't even be sure if you're watching an instance of the unending-ending trope. This film was interesting in a few places, but not organized or clever enough to avoid looking like fragments of other stories.
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8/10
Ambitious change of direction for Smith - excellently done
johncloke5 September 2009
I too saw this at FrightFest and purposefully avoided reading too much about it beforehand. Having loved Creep and enjoying the silliness of Severance, I was expecting something squarely within the horror genre. This is definitely not that. Quite surprised it was chosen to open the festival actually - but this is by no means a criticism.

The film isn't quite a thriller either - the unconventional narrative reminded me more of Memento. There's another film, a well known US comedy (which I won't name to save the spoiler) which employs a similar device - although this film is by no means unoriginal. The film, like Memento, is satisfyingly complex in leaving the viewer with questions about precisely what has gone on but without any feeling of bafflement.

A great central performance from Melissa George really makes the film - she really pulls off the huge character development required over the duration of the film - no mean feat given the structure and short running time of the film.

This should open up some doors for Smith outside the horror genre - and on this evidence he is going to be well capable of dealing with complex and big ideas and I'm looking forward to more interesting work from him ASAP.
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7/10
Wow
zhyarTheChosen20 November 2019
The writing was actually there not like many other movies that is like completely random
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