By Will Sayre , Matt Mahler & Rachel Johnson
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“La tristesse durera toujours." Those were Vincent van Gogh's last words; they mean, "The sadness will last forever." While that may be true on an existential level, sometimes we can package sadness into a neat two hours and call it a movie.
As a vehicle for emotion, few mediums are as powerful as the moving image. We turn to great comedy movies to make us laugh, terrifying horror movies to make us scream, and yes, sad movies to make us cry. The films on this list all fall into the latter category for different reasons, but definitely shouldn't be movie night picks unless a person is ready to feel something. While one might not want to watch a sad movie every day, there's nothing like the true catharsis of shedding a tear because of an on-screen tragedy, igniting every ounce of empathy in the body.
These films elicit an emotional response because they hit on something personal for people, something we can latch onto and relate to, even if they seem to bear no resemblance to one's own life. After all, that is what is so magical about movies — the best ones accomplish something so universal through incredibly specific stories. So, whether it's romantic dramas, stories of families torn apart or reunited after many years, or even tales of injustice on an individual or massive scale that reduce one to a puddle of tears, these are some of the greatest, downright certified tearjerkers.
35 The Notebook (2004)
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The Notebook
PG-13
Drama Romance- Release Date
- June 25, 2004
- Runtime
- 124 Minutes
- Director
- Nick Cassavetes
Cast
-
Ryan Gosling
-
Rachel McAdams
-
James Garner
-
Gena Rowlands
Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name, The Notebook is a romantic drama film that follows a couple who fall in love during the 1940s. Duke, an older man, recounts the story of two young lovers whose lives never lined up quite right to a fellow patient in his nursing home. Reading from the notebook pages, the movie keeps flashing from the present into the past to tell the story of the one that got away.
The film follows Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) who fall in love one summer, but unfortunately, the two are separated due to war and Allie's parents' disapproval. Years later, they find their way back to each other. The film intercuts between elderly Noah and Ally, and unfortunately, Ally has Alzheimer's and simply can't remember their love for each other.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Think about it like this: The Notebook was so sad that a certain streamer felt the need to change the heartbreaking ending to ease the pain. Meanwhile, the film is unquestionably one of the most iconic love stories ever. We'd be a bit surprised if you're not crying by the end — edited version or otherwise.
34 Titanic (1997)
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Titanic
PG-13
Drama Romance- Release Date
- December 19, 1997
- Runtime
- 3h 14m
- Director
- James Cameron
- Writers
- James Cameron
Cast
-
David Warner
-
Kathy Bates
-
Billy Zane
-
Bill Paxton
For the newer generations, let it be known that Celine Dion's iconic "My Heart Will Go On" originates from James Cameron's 1997 masterpiece. Titanic is rightfully one of the most successful movies ever made. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as the ill-fated lovers Jack and Rose — two of their most iconic roles, which skyrocketed each of them to stardom.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
James Cameron broke ground in terms of cinematography, special effects, and editing, leading to the result of winning 10 Oscars at the ceremony that year. Uttering the line, "I'll never let go" to someone you know — whether it be a joke or used seriously — seems to be an American pastime at this point.
33 Harold and Maude (1971)
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Harold and Maude
PG
Comedy Documentary Drama Romance- Release Date
- December 20, 1971
- Director
- Hal Ashby
- Writers
- Colin Higgins
Cast
-
Ruth Gordon
-
Bud Cort
-
Vivian Pickles
-
Cyril Cusack
- Main Genre
- Comedy
The classic Hal Ashby film Harold and Maude redefined the parameters of the romantic comedy for the New Hollywood era; it's a love story for people who hate romance movies. The film follows a rich and suicidal young man who feels imprisoned in his prim and proper mother's house. His mind is opened and he gets a new lease on life when he meets a freewheeling octogenarian living her best life.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Without spoiling anything, Harold and Maude is a tragicomedy that is obsessed with death, in both humorous and melancholy ways, so you may find yourself weeping at the cruelty of mortality. At the same time, you may shed a happy tear at just how beautiful the titular relationship is, and how life-changing Maude's carefree attitude is on harold.
32 My Girl (1991)
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My Girl
PG
Comedy Drama- Release Date
- November 27, 1991
- Runtime
- 102 Minutes
- Director
- Howard Zieff
- Writers
- Laurice Elehwany
Cast
-
Dan Aykroyd
-
Jamie Lee Curtis
-
Macaulay Culkin
-
Anna Chlumsky
Beloved '90s child star Macaulay Culkin appeared alongside the charming Anna Chlumsky in the coming-of-age dramedy My Girl, in which the stars portray two 11-year-olds who develop a profound friendship during a life-altering summer in 1972 Pennsylvania.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Tackling heavy issues like death, grief, mental illness, and the growing pains of adolescence, the film is perhaps best remembered for the emotionally crippling death of Culkin's character Thomas from a bee attack. The scene where Chlumsky's Vada is visibly distraught when attending Thomas' funeral, noticing he's not wearing his glasses, is a punch to the gut of viewers and still causes even the toughest to shed a tear.
31 Toy Story 3 (2010)
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Toy Story 3
G
Family
Fantasy Animation Adventure Comedy- Release Date
- June 18, 2010
- Runtime
- 103 minutes
- Director
- Lee Unkrich
- Writers
- Michael Arndt
- Prequel(s)
- Toy Story 2, Toy Story
Toy Story is a franchise that has delighted children for almost three decades. What kid has never pretended or wished that their favorite toy was alive? However, Toy Story 3 chose to go with a much darker plot, where an evil, jealous pink bear called Lotso (Ned Beatty) hunts down our beloved Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and their friends.
What Makes It A Certified Tearjerker?
This film features a terrifying scene where the toys are slowly drifting towards the center of an incinerator, and end up joining hands in acceptance of their fate -- before being saved in extremis, of course. There is no doubt that this particular scene has left children, and probably some adults, in tears of horror or sadness for the poor helpless toys.
30 Me Before You (2016)
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Me Before You
PG-13
Drama- Release Date
- June 3, 2016
- Director
- Thea Sharrock
- Writers
- Jojo Moyes
Cast
-
Janet McTeer
-
Jenna Coleman
-
Stephen Peacocke
-
Matthew Lewis
- Main Genre
- Drama
If you are a fan of tearjerker movies, then you must have watched or at least heard about Me Before You. This 2016 movie stars Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke in the two main roles of William and Louisa. The movie begins as we see that a very successful and active Will has become paralyzed from the neck down after an unfortunate accident with a motorbike. Years later, Louisa is hired by Will's parents to assist him and also lift his spirits, which she does successfully. But she also gets to know that Will is planning to go down the path of assisted suicide.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Without spoiling the movie anymore, we will just let you know that it does not have your typical happy ending. You will shed a lot of tears and feel a lot of frustrated feelings while watching the movie. But the ending will also bring a smile to your face.
29 Requiem for a Dream (2000)
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Requiem for a Dream
R
Drama- Release Date
- December 15, 2000
- Runtime
- 102 minutes
- Director
- Darren Aronofsky
- Writers
- Darren Aronofsky, Hubert Selby Jr.
Cast
-
Ellen Burstyn
-
Marlon Wayans
-
Christopher McDonald
-
Jared Leto
Requiem for a Dream gives a chilling and intense account of four different people in the gripes of drug addiction, and none of them get a happy ending. The acting is so realistic that all four main actors have been praised for their performances, and it may be one of Ellen Burstyn's best roles despite her long career.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
The saddest story of all is probably that of Sara Goldfarb (Ellen Burstyn), the mother of drug user Harry Goldfarb (Jared Leto), who becomes addicted to weight-loss pills without even realizing it. She becomes completely delusional about being invited on a TV show -- the reason why she wants to lose weight in the first place, suffers hallucinations which are depicted very realistically, and everyone around her just believes that she is starting to get dementia.
28 The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
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The Banshees of Inisherin
R
Comedy Drama- Release Date
- October 21, 2022
- Runtime
- 109 minutes
- Director
- Martin McDonagh
- Writers
- Martin McDonagh
Cast
-
Colin Farrell
-
Brendan Gleeson
-
Kerry Condon
-
Barry Keoghan
The Banshees of Inisherin is somewhat of a cinema UFO. Colm, an Irishman living on the island of Inisherin, suddenly decides to stop talking to his lifelong friend Pádraic and threatens dire consequences if his decision is not respected. A drama on the surface, the film borrows from dark comedy, which has the effect of making the characters' feud even sadder. Death looms over the film, from animals to suicides, meaning the film uses almost literal gallows humor.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
It is never truly revealed why Colm was mad at Pádraic, although he somewhat says that it is due to his obnoxious chatting and inability to listen. As well, the whole thing about cut-off fingers brings a layer of absurdity that somehow saddens the viewer even more. This film is both interesting and sad due to its depiction of rural Ireland and the Civil War. However, no endless green pastures can distract us from the melancholy of seeing these two irreconcilable best friends.
27 Shoplifters (2018)
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Shoplifters
R
Drama Crime Thriller
5 /5
- Release Date
- November 23, 2018
- Runtime
- 120 Minutes
- Director
- Hirokazu Kore-ada
- Writers
- Hirokazu Kore-ada
Cast
-
Lily Franky
Osamu Shibata
-
Sakura Andō
Nobuyo Shibata
Shoplifters is a Japanese drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The story follows a poor family in Tokyo who survive through shoplifting and take in a young girl they find on the street. As they forge a unique bond, secrets of their past come to light, challenging their definition of family. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.
Hirokazu Kore-eda is one of the few filmmakers who can create a tear-jerker without ever making the audience feel emotionally manipulated. His realistic, down-to-earth portrayals of regular people struggling through modern life are consistently beautiful and meaningful. He won the Palme d'Or at Cannes for Shoplifters, a beautiful film about a ragtag group of unhoused people who take in a young girl whose family has practically deserted her.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
While wholly unique and brought to life with great charm from excellent actors, Shoplifters follows the classic formula of a tear-jerker — two different people or groups reluctantly come together, bond in meaningful ways, and then are forced apart for whatever sad reason. The film takes its time, though, and really explores these characters' lives on the margins of society, creating a beautiful and empathetic portrait of kindhearted people trying to survive.
26 Moonlight (2016)
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Moonlight
R
Drama- Release Date
- October 21, 2016
- Runtime
- 111 Minutes
- Director
- Barry Jenkins
- Writers
- Barry Jenkins
Cast
-
Janelle Monae
-
Edson Jean
-
Alex R. Hibbert
-
Mahershala Ali
Written and directed by Barry Jenkins, Moonlight follows Chiron (Trevante Rhodes, Ashton Sanders, and Alex Hibbert) during three stages of his life, starting in childhood and progressing all the way up through adulthood. The film explores themes of identity and sexuality, chronicling Chiron's life as a gay black man growing up in Miami to an abusive, drug-addicted mother.
Moonlight follows the story of young Black man Chiron (played by Alex R. Hibbert as Child Chiron / "Little," Ashton Sanders as Teen Chiron, and Trevante Rhodes as Adult Chiron / "Black") who discovers his gay identity in an environment where he absolutely cannot show it.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Aside from sexuality, the film also delves without restraint into topics of Black maturity and identity, drug use, and independence. This movie tells an important story of intersectionality, with beautiful shots that evolve as the character ages. Chiron's repressed self through the end leaves audiences with a lump in their throat for this man who seemingly wasted his life until he recognizes who he really is.
25 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
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Grave of the Fireflies
Not Rated
Animation Drama War- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Runtime
- 89 Mins
- Director
- Isao Takahata
- Writers
- Akiyuki Nosaka, Isao Takahata
Cast
-
Tsutomu Tatsumi
-
Ayano Shiraishi
-
Akemi Yamaguchi
-
Yoshiko Shinohara
Lauded as one of the greatest war films of all time, the riveting war tragedy Grave of the Fireflies is a masterpiece created from the minds of Isao Takahata and the beloved Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. It tells the sorrowful story of two orphan siblings who must flee their home in Kobe, Japan after it is destroyed in a firebombing during World War II. Having lost their mother in the deadly assault, Seita and Setsuko struggle to stay safe and hopeful amid uncertainty and a country plagued by conflict.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
The breathtaking and equally agonizing film was adapted from Akiyuki Nosaka's semi-autobiographical short story and his own harrowing experiences during the bombing of Kobe, and Takahata also drew on surviving the incendiary bombings in Okayama during the war. The painfully sad Grave of the Fireflies premiered to widespread critical acclaim across the world and is considered to be Takahata's magnum opus, with the gripping drama continuously landing on numerous lists of the cinema's most outstanding and celebrated achievements.
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1
24 Call Me By Your Name (2017)
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Call Me By Your Name
R
Drama Romance- Release Date
- November 24, 2017
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Luca Guadagnino
- Writers
- Luca Guadagnino, James Ivory, Walter Fasano, André Aciman
- Sequel(s)
- Call Me by Your Name 2
Cast
-
Armie Hammer
-
Timothée Chalamet
-
Michael Stuhlbarg
-
Amira Casar
Starring Armie Hammer opposite a young Timothee Chalamet, and kicking off the cultural obsession with the latter, Call Me by Your Name is a unique addition to the romance genre. Part love story and part coming-of-age tale, the movie is full of beautiful shots of the small Italian village where it's set.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
The movie doesn't draw tears until the very final scene, a close-up shot of Chalamet sobbing as the credits roll. It's the kind of cry that is guaranteed to bring back all the feelings of having your heart broken for the first time.
23 Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
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Make Way for Tomorrow
NR
Drama Romance- Release Date
- May 9, 1937
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Director
- Leo McCarey
- Writers
- Viña Delmar
- Producers
- Adolph Zukor
Cast
-
Beulah Bondi
Lucy Cooper
-
Victor Moore
Barkley Cooper
-
Fay Bainter
Anita Cooper
-
Thomas Mitchell
George Cooper
Leo McCarey was a filmmaker for the people, using cinema to reflect and connect with material socioeconomic conditions on the ground. Make Way for Tomorrow is perhaps his most quietly powerful film, following the adventures of an elderly couple after they lose their home and are forced to separate and live with different children of theirs.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Victor Moore and Beulah Bondi give staggeringly emotional performances as the Coopers, a couple who try to retain their dignity and optimism even as life destroys them. The film made a powerful statement on what was actually happening in the 1930s, and was remade by the great Yasujirō Ozu as Tokyo Story to reflect what Japan was enduring in the post-war era. That film is largely recognized as one of the great masterpieces, and understandably so, but Make Way for Tomorrow has a more emotional sheen to it that will make you weep and want to call your parents.
22 Up (2009)
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Up
pg
AdventureFamily
- Release Date
- June 11, 2009
- Runtime
- 96minutes
- Director
- Pete Docter
- Writers
- Pete Docter
Cast
-
Ed Asner
-
Bob Peterson
Going through the backstory of the main character, we see his whole life unfold-- falling in love, getting married, being unable to have children, and then eventually losing his wife before they get a chance to make the dream trip they always wanted. It's an excellent lesson in visual storytelling, and it's incredibly heart-wrenching.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Unlike others on the list, Up will have you in tears in the first 10 minutes of the movie. While it's certainly still light enough to be children's fare, the beginning packs a punch that will likely go over any kid's head.
21 Hotel Rwanda (2004)
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Hotel Rwanda
PG-13
Biography DramaHistory
War- Release Date
- February 4, 2005
- Runtime
- 121 Minutes
- Director
- Terry George
- Writers
- Keir Pearson, Terry George
Cast
-
Xolani Mali
-
Don Cheadle
-
Desmond Dube
-
Hakeem Kae-Kazim
- Main Genre
- Biography
Hotel Rwanda documented the violent and merciless massacre that took place during the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the courageous actions of hotelier Paul Rusesabagina and his wife Tatiana. The film starred Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo as the brave married couple who helped provide asylum to over 1,200 refugees during the brutal conflict at the Hôtel des Mille Collines.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
The heartfelt picture shines light on the barbarous genocide and how political corruption in the country played a heavy hand in the slayings of thousands of innocent lives, and the fact that the drama is based on true events makes it that much more powerful. Cheadle was phenomenal as Rusesabagina, earning an Academy Award nomination alongside Okonedo and earning rave reviews for their emotionally gripping portrayals of the tenacious couple.
20 The Way We Were (1973)
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The Way We Were
PG
Drama Romance- Release Date
- October 19, 1973
- Runtime
- 118 Minutes
- Director
- Sydney Pollack
- Writers
- Arthur Laurents
Cast
-
Barbra Streisand
-
Robert Redford
-
Bradford Dillman
-
Lois Chiles
A classic tale of two people told by society and circumstance that they aren't right for each other but foolishly thinking that love is enough, they try to work it out over and over again. Ultimately ending up estranged and married to other people, but with a child Redford's character might not even know, the movie is beautiful but gut-wrenching.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Before there was The Notebook there was The Way We Were. Starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, the film is a sweeping love story spanning decades, with heartbreaking moments interspersed throughout.
19 A Silent Voice (2016)
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A Silent Voice
Not Rated
Animation Drama- Release Date
- September 17, 2016
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Taichi Ishidate, Naoko Yamada
- Writers
- Yoshitoki Ôima, Reiko Yoshida
Cast
-
Miyu Irino
Shôya Ishida
-
Saori Hayami
Shoko Nishimiya
-
Aoi Yuki
Yuzuru Nishimiya
-
Kensho Ono
Tomohiro Nagatsuka
A Silent Voice tells the story of Shoya, a disturbed elementary school student who bullies a deaf girl named Shoko along with his friends. But when the news gets out, Shoya is the only one blamed for it. Throughout middle school, he is treated like a social pariah, and he decides that it's better to end his life instead of living like this. But before that, he wants to right all the wrongs he has done and starts his journey with Shoko. This amazing film goes on to show us how Shoya and Shoko slowly become friends and is ultimately about forgiveness and mending your ways.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
With themes like bullying, redemption, guilt, friendship, and a deaf girl at the center of it all, has all that it needs to be a good tearjerker. The beautiful journey of Shoko and Shoya and all her friends will make you tear up a few times, but in the end, you will be able to finish the movie with a smile on your face. If you are a fan of anime movies, then this movie should be on your watchlist.
18 Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father (2008)
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Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father
Not Rated
Documentary Crime- Release Date
- October 31, 2008
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
- Director
- Kurt Kuenne
- Writers
- Kurt Kuenne
- Producers
- Scott Hooker, Elise Warner
Cast
-
Kurt Kuenne
Self (voice)
-
Andrew Bagby
Self (archive footage)
-
David Bagby
Self - Father
-
Kathleen Bagby
Self - Mother
Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father was originally made as a video project to show a child what a great person his father was, as he was killed before the child was born. The filmmaker then released the powerful film to the public, premiering at a film festival to great acclaim.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
While grief in scripted films is one thing, watching it unfold on screen in real people is hard to watch. The documentary is so completely devastating that it could probably be used as a tool to determine if someone is capable of feeling empathy at all, as it has to be impossible for an emotionally healthy person to escape the experience with a dry eye.
17 Roma (2018)
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Roma
R
Drama- Release Date
- December 14, 2018
- Runtime
- 135 minutes
- Director
- Alfonso Cuarón
- Writers
- Alfonso Cuarón
Cast
-
Yalitza Aparicio
-
Daniela Demesa
-
Marco Graf
-
Daniel Valtierra
Roma follows the life of a housekeeper (immaculately played by newcomer Yalitza Aparicio) for a middle-class Mexican family. The story takes a sad turn towards the end, tying into the unrest of early 1970s Mexico City, but the film is a beautiful look at working class values, quiet suffering, and the meaning of family.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
A beautifully shot modern black-and-white film, it's no surprise that Roma cleaned up at the 91st Academy Awards, bringing home Oscars for Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Foreign Language Film. Unlike other heavily nominated fares that don't hold up in the following years, the strength of Roma's story guarantees that it won't soon be forgotten. No spoilers here, but the narrative is beautifully fashioned and unveils revelatory, powerful moments with subtlety and grace.
16 Brian's Song (1971)
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Brian's Song
G
Sport
Drama- Release Date
- November 30, 1971
- Runtime
- 73 Minutes
- Director
- Buzz Kulik
- Writers
- William Blinn
Cast
-
James Caan
-
Billy Dee Williams
-
Jack Warden
-
Bernie Casey
Brian's Song is a 1971 made-for-TV movie based on the real-life friendship between Chicago Bears players Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. James Caan stars as Piccolo and Billy Dee Williams as Sayers. The film chronicles their bond, personal challenges, and perseverance against Piccolo's terminal cancer, highlighting themes of friendship and courage in the competitive world of professional football.
The 1971 biographical drama Brian's Song tells the poignant real-life story of Chicago Bears football players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, whose growing friendship in the 1960s garnered attention and became a positive symbol during the civil rights era.
What Makes It a Certified Tearjerker?
Widely regarded as one of the greatest television movies ever made, the film chronicles the athletes' inspiring bond while detailing their vastly conflicting personalities and racial backgrounds, culminating in Piccolo's heartbreaking battle with cancer. Despite the two men competing with one another, their friendship remained powerful and unwavering as Sayers stood steadfast by his side in his final days.
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