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		<title><![CDATA[Forums - Bricks in Motion - The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
		<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/topic/23069/the-revenge-song/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[The most recent posts in The Revenge Song:#:.]]></description>
		<lastBuildDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 14:10:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363667/#p363667</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I can't help but feel as though a lot of religious allegory brickfilms are far too preachy, and don't really allow the viewer to work out the message for themselves, but rather explicitly says what the message is. It is very hard to tell a good story with a Christian message well, hence why I don't do it very often myself. 'And Men Loved Darkness', one of my favourite brickfilms from 2015, managed to tell it's message very well. It worked because it was subtle, and allowed the viewer consider the message behind it themselves, in the same manner as Jesus's parables. 

Zootopia could easily have been a little too preachy with it's message about prejudice. It took me a while to fully appreciate the proper message. It takes time to fully see the full picture, and that is what makes it a good allegory, and therefore not preachy. 

So, not all films need a strong message, but those that do, take a lot of hard work, and can be difficult to do well.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (William Osborne)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 14:10:19 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363667/#p363667</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363666/#p363666</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Some immaculate filmmaking on display here, both technical and narrative. I'm not familiar with your series but had no issues following the plot and it all worked really well as a self-contained story. The lighting was especially great (the shot of the headlights against the minifigure's head was perfect), and as everyone else has stated, the animation is top-notch. My only quarrel would be that the scene of the woman being run over feels much to slow. Had you animated that with a faster frame-rate it would've lent the scene some added gravity.

As for the discussion of "good" vs. "bad" stories, a diversity is obviously key. It's quite ridiculous to propose that [i]all[/i] stories must conform to a specific worldview, and if those are the only ones you wish to see then there are more than enough of those readily available for you.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[fulip.bergstrom@gmail.com (Filip)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 13:09:44 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363666/#p363666</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363663/#p363663</link>
			<description><![CDATA[[quote=RemnantMedia]When the Bible tells a story of a wrong-doing, it is made quite clear that it is a wrong-doing, just like David and Bathsheba; David did something terribly wrong, but the Bible doesn't stop there. David deeply repents of his sin. In my opinion, films should avoid glorifying wrong, but they shouldn't stop there. They should actually glorify what is right.[/quote]

Not every story does (or should) end with the protagonist learning the error of his/her ways and being redeemed, though. The Book of Jonah ends with Jonah bitter and alone, unable to learn his lesson. There is room for more than one kind of story structure to be worthwhile. Essentially what I'm saying is that although it may appeal to a lowest-common-denominator audience, stating the thesis of your film explicitly instead of conveying it through story is the least interesting and certainly least cinematic approach to narrative. Most stories that last have greater depth to them than that.

[quote]A well-crafted film has the power to affect the way people think about things.[/quote]

I agree, my argument is more that it can be done better than by hammering it home in a literal manner in the final act of the film. Not trying to start an epistemological discussion but I felt that Jesus' parables are a particularly salient example of this because of what is often a significant level of nuance and a design that encourages the audience to meditate on it rather than spelling it out explicitly.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (Sméagol)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 02:32:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363663/#p363663</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363662/#p363662</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Wow, I just have to say something about this. Fantastic! I love it, great editing, cinematography, animation, everything. I haven't really been around here all year, and wasn't intending to post anything when I dropped by just now, but I had to say something. Great job.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (AnW)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 01:56:29 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363662/#p363662</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363661/#p363661</link>
			<description><![CDATA[[quote=RemnantMedia]I hope, over time, as we create more content on our channel, we can get you, backyardlegos, to change your mind about films with good messages being boring.[/quote]

I'd like to point out that this is not what I said. I said if [i][b]every[/b][/i] film had a good message. I simply meant that I sometimes find it tiresome having the message of a film spoon fed to me, which seems to be a common sentiment. I prefer to have to do a little work to interpret a film; to have themes woven into the story for the viewer to pick out on their own.

I think maybe we've hijacked this thread enough. If someone really wants to continue this discussion, I might suggest making a new thread for it in the general film discussion forum.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[backyardlegos@gmail.com (backyardlegos)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 01:33:09 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363661/#p363661</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363660/#p363660</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Greetings All

First, I'd like to say, HarryandBillyBrick, I could see this episode as an important part in an overarching story which teaches a righteous theme. 

We are taught in school that a story always has a topic, and a theme. The topic being what the story is about, and the theme being what the author is saying about that topic, or, the message. For example, "Topic is wrong", or "Topic is right". Should not films contain both of these elements, as they also seek to tell a story?

Professional film-makers are constantly sending subliminal messages to their audience. Hollywood almost always sends messages like, "Be Yourself", "Work with A Team" or "You're Special". People don't think these films are preachy, they just see the message. If the secular world believes it is important to send messages, how much more important is it for Christians to send a God-honoring message? 

How is the audience to know that the revenge showed in this film is wrong? Countless Hollywood films have shown taking revenge as a sort of justice, people love watching the tough hero chase down the bad guy who killed, attacked, hurt, the hero's family or family member. People don't ever think about these killings as wrong, but instead leave the theater feeling that the hero was justified. We're not dealing with intelligence here, we're dealing with opposing world-views, and it is crucial to make an impact for good. 

I agree, the audience doesn't always need to hear stories of good-acts, or to be preached at. When the Bible tells a story of a wrong-doing, it is made quite clear that it is a wrong-doing, just like David and Bathsheba; David did something terribly wrong, but the Bible doesn't stop there. David deeply repents of his sin. In my opinion, films should avoid glorifying wrong, but they shouldn't stop there. They should actually glorify what is right. 

A well-crafted film has the power to affect the way people think about things. The secular culture has affected our society greatly through films, music, and other art. We, as artists, have a unique opportunity to combat this. A film can be beautiful as a piece of art, but it can be much more beautiful when it is structured with a righteous theme. 

It's good to know that even if we don't agree on every point, we can still have an edifying discussion.  

Keep On Brickfilming,

Remnant Media

P.S. Jesus' parables were understood by the disciples, but they were not understood by many in the crowd because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13 KJV) However, all have a chance to understand these parables if they are willing to believe and trust in the Savior, Jesus Christ. (James 1:5 KJV)]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (RemnantMedia)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 01:13:16 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363660/#p363660</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363658/#p363658</link>
			<description><![CDATA[[quote=RemnantMedia]I don't think filmmakers should ignore that "bad stuff", as long as we declare it to be what it is, "bad stuff"! It would be great to see a film about revenge, which showed how revenge can consume a person, and how it can destroy you, and how it is truly "bad stuff". That type of film is the classic tragedy, and the point of a tragedy is to show a example of "bad stuff" so one can [b]learn[/b] from it. [/quote]

Many of Jesus' parables have ambiguous endings lacking in clarity that leave interpretation to the audience. And in many of those cases the audiences he was speaking to are clearly not able to figure it out on the spot. Do you believe Jesus could have improved upon them by driving the morals home more clearly?

...

I'm being facetious, but my point is that stories that force the audience to think about the ideas in them rather than doing all of that thinking for them tend to be more powerful. If you declare the "bad stuff" bad in a direct manner, within the story, it can undermine that power.

I like this film because of how it achieves that room for audience reflection through minimalism and a bleak tone and atmosphere. It is far from glorifying revenge, but it doesn't actively prevent us from coming to our own conclusions, either.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (Sméagol)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 00:37:08 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363658/#p363658</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363657/#p363657</link>
			<description><![CDATA[As a Christian, it's undeniable to say that I don't put morals in my films, but I don't think every film needs a religious message. I usually go by the idea that whatever situation a protagonist has to face, that they chose what seems right. However, not all of my characters reflect my personal ideas, so what they perceive as right, may not be what I would. Some people might find comfort in revenge, whilst many think they would, only to find that it in fact makes them feel discomfort. Even movies like the Spider man trilogy tackle the moral issue of things like revenge and the pain it can cause. I prefer to always have a character to route for, someone who has morals, but my films don't always have to have a definite religious message.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (William Osborne)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2016 00:20:10 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363657/#p363657</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363656/#p363656</link>
			<description><![CDATA[While I agree that with every film there's something to learn, I don't think that thing has to be explicitly give to morals to the audience on a silver platter. I'm just going to echo Brickcrazy here. I think that the film, even though it may not be intended, is actually teaching that revenge is wrong by showing it. No, he doesn't have a redemptive moment, but that's not needed to show us that it's wrong. After all, it's not glorifying the act of revenge. And even if it was, something can still be learned.

While I do tend to personally make movies that retain a certain sense of morality to them instead of glorifying wrongdoing, I do not necessarily need the story to be all wrapped up with a bow at the end. In this particular scenario, the film is part of a larger series. Maybe he'll change his ways later, who knows? But even if he doesn't, it's not a problem because the audience understands that he's an evil character. You say [i]"I don't think filmmakers should ignore that "bad stuff", as long as we declare it to be what it is, "bad stuff""[/i], but I personally see the audience as an intelligent crowd who knows that what's happening is bad. I didn't see any gray area morality in The Revenge Song.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (rioforce)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 21:19:35 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363656/#p363656</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363655/#p363655</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Brilliantly written, lit, and animated brickfilm. One of the best I've seen recently. 
Your technique of sliding the protagonist along on a plate really helped make this film fluid and surreal. 
How much of the camera movement was done in camera? It was really smooth. 

As for the topic of 'revenge', I tend to agree with Rioforce and Brickcrazy; this film doesn't seem to advocate revenge, but rather is telling a story of a revengeful man. 

Was the music composed on Musescore? That snare sound sounds really familiar...]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (FeinsteinFilms)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 20:49:19 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363655/#p363655</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363654/#p363654</link>
			<description><![CDATA[It kinda seems some people think that every film should be a cut and dried character story, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. For starters, I believe  the content of a film should really depend on a variety of factors, including your audience. Like, a film featuring revenge wouldn't be the best idea for a child audience, but I see nothing wrong with it for a more mature audience that already has a good grasp on right from wrong.

Films don't always have to tell you [b]what[/b] to think. I think it's sometimes good for a film to present you with a situation and allow you to form your own conclusions, thereby learning in that fashion rather than just getting "preached at" (not that anything is wrong with preaching, or that there isn't a place for such films. I just don't think it has to be the only type of film per se). I think you can teach morals through contrast as well as direct example. 

As a bit of a side note, just look at all the terrible and tragic stuff in the Bible. Even good people don't always do the right thing, and not every story ends well.

As to the actual film itself, I can only echo what the others have already said. Brilliantly done in every way. Keep it up man.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (Brickcrazy)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 20:32:52 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363654/#p363654</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363653/#p363653</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Well, thank you all for stating your positions on this idea. You all have inspired me to say a little bit, which will probably turn out to be a big bit, apologies. Alright, let's get into it. 

I think the shortest way to address all of your points at once is to head to the heart of the issue. It seems you all, and I, have a fundamentally different view of the purpose of films, and art in general.

First of all, in terms of films, I agree with Rioforce, they should tell a story. But, I believe that the story should have a purpose behind it.  I believe that the purpose of all art, (including films), is to first, glorify the Creator, God. I imagine Rioforce, you would agree with this belief (Your signature is, ""Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31b). Second, it is to inspire, educate and motivate people to know and to do the righteous thing. I believe as artists we have a duty to impact society for the good. After all, As it says in William Osborne's signature, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13. 

That said, there are many ways a film, or any piece of art, can glorify God, and inspire people. I believe telling a story of compassion, sacrifice, loyalty, good character, or justice, which is based upon Biblical principles can do both. I don't believe as Christians we are required to produce sermons only, clearly, my studio's films are contradictory to that belief. 

Backyardlegos said, "I agree with rioforce. Film would get really boring if every film had a good message. Film, like every form of art, explores the entirety of the human condition, and we would be remiss as filmmakers if we ignored the bad stuff just because it makes us uncomfortable. Film isn't always supposed to make you feel good." I hope, over time, as we create more content on our channel, we can get you, backyardlegos, to change your mind about films with good messages being boring. Also, I don't think filmmakers should ignore that "bad stuff", as long as we declare it to be what it is, "bad stuff"! It would be great to see a film about revenge, which showed how revenge can consume a person, and how it can destroy you, and how it is truly "bad stuff". That type of film is the classic tragedy, and the point of a tragedy is to show a example of "bad stuff" so one can [b]learn[/b] from it. 

I hope you all understand a little better what my comment meant. To HarryandBillyBrick, my sentiment has not changed, well done on the film, a great example of cinematography, and editing, but not the best theme in my opinion. To all of you who shared your opinions, thank you for allowing me to state my beliefs on this subject and think deeply on this concept. 

Thank you All, 

Remnant Media

P.S. I warned you it would be a big bit.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (RemnantMedia)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 20:13:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363653/#p363653</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363647/#p363647</link>
			<description><![CDATA[That's a very good point. There are many decisions that some of my characters do that I may personally not do, but I don't model all my characters to be like me. Some characters are meant to be righteous, whilst others aren't. In this film (which by the way, is really good), you're not supposed to view this, agreeing or disagreeing with his motivations, instead we see the development of a conflicted man.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (William Osborne)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 16:15:49 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363647/#p363647</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363645/#p363645</link>
			<description><![CDATA[I agree with rioforce. Film would get really boring if every film had a good message. Film, like every form of art, explores the entirety of the human condition, and we would be remiss as filmmakers if we ignored the bad stuff just because it makes us uncomfortable. Film isn't always supposed to make you feel good.

Fantastic film, by the way. Really great dramatic brickfilms are few and far between, and you've done an amazing job.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[backyardlegos@gmail.com (backyardlegos)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sun, 13 Nov 2016 04:35:13 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363645/#p363645</guid>
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			<title><![CDATA[Re: The Revenge Song:#:]]></title>
			<link>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363642/#p363642</link>
			<description><![CDATA[This is great. The animation is the definition of perfection. The overall everything was awesome.

[quote=Remnant Media]Only critique is that the theme is revenge, which is not exactly a righteous concept. However, Justice is a righteous theme, and I would have enjoyed the film that much better if you would have shown the character striving for justice (by having the man arrested and convicted in a court of law) instead of revenge. [/quote]

I must disagree, Remnant. The film was about revenge. The character wouldn't be the character he is if he strove for justice instead of revenge. He's obviously not a "righteous" character. I think that you may be looking at the film wrong. The film's purpose wasn't to teach people about the goodness of justice, it was to show the process of one character's revenge state. Yes, it can teach a moral (sort of in a reverse way), but I feel that it's main purpose is to tell a story. That story being revenge.]]></description>
			<author><![CDATA[dummy@example.com (rioforce)]]></author>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Nov 2016 21:23:36 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://bricksinmotion.com/forums/post/363642/#p363642</guid>
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