Real (2017) Review

"Real" Korean Theatrical Poster

“Real” Korean Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Sa-Rang
Cast: Kim Soo-Hyun, Sung Dong-Il, Sung-Min, Sulli, Jo Woo-Jin, Lee Kyoung-Young, Han Ji-Eun, Kim Hong-Fa, Jung In-Gyeom, Choi Kwon, IU, Ahn So-Hee
Running Time: 137 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Once in a while a production comes along whose reputation for being a complete train wreck precedes it. Who can forget Andy Lau apologising for appearing in the 007-inspired spy caper Switch, or Jackie Chan battling an Australian Borg rip-off on a spaceship in Bleeding Steel? In 2017 Korea unleashed Real onto the world, a movie that piled up so many negative reviews (only equalled by the number of memes it generated) even before it was officially released, that in some publications it was dubbed as the worst Korean movie ever made. Topped off by lead Kim Soo-hyun crying at one of the promotional events while he was introducing a screening (ok, so the incident was later explained that he was overwhelmed by remembering how hard it was to film, but the jury’s still out on that one), and it’s easy to see why Real rarely gets mentioned when discussing Korean cinema.

Looking back with the benefit of 5 years hindsight, Real remains just as mind boggling today as it did when it was initially released. A starring vehicle for Kim Soo-hyun (Secretly, Greatly, The Thieves), who at the time was still hot off the success of My Love from the Star – a 21-episode Korean drama that aired across 2013 and 2014 (notably its popularity in China resulted in Alibaba coming onboard to co-produce Real) – the production itself was just as rocky as its critical reception. Scripted by Lee Jung-sub (The Best Romance, Lost in Love), Real was also set to be his directorial debut, however for reasons which remain unknown to this day, he stepped down at some point after filming had started. He was replaced by Lee Sa-rang (which in English, literally translates to Love Lee), Soo-hyun’s cousin, and owner of the company in charge of the production. Real remains Sa-rang’s one and only film credit.

It’s difficult to describe Real with only the limits of language to play with – is it an Avant Garde psychological neo-noir, an overly stylish gangster flick, or a misguided character study into addiction and identity? I’d daresay it’s all of these things, and in the hands of a director with zero experience armed with a sizable budget, the end result is such a singularly unique experience that it’s highly unlikely something like Real will ever grace Korean cinema screens again. Dig out any of those reviews from the time of its release, and the one thing that’s immediately noticeable is that the plot description is inconsistent across all of them. It’s understandable, as attempting to fathom exactly what’s happening at any given time in Real’s epic 137-minute runtime is a daunting Continue reading

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Jacky Cheung, Karena Lam and Francis Ng join Nicholas Tse in Herman Yau’s upcoming crime thriller

"Raging Fire" Teaser Poster

“Raging Fire” Teaser Poster

With dozens of credits as a cinematographer and director, Herman Yau (The Untold Story, Ebola Syndrome) is one of the most prolific filmmakers ever to have worked in Hong Kong cinema. Considering that he’s gone all respectable with historical action pictures like The Legend is Born: Ip Man and The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake – not to mention edge-of-your-seat blockbusters like Shock Wave and Shock Wave 2 – it’s easy to forget that Yau got his start in the grimy, nasty world of Category III.

Now, Yau is going to venture somewhere in-between with Hai Guan Zhan Xian (literally “in front of the customs”), an upcoming crime-thriller that’s set to be headlined by Nicholas Tse (Raging Fire, Time and Tide) and Cya Liu (Limbo).

Update: According to AFS, Jacky Continue reading

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CBD Flower vs. THC Flower: What Are the Differences?

Did you know that in the United States alone more than one-third of people have tried CBD products at some point?

When people think of cannabis, they tend to think of THC flower that people smoke. However, what people don’t know is that there is also CBD flower with many of the same benefits but also some unique characteristics.

So, which should you choose when it comes to CBD flower vs. THC flower? The answer depends on what kind of effects you want to experience when smoking.

Keep reading and learn more about the difference between these two types of flower.

What Is THC Flower?

What is THC flower exactly, you might ask? THC flower is often called by simpler names such as weed, cannabis, bud, or marijuana. It comes from the cannabis plant and is rich in the cannabinoid THC. If you have ever seen THC flower up close, you may have noticed that it has a unique appearance.

It tends to look like a compressed chunk of small leaves with a fuzzy, frosted appearance. This fuzz that covers THC buds is actually made up of very small hair-like appendages called trichomes. These trichomes have very high concentrations of THC.

THC, in contrast to CBD, is the cannabinoid that allows people to experience a psychoactive high. Without the trichomes on cannabis buds, people wouldn’t be able to experience a high when smoking cannabis flower.

THC flower comes in many different strains, but there are two main types: sativa and indica. Indica strains tend to allow people to unwind and relax after a long day (or week). On the other hand, sativa strains produce more energetic effects.

There are also hybrid strains that combine the effects of the sativa and indica strains. Hybrid strains are great for beginners who are unsure whether they should try sativa or indica first.

There are many ways you can use THC flower. Many people prefer to smoke it because that is one of the easiest ways to consume it. To do this, you may use a bong, use a pipe, or roll it into a joint.

However, if you don’t like the idea of smoking, you can also crumble the flower up and put it in certain foods such as brownies or cookies. You can do this when you grind up the flower very finely so you don’t bite into any chunks of leaves.

What Is CBD Flower?

When asking, “What is CBD flower exactly?” you will find that the answer is somewhat similar to the answer for THC flower. However, there are a few important differences. The most important difference is that CBD flower does not produce a high as THC flower does.

That’s because CBD is not psychoactive and therefore affects the brain in a different way. But don’t ditch the idea of trying CBD flower for sale just because it won’t get you high. There are still quite a few reasons to try this type of flower.

However, you should be careful when you try products labeled “hemp flower” or “CBD flower.” That’s because hemp and CBD flower are not always the same, even though some brands may try to use the terms interchangeably. Even though CBD often comes from the hemp plant, hemp and CBD are two different products.

Hemp flower may not actually have any CBD in it, so keep that in mind. When it comes to CBD flower, it can have up to 0.3% of THC, but this is not enough to get you high. However, smoking CBD can still provide you with a great experience.

You can enjoy the aromas CBD flower has to offer thanks to its terpenes. You may catch hints of citrus, lavender, and cloves. You can experience similar flavors as well as other, spicier flavors.

When you smoke CBD flower, you won’t get high, but you may find that the process of smoking can relax you. More than that, CBD is able to affect the endocannabinoid system in your brain. By doing this, CBD can influence your body’s levels of inflammation and may be able to soothe your body overall.

CBD Flower vs. THC Flower

If you are unsure how to decide between these two types of flower, you should think about what you want to experience when you smoke flower. Do you want to experience a THC high and see how it makes you feel? Or do you want to avoid THC and instead reap the general benefits of cannabinoid consumption?

Some people prefer to only use THC flower because they like how it makes them feel. On the other hand, some people prefer to only smoke CBD flower because they don’t like the way that THC flower makes them feel. When in doubt, you can always try both.

There is no harm in trying either THC flower or CBD flower as long as both are legal in your state. If anything, you will be benefiting yourself because of how great these two cannabinoids can be for your health. If nothing else, both CBD flower and THC flower can help you unwind after a long day at work.

Just be sure that you have all the tools you need to use the flower such as rolling papers, a pipe, or a grinder.

All about CBD and THC Flower

When it comes to CBD flower vs. THC flower, there’s really no reason to choose one over the other. You can try both and experience the unique effects they have to offer. This way, you can find out which type of flower might be best for you.

To learn more, don’t hesitate to explore our website.

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Spiritwalker (2021) Review

Spiritwalker | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Spiritwalker | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Director: Yoon Jae-Keun
Cast: Park Yong-Woo, Lim Ji-Yeon, Park Ji-Hwan, Yoo Seung-Mok, Lee Sung-Wook, Seo Hyun-Woo, Baek Do-Gyum, Woo Kang-Min
Running Time: 110 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

It’s fair to say the body-swap plot device has been a recurring theme in cinema over the years. While more often than not the gimmick has been used for comedic purposes, thankfully there are filmmakers out there who have been willing to apply it to further afield. Movies like the 1998 thriller Fallen spring to mind, in which Denzel Washington attempts to catch the spirit of a serial killer who can take over people’s bodies, as does the pulpy Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, in which the spirit of everyone’s favorite hockey mask wearing psycho takes on similar abilities. Joining the ranks in 2021 is Yoon Jae-geun’s Spiritwalker, which sees the director and writer returning to the screen for the first time since his debut with 2010’s Heartbeat.

Opening with Yoon Kye-sang (The Outlaws, Poongsan) slumped against the door of a recently crashed vehicle and nursing a gun shot wound, things seem amiss when the reflection he sees of himself in the car window isn’t his own, and to confound matters further he has no recollection of who he is. Embarking on a mission to uncover his identity, matters aren’t helped by the fact that whenever it hits 12:00 (both noon and midnight), his spirit shifts into the body of someone else. The loss of memory and 12-hour body swap cycle make up the crux of what keeps Spiritwalker propelling itself forward, and it’s easy to imagine the Blu-ray cover containing the quote “The Bourne Identity meets The Beauty Inside!” Taking the amnesia plot device of the former, and the timed body-swapping gimmick of the latter, Jae-geun has created one of the more unique entries in Korea’s recent Continue reading

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New Trailer for ‘Man on the Edge’ starring Richie Jen, Simon Yam, Sammo Hung, Danny Chan, Patrick Tam, and Jerry Lam

"Man on Edge" Theatrical Poster

“Man on Edge” Theatrical Poster

Actor and action choreographer Sam Wong, who co-directed 2011’s Choy Lee Fut, is re-teaming with Hong Kong great Sammo Hung for Man on the Edge (aka Edge Walker), an upcoming crime thriller that’s set for a domestic release on April 15th.

Man on the Edge revolves around a character named Lok, a Hong Kong undercover policeman, who struggles in the conspiracy between gangs and the police in order to investigate the truth of gangs’ drug trafficking.

Sammo Hung (14 Blades, The Bodyguard) will be part of an all-star cast that includes Richie Jen (Punished, Trivisa), Simon Yam (Run and Kill, Mrs K), Danny Chan Kwok Kwan (Kung Fu League, Ip Man 4), Alex Fong (Guns of Dragon), Karena Lam (Integrity), Patrick Tam (Port of Call: Director’s Cut, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy) and Jerry Continue reading

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Rouge | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Rogue | Blu-ray (Criterion)

Rouge | Blu-ray (Criterion)

RELEASE DATE: June 21, 2022

On June 21, 2022, Criterion Collection is releasing the Blu-ray and DVD for Rouge, a 1988 film directed by Stanley Kwan (Centre Stage), produced by Jackie Chan (Vanguard) and starring Anita Mui (Drunken Master II) and Leslie Cheung (Double Tap).

Official details:

Cantopop superstars Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung display the androgynous magnetism that made them icons as doomed lovers in this emblematic film of Hong Kong’s Second New Wave, directed by pioneering queer melodrama master Stanley Kwan. Rouge bridges past and present in its tragic romance between a humble courtesan and the wayward scion of a wealthy family, who embrace death by suicide pact amid Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, News |

The Killer Meteors | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Killer Meteors | Blu-ray (88 Films)

The Killer Meteors | Blu-ray (88 Films)

RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2022

On June 6, 2022, 88 Films is releasing the Blu-ray (Region B) for the 1977 Lo Wei film, The Killer Meteors, a wuxia-style martial arts feature that brings two legends – Jimmy Wang Yu and Jackie Chan – together in an explosive kung fu cult classic.

Official details:

Known as “Killer Meteors”, local hero Mei Xing He (Jimmy Wang Yu) is invincible due to his ‘secret weapon’. However, when his services are sought by another powerful figure, Hua Wu Bin (Jackie Chan), he finds himself drawn into the deadliest challenge of his life.

From the golden age of kung fu features, this epic movie delivers a killer plot Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

Dynamite Shaolin Heroes, The (1977) Review

"The Dynamite Shaolin Heroes" Theatrical Poster

“The Dynamite Shaolin Heroes” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Hyeok-Su
Co-director: Godfrey Ho
Cast: Lo Lieh, Kim Young-In, Choi Sung-Kyu, Kim Ki-Bum, Choe Bong, Kwan Yung-Moon, Roman Lee Kang-Jo, Kwon Il-Soo, Kim Wang-Kuk, Kim Min-Jeong
Running Time: 77 min. 

By Henry McKeand

It’s not always easy to find behind-the-scenes information on the more obscure martial arts flicks from the 70s, but it’s almost impossible when Godfrey Ho is involved. Ho is perhaps best known for his low-budget ninja films in the 80s, such as Ninja Terminator and Ninja The Protector, but his filmmaking techniques are what have turned him into a source of fascination for Asian film fans. For those who don’t know, Ho would purchase small or unfinished films before splicing in his own scenes and recording an English dub to tie the patchwork narrative together. The results were sometimes better than others, and it would be almost impossible to get your hands on all the movies he was involved in (iMDB lists 153 director credits alone). 

It’s difficult to think of a more brazenly cynical way to make movies, so why are there still fans who seek out Ho’s Frankenstein Monster creations? Probably because there’s a certain level of perverse ingenuity to Ho’s cut-and-paste technique, and admirers of low-budget movie magic can’t help but respect his ability to release three or four movies for the price of one. So while some may label Ho as an opportunist who viewed cinema as soulless corporate product, it’s not entirely a stretch to compare him to a hip-hop producer creating something new by sampling the dusty records hiding in the local record shop. Think of him like Roger Corman meets RZA (who I’m sure has seen more than Continue reading

Posted in All, Chinese, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged , , |

Watch Well Go USA’s New Trailer for Yoon Jae-Keun’s South Korean fantasy action thriller ‘Spiritwalker’

Spiritwalker | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

Spiritwalker | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

On April 12, 2022, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray for Spiritwalker (read our review), a 2021 South Korean thriller written and directed by Yoon Jae-Keun (Heartbeat) and starring Yoon Kye-Sang (Golden Slumber, The Outlaws).

Spiritwalker is a fantasy action film that revolves around a man who loses his memory and subsequently wakes up in a new body every twelve hours.

The film also stars Park Yong-Woo (Say Yes), Lim Ji-Yeon (Tazza: One Eyed Jack), Park Ji-Hwan (Beasts Clawing at Straws), Yoo Seung-Mok (Tunnel) and Lee Sung-Wook (Tazza: The Hidden Card).

Watch Well Go USA’s New Trailer Continue reading

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Watch the Trailer for ‘Wolf Hiding’ starring Nick Cheung, Ethan Juan, Darren Wang and Danny Chan “Bruce Lee” Kwok Kwan

"Wolf Hiding" Teaser Poster

“Wolf Hiding” Teaser Poster

Actor Marc Ma (Shock Wave 2, Wild City) will be making his debut as a film director in Wolf Hiding, an upcoming thriller that’s being headlined by Nick Cheung (The Trough, Integrity).

Plot details are currently non-existent, but considering the actor/directors track history, you can expect the usual crime/triad brotherhood/bloodshed tale of revenge and/or retribution.

Appearing alongside Cheung are Ethan Juan (Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings, The Assassin), Darren Wang (Railroad Tigers, A Better Tomorrow 2018), Paul Chun (The Drug Addict, In the Line of Duty 3), Andrew Lin (Infernal Affairs 2) and Danny Chan Kwok Kwan (Ip Man 4: The Finale, Kung Fu League), AFS.

Wolf Hiding releases domestically Continue reading

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Michelle Yeoh goes back to her kung fu roots in the New Poster for the sci-fi thriller ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

"Everything Everywhere All At Once" Poster

“Everything Everywhere All At Once” Poster

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (Swiss Army Man), the writer-directors collectively known as “Daniels”, will soon releasing their newest film, Everything Everywhere All at Once (read our review), a sci-fi actioner starring for Michelle Yeoh (Boss Level, Master Z: The Ip Man Legacy, Yes, Madam).

The film’s plot – revolving around the multiverse – is being kept a mystery, but Deadline describes the film as being about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes.

Everything Everywhere All at Once also stars Stephanie Hsu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China), Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Jenny Slate (Venom), Harry Shum Jr. (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny) and Andy Continue reading

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Beast, The (2019) Review

"The Beast" Theatrical Poster

“The Beast” Theatrical Poster

Director: Lee Jung-Ho
Cast: Lee Sung-Min, Yoo Jae-Myung, Jeon Hye-Jin, Daniel Choi, Kim Ho-Jung, An Si-Ha, Lee Sang-Hee, Kim Byung-Choon, Kim Hong-Fa, Kim Young-Sung
Running Time: 130 min. 

By Paul Bramhall

While the Korean film industry has produced a number of remakes from its Asian neighbours like Japan and China over the years, more recently its increasingly found itself turning to European cinema to offer up a distinctly Korean spin on the source material. Spain has proven to be particularly fertile ground, with the likes of Hard Hit (2021), The Vanished (2018), and Door Lock (2018) all bringing box office success based on the original source materials of Retribution (2015), The Body (2012) and Sleep Tight (2011) respectively. Intimate Strangers (2018) was a remake of Italy’s Perfect Strangers (2017), and The Target (2014) cast a Korean take on France’s Point Blank (2010). In 2019 it was French cinema which once more provided the inspiration, with Olivier Marchal’s 2004 thriller 36th Precinct receiving a Korean makeover in the form of The Beast.

Replacing Marchal in the directors’ chair is Lee Jeong-ho, a director who’s no stranger to the crime thriller, having previously helmed 2010’s Bestseller and 2013’s Broken. Here he re-teams with his leading man from Broken Lee Sung-min (The Man Standing Next, Real) and pairs him with co-star Yoo Jae-myung (Voice of Silence, Bring Me Home). Both play detectives who lead their respective units as part of the homicide division in Incheon, and when the grizzly discovery of a young girls decapitated body is uncovered in the nearby mudflats, the division chief asks them to pair up and solve the case. While the Korean thriller genre certainly isn’t short on murder mysteries, The Beast takes a decidedly different approach, with the murder element only acting as a plot device Continue reading

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Watch the Trailer for HBO Max’ Yakuza series thriller ‘Tokyo Vice’ starring Ken Watanabe and Ansel Elgort

"Tokyo Vice" HBO Max Poster

“Tokyo Vice” HBO Max Poster

Arriving on HBO Max on April 7th is Tokyo Vice, an adaptation of Jake Adelstein’s non-fiction 2010 novel. The upcoming series, with a pilot directed by Michael Mann (Heat), stars Ken Watanabe (Rage, Shanghai) and Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver, Westside Story).

Tokyo Vice is loosely inspired by American journalist Jake Adelstein’s nonfiction firsthand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat. The crime drama, filmed on location in Tokyo, captures Adelstein’s (Elgort) daily descent into the neon-soaked underbelly of Tokyo in the late ‘90s, where nothing and no one is truly what or who they seem (via Deadline).

Tokyo Vice also stars Rachel Keller (Fargo), Ella Rumpf (Tiger Girl), Shun Sugata (Bunraku), Sho Kasamatsu (Ring Wandering), Masato Hagiwara (Cure), Kosuke Continue reading

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Kwon Oh-Seung’s South Korean Limited Edition thriller ‘Midnight’ now available at Goodie Emporium!

Midnight | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Midnight | Blu-ray (Eureka)

Eureka has released the Limited Edition Blu-ray (Region B) for Kwon Oh-Seung 2021 film, Midnight.

This acclaimed South Korean thriller stars Jin Ki-Joo (Little Forest), Wi Ha-jun (Squid Game), Park Hoon (Golden Slumber) and Gil Hae-Yeon (Missing).

Official details:

Hearing impaired Kyung-mi (Ki-joo Jin) catches the attention of Do-Sik (Wi Ha-jun), a mysterious serial killer that’s been stalking their neighbourhood. Do-Sik targets Kyung-mi, presuming her deafness will make her an easy target, sparking a twisted game where the killer hides in plain sight. An intense, unpredictable thriller from debut director Kwon Oh-seung; Midnight joins Continue reading

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How You Can Enjoy the Benefit of Solar Panels

Solar energy is now the fastest-growing source of electricity in the United States.

According to the latest data, solar generation makes up 3% of total electricity production in the country. In addition, over 12 million homes are powered by solar energy.

Now is the time if you’re yet to join the solar revolution. The benefit of solar panels seems limitless, but here are just a few reasons you should install solar panels in your home.

Save Money on Your Electricity Bills

Solar panels allow you to generate your electricity, making you less reliant on your utility company.

How much you’ll save depends on several factors, including the size of your solar panel system and how much sunlight it receives. However, most homeowners see a significant reduction in their energy costs after switching to solar.

In some cases, solar panels can even eliminate your electricity bill. If your system produces more electricity than you need, you can sell it back to the grid and receive compensation from your utility company.

This benefit alone is an attractive option for many homeowners to go solar. But there are other advantages to consider.

Increase the Value of Your Home

A recent study by Zillow found that solar panel homes sold for an average of $9,274 more than homes without them.

That’s a pretty significant return on investment, and it’s one of the main reasons people choose to install solar panels.

Not only will you be saving money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be increasing the value of your home.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, installing solar panels is a great way to increase its value. Buyers are increasingly interested in homes with solar panels, so you’ll be able to sell your home for more than you would have without them.

Get Solar Energy Incentives

The federal government offers incentives for homeowners who switch to a solar power system. The most popular incentive is the 26% solar tax credit, which allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar panel system from your taxes.

There are also state and local incentives available. These vary from place to place, but they can further reduce the cost of switching to solar.

Go Green and Help the Environment

Solar panels allow you to generate electricity without producing emissions. That means they’re a great way to help the environment.

If you’re looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint, solar panels are an excellent option. You can help make the world a cleaner and more sustainable place by switching to solar.

Enjoy a Reliable Source of Electricity

Solar panels are a reliable source of electricity. They can provide power even when the grid goes down.

If you live in an area with frequent blackouts, solar panels can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll still have power.

Solar panels are also low-maintenance. Once installed, they require very little upkeep. You’ll only need to clean them occasionally to keep them working efficiently, but that’s about it.

Overall, solar panels are a great way to save money and energy. If you’re thinking about making the switch, now is the time. These benefits make solar an attractive option for any homeowner.

The Benefit of Solar Panels

These are just some of the benefits of solar energy. So if you’re thinking about making the switch, now is the time. Solar energy is more affordable and accessible than ever before, so there’s never been a better time to go solar.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefit of solar panels, read our other articles on the topic.

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