Baelin's route review, a discussion on why viva la dirt league's balins route is such a great story.

[@writersblock9995]

What did you think of the movie?

[@morganlinklater4517]

I loved it!

[@12Mantis]

Just watched it today, a couple of hours before spotting this review in fact, and I thought it worked really well. Nice story, expansive setting with gorgeous views, good action scenes and a pleasant ending. All in all a good self contained movie that could work either by itself or possibly as one of a collection of films showing different facets of that gameworld's NPC lives. Honestly I think Hollywood needs to take notes on films like this where telling a good story doesn't need to break the bank or multi-hour runtimes.

[@sgoalder]

It was great!

[@writersblock9995]

@@morganlinklater4517 Well you have great taste!

[@writersblock9995]

@@12Mantis YES! hollywood needs to take note that simply good story telling is the way to tell a good story, stop trying so hard to sell action figures and plushies and just tell a great story! thanks for watching :)

[@VivaLaDirtLeague]

Hey loved the breakdown - so cool seeing someone analyse the film in such detail! Glad you enjoyed!! Thanks for the big ego boost too haha - Alan

[@writersblock9995]

Hey thanks for giving me something to brag about! It's such an ego boost to have you watch my channel! You guys should really be proud of the work you did and even in the other comments on this video you can see people want to support your next adventures into story telling, keep up the good work and I'd be happy to analyse anything else you guys do in the future :)

[@hydrogenone6866]

If the quest was completed does OwnedByPandas get the XP?

[@zyffyr]

@@hydrogenone6866 I suspect he was out of XP range, so he got nothing.

[@writersblock9995]

@@zyffyr I agree, but I think it's more likely he rage quit after he died so he couldn't have gotten the XP anyway.

[@TheOneRealTom]

As if Greg the Garlicfarmer needs any more ego... :P Your name even autocompletes in google.at - yeah I'm from the other side of the planet and google knows your fictional character... ;) Your real name even autocompletes before Alan Rickman. :O

[@Bbonno]

I showed it to my mom with zero introduction. She immediately understood the world and had no questions about it. They really did a good job.

[@beaksofeagles]

I have no clues about anything to do with gaming, and I loved the film. I understood it totally, which was confirmed by this analysis. This is a classic quest story. It has its roots in ancient archetypal legends. They did it really well. And the LOTR countryside was fantastic.

[@eclecticx]

Watched Epic NPC Man before seeing Baelin's Route, so I knew Baelin's Route would be good. What I didn't know, however, is just how good. It was WONDERFUL.

[@Invernessmagic]

Awesome breakdown! A few details that you didn't mention that I loved: It was Willow's restrictive programming that caused Bob to meltdown - ''I dare not stray from the road!" - something that Baelin could sympathise with but Bob couldn't Baelin benefited from his 'old' programmingwhile fighting Bob as NPCs don't get affected by AOE weapons. Another foreshadow - just after Baelin kills Bob, Willow accidentally calls his adventurer before correcting herself. That moment was PERFECT

[@jeremiahleaman2333]

Video: "The Story is so well written" Script: "Morning nice day for fishing ain't it......huh huh" Me: "I have to agree"

[@writersblock9995]

Haha it's a great show of beauty in simplicity and a great show in how good of actors they all are! thanks for watching!

[@morganlinklater4517]

Haha sometimes you only need 7 words to tell a great story!

[@MidnightDStroyer]

At least Baelin didn't forget any of his lines. I wish I could say the same for about half of Hollywood.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@morganlinklater4517 WALL-E only speaks like 3 words in the entire movie, and he's one of film's greatest protags.

[@nathancahall2425]

Really enjoyed your “the man who can only roll 1’s” line.

[@writersblock9995]

Haha yeah I thought that line was so clever, I love their DnD stuff, thanks for noticing and thanks for watching!

[@jiaraanatalis1862]

Hey now, sometimes he rolls a 4...

[@writersblock9995]

My favourite part is that when it comes to unimportant things like setting up a tent he'll roll a 20 but when it really matters he'll never roll over a 5

[@Winsaver]

@@writersblock9995 Baurthelmue Osiris “The Corpse” Bladesong 😂 love the DND stuff as well! Enjoyed the review!

[@jackielinde7568]

@@jiaraanatalis1862 Oooo... and there was this one time, he nearly rolled an 8. Can you believe it?

[@LordManux91]

I thought i liked the movie, but after this in-depth review, i actually love it even more; really hoping for a sequel.

[@morganlinklater4517]

Me too!

[@Tomiskar]

I’ve been following VLDL for a while now, but I honestly wasn’t expecting to be so moved by Baelin’s Route. What a beautiful piece of storytelling.

[@harambe4267]

I really hope Netflix doesn't get their mitts on them. They need to stay independent.

[@writersblock9995]

I agree 100%, independence helps creativity!

[@lklogan584]

Absolutely.

[@danielmalinen6337]

They set up their own studio, which was funded by crowdfunding, and that guarantees their independence regarding their own works. Although nowadays there are making fewer episodes of the Epic NPC Man than before because VLDL have started many new skit series alongside it

[@noppornwongrassamee8941]

Awesome review, and clarifies why I liked it so much. Also, I'm imagining a rumor going around the player base of this MMO: "Guys, you have to recruit this NPC for this quest. He'll make it a cakewalk for your party! He might be hard to find though because he wanders around alot."

[@writersblock9995]

Haha that would be a great idea for follow up movie! I really hope these guys stick with and make more. Thanks for watching!

[@morganlinklater4517]

I agree! knowing the viva la dirt league team they will deffinetly take this success and run with it!

[@Karlandra]

@@morganlinklater4517 Knowing the team they will be reading this comment section ;)

[@Dragontrumpetare]

Ha ha... "The Baelin's Route 2 - The search for Baelin lol

[@matthewvanrensburg3824]

@@Dragontrumpetare YESSSS!!!!!!

[@Igrium]

If they do a second kickstarter, I guarantee you there will be significantly more backers than the first one. I can't wait to see what comes next!

[@writersblock9995]

I agree, they have shown how well they can make a movie, they will surely double the amount of backers on their next project, thanks for watching!

[@morganlinklater4517]

If they do a second kickstarter I'll definitely support them!

[@Noah-kd6lq]

And the fun thing is that, while much of what they paid for was probably rented, at least some of the stuff they bought can be used for future projects.

[@anderslarsen1321]

Absolutely, I try watch em regulary and I still did not knew about the kickstarter. So glad it came through...

[@shellydon9199]

I'd back them!

[@dominikwirth5491]

When you've got the respect of Greg the garlic farmer, you know you made it in the world (of Azerim).

[@writersblock9995]

I agree, Greg the garlic farmers respect is the definition of made it

[@lebanc571]

I knew I really liked this movie, it's nice to have the reasons why it is so good explained.

[@ClemensAlive]

Me: "It was good..." Why`? "Idk...it just was..."

[@writersblock9995]

Haha that is still a valid reason, it is just good!

[@morganlinklater4517]

Haha I had the same view!

[@shellydon9199]

I know the feels!

[@Morgan_Black]

Ah, ich sehe, du bist ein Man of culture as well.

[@Tomiskar]

I spent the next few days wishing I had someone to talk to about it, just to process how good it was!

[@youareawesome5236]

I loved this movie n your review was great. I showed my 70 yr old mother this movie, without context. She thought Balein was mentally impaired n only able to repeat words. She doesn't know what an NPC is so had no reference. She thought Willow was to n she thought that was there connection, mental impairment. She still loved it n actually thought it was better after I explained it more. Also. Baleins final actions in the final few scene's returning to Honeywood, shows he now no longer an NPC, he's in the game but is now outside of the games law's. He can influence crime n even marriage, inside the game. His original line was a pre programmed question. His final line was a statement from someone confident in there knowledge of there surroundings. Which raises the question, is balein still an NPC??. Like Neo.

[@Luckyleol]

Not yet there like Greg is at.

[@MissKathleen13]

He's conscious NPC, like Greg, Bodger or Baradun

[@KickUpHammyDude]

I learnt a lot of writing tips having this wonderful film set an example for me. VLDL is such a great crew of actors, directors, designers and so on to deliver comedic sketches to potentially amazing short films! I enjoyed this review!

[@Telenaus]

this movie showed me what i couldnt figure out ,,why so many "D&D" movies suck,, its because those movies took the gaming element out of the equation. im still kinda in shock that it made it work it just rocks

[@writersblock9995]

Great take! I couldn't agree more!

[@morganlinklater4517]

Hopefully that new DnD movie being worked on will learn from all the others mistakes!

[@frostbound]

If you haven't you should check out Gamers 2: Dorkness Rising by Zombie Orpheus. It's a few years old at this point but it is *the* DnD movie in my opinion. Brian Lewis who plays Cass is one of my favourite actors because of that movie. Also watch the original "Gamers" for more context, it's pretty short.

[@Telenaus]

@@frostbound thanks i'll check it out !

[@jamesreese4170]

Agreed that's why I think the old D&D cartoon actually did work, unlike all the movies, they kept the gaming theme. It was short lived but good.

[@othellow]

The one thing that I thought of while watching this was Baelin is an unkillable NPC like the kids from Skyrim. Baelin is not a quest Giver or a city Folk. He is a mobile NPC design to walk around on a route. But the fact that he learns to care for the other NPCs wakens him.

[@Ch4os4ever]

15:17 I dont, because they are meant for more than Netflix, they dont need it, they are awesome independently.

[@morganlinklater4517]

I agree 100% these guys don't need Netflix, Netflix needs them :P

[@writersblock9995]

Honestly you're right, they have so much charm and control over their own content because they are independent film makers, I really wish them the best, thanks for watching!

[@SaintSarcasm]

I loved the film they did and watch it every month. I did not see this analysis until now. It's excellent. Helps those who enjoyed the skits but don't really understand or comprehend just HOW much their works are a role model for story development and stuff. Thanks

[@chickengenius4202]

This was my introduction to Baelin. I’ve never seen the epic npc shorts before this film. I have seen their Pubg and apex logic videos so I was aware of viva la dirt league. This was a fantastic short film. I agree with you it has definitely been the best piece of content I’ve seen in 2021 so far. Award worthy Masterpiece

[@Mitch2171]

I actually missed the fact that Baelin had left his path when he walked thru the field at the end and up the hill, thanks for that it added an extra element of enjoyment to the story for me. I've followed the Viva La Dirt guys for years too and have enjoyed pretty much all they have done from their PUBG stuff right thru to the Computer store stuff. Loved it all and hope they get taken up by one of the big production mobs soon too!

[@syme9925]

AGREED! I found Viva La Dirt by some random chance of the algorithm a couple weeks ago. Those guys are GREAT and deserve to get noticed by some organization that can fund more of these magnificent stories.

[@CyGea]

In the middle of the first fight it came to me, "Oh! Baelin is an unkillable NPC. Totally makes sense."

[@jackielinde7568]

To be exact, he's a "set dressing piece" to make the world and the town of Honeywood feel lived in. That's why he only has seven lines of recorded dialog and never deviated from his path. Viva la Dirt League even did an episode of Epic NPC Man showing different things happening to him and he doesn't react while Greg the Garlic Farmer just stares in shock. And most devs tend to make set dressing piece NPCs immortal (sometimes with built in fighting mechanics, like Baelin) to deal with more problematic players. Although, it's not always the case, as Larian Studios allowed even their quest givers to be able to be killed off, to hilarious results when they let Jesse Cox and Dodger try out their game. Here is the video from Jesse's point of view: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ7Rp6ilgdhlrbs&ab_channel=ThisisPolarisThisisPolaris

[@lilv47368]

@@jackielinde7568 EQ had a problem caused by every NPC being killable, which is also highlighted in an Epic NPCman skit..

[@carola-lifeinparis]

I have been following them for years as well, and I love Baelin's route and you had such a great review of it, thanks for explaining why I liked it so much. :)

[@johnwoods7730]

I couldn't believe how interesting and well done this video is. Cheers!

[@Dragontrumpetare]

I think you left out a most wonderful and great score for this short movie written for quite a while. The score for this should at least be mentioned, because its award winning in my mind.

[@writersblock9995]

Yes you are right! the music was amazing and also the cinematography was incredible, everyone that came together to make this movie really put up their A game and it shows! thanks for watching!

[@ceallaig1]

Amen to that -- the Epic NPC Man vids are not going to sound right after this unless we get Baelin's Theme too!

[@shellydon9199]

Such great music!

[@MissGothicksoul]

As a student of literature and a VLDL fan, I really appreciate this video and enjoyed the analysis.

[@writersblock9995]

Thank you very much for watching :) I saw the movie and was just so impressed by everything about it I had to smash out this review!

[@jeleeson]

They also had a huge home-field advantage being New Zealanders. 1). NZ had a fantastic Covid response so they were able to get back to filming quickly. 2). NZ's absolutely gorgeous natural scenery is perfect for this kind of fantasy-setting film.

[@StandStrong614]

What response was needed for a virus with a 99.7 percent survival rate. It was the biggest scam ever pulled on the world and people still don't even understand what happened.

[@maisiesummers42]

The only thing I think they missed was to have Baelin walk past two people arguing about mugging.

[@Twisted_Mind_Man]

I think that bringing the muggers in would confuse viewers who didn't really see Epic NPC before. I'm willing to bet that VLDL will go for smaller movie awards for this one so they have to address a wider ordinance. I'm confident that they will win also :)

[@writersblock9995]

@@Twisted_Mind_Man I sincerely hope they do go for those awards!

[@UGNAvalon]

@Alon Raveh - So having Ben play two characters with identical faces would be confusing for viewers, but having Rowan & Adam do the same wouldn’t??

[@maisiesummers42]

@@Twisted_Mind_Man There's plenty of Easter Eggs there. Not to mention that the whole film is set within a computer game, which isn't immediately apparent if you're unfamiliar with Epic NPC Man.

[@maisiesummers42]

@@UGNAvalon Baelin literally walks past Bodger, who waves at him. It's a device they've used before. No confusion there.

[@FM-qk3sg]

The reason that baelin bacame like this, is because the programmers of the game, messed up with the destuction of the city of the wrath. The 2 players on the mountain told us this info.

[@Ocker3]

Yup, Bob bugged him by forcing the recruit feature on someone you wouldn't normally grab.

[@jonathandavidbaird9194]

This was a really good break down of an amazing film. I have an MFA in writing and your explanation of the Hero's journey is one of the best I have seen.

[@danchristopherson7515]

Thanks for this. I'm learning so much about storytelling from the folks at VLDL

[@caistigh2062]

I loved Baelin's Route, I watched it probably 10 minutes after it dropped! I think the raw charisma and comedy of these guys truly comes through in the DnD sessions. Sure, they may be funnier overall in the skits, and the comedy bits in Baelin's Route were amazing. But seeing, say, Rowan really commit to his Bodger persona and wasting LITERALLY every gold piece on the casino or just the sheer comedy that comes from them simply playing DnD together is fantastic. Also, amazing analysis, not that that's a surprise given every second comment is a compliment to it's calibre.

[@writersblock9995]

I feel like the fact that they are friends in real life transfers so well to their skits, and I love their DnD stuff because it feels like a group of friends just having a laugh playing a game, it's something hollywood can't bring to the table when they bring random people together. Thanks for watching :)

[@caistigh2062]

@@writersblock9995 agree wholeheartedly. You can see that they like each other. You can see that they're friends first and foremost

[@blackirish2073]

I'm subscribed just because of the love I feel from you for Viva la dirt league.

[@writersblock9995]

Haha thank you! I do think they are pretty great!

[@Trunkalunx]

This was such a perfect analyzing breakdown of the short film. Honestly, I agree with you about everything in this video that you said. Also, I truly think that Baelin's Route should be shown in film schools to teach students on how to make a story. You did such an amazing job making this video, too. It never came off as boring or dull. Your editing was great and it kind of made me feel smarter watching this. I mean, it was by far the most educational review I had ever seen. Baelin's Route was more entertaining than a lot of Hollywood movies these days.

[@jeremyabbott9909]

Great commentary and insight, super cool. I made my whole family sit down and watch it. We just spent 7 years in NZ which is where I came across them. The views, the accents the story. Simply top notch, outstanding and much Aroha for all of them.

[@jesseowens4652]

Great review. I just found their channel and it is shockingly good. So many people try to make content like theirs and fail. These guys are the real deal! Will also check out your other stuff!

[@writersblock9995]

Thank you! I'd recommend checking out their NPC DnD I was never really into DnD but their humour and friendship is really on display in those episodes and I found it really addictive. Thanks for watching!

[@sgoalder]

Well spoken! You gave some really good insight Into story writing. Thank you. And yes Viva La Dirt League have come a very long way.

[@writersblock9995]

Thanks for watching!

[@schribbler1592]

My single disappointment was not having the Woodcutter cameo. I know it would have been a lot for Rowan acting-wise, but would have been really cool to see, as he was one forshadowed to break his cycle in the skits. A theme this feature was heavily based upon. Muggers too. Love the review. Gave it a thumbs up in hopes it helps VLDL, and yourself.

[@subjectlife82]

What the princess said about not deviating from your path was fantastic. LOVE THE WAY YOU EXPLAINED THE SCENES

[@SerenityPrim3]

Saw your video in my recommendations, thought I'd give it a try. Happy I did, cuz it just makes everything I love about Baelin's Route so clear. Thank you kind sir

[@writersblock9995]

My pleasure! thanks for watching!

[@stanbartsch1984]

Best New Movie I have seen in years. Definitely more Oscar Worthy than anything that was nominated last year!

[@poida1674]

I've watched it nearly every night since it came out, absolutely incredible movie.

[@writersblock9995]

I agree it's definitely worth 100 re-watches

[@tobiasnunya4034]

A viva la dirt league review plus Brando Sando quotes?! Respect man!!

[@morganlinklater4517]

I agree! we should all start a group of fine cultured individuals that love great books and great comedic sketches!

[@writersblock9995]

Haha I see your also a man of great taste! thanks for watching!

[@cmdrspockncc1701]

Aha! I knew it! only New Zealand looks that spectacular

[@mikastamoody2275]

I loved Baelin's Route and enjoyed your discussion. Definitely subscribing.

[@writersblock9995]

Thanks for watching!

[@lorenzadenarus]

Thank you for your great analysis of Baelin's Route! And you even got Alan to watch your video!! 😁

[@writersblock9995]

Thank you very much for watching! It was actually such a thrill when the VLDL team commented on my video! my poor wife had to listen to me gush about it for ages :P

[@victoriayufereva2066]

This is such a wonderful and detailed analysis! Enjoyed it a lot!

[@ernestpaul2484]

I wouldn't say that their journey has culminated with Baelin's Route, but rather their journey has transitioned to higher ground as they are building up speed moving toward the next evolution.

[@writersblock9995]

Yes please, that's a great point, culminated makes it sound like their journey's over, hopefully this is just the first step in a long adventure!

[@Hepius]

Great analysis. Really well done!

[@dazzlejazzable]

Great review! These guys are absolutely amazing. Can't wait for the sequel.

[@morganlinklater4517]

Me too!

[@TravelerMastermind]

Great breakdown of the movie. Great work you are doing here, too. I agree, this was beyond your everyday KZbin stuff! Let them do their own show! :-)

[@paulyguitary7651]

I mean kzbin.info/www/bejne/naTOeH9meNGZgs0

[@RaymondMarini]

Awesome! Going to rewatch now thanks!

[@nagabenang9537]

I thought I knew everything about this movie but your analyze shows how little I know...thank you for the breakdown!

[@writersblock9995]

Thanks for watching!

[@angelusdemorte3]

When I watched it... It really did feel like a nice day for fishing.

[@writersblock9995]

Baelin is such a powerful NPC he can alter our world to ensure it is. . . a nice for fishin'

[@AsocPaladin0016]

Really enjoyed the breakdown of the movie and I fucking loved their film! Nice work mate!

[@scottr5661]

Baelin's Route was amazing. With all the lead up to it, it was great to see the final product. They did a great job with it. As for your video, glad to see word of Baelin's Route getting out there. Good job with this one. I'm also thinking maybe we should start referring to him as Bob of the One Sided Die. Although, when it comes to the final blows, he somehow manages to get the kill'em-from-the-inside-out rolls.

[@writersblock9995]

Haha yeah but I have a feeling the DM is being sneaky there, I feel like he wants bob to kill them from the inside to feed whatever demon is inside him, like how the word "feed" keeps coming up, I can't wait to see how it turns out, thanks for watching!

[@tacothethinker]

excellent review and breakdown. thank you for sharing.

[@writersblock9995]

Thanks for watching:)

[@lowgrs1]

i could not agree more. I have showed many friends this and they loved it foe the same reason

[@JimmyOlsson]

Awesome video about an awesome movie! 👊😎

[@Maderyne]

This is definitely worth not only 1 viewing, but many more to come. In just 24 hours of its premier it reached over 1 million views. VLDL has done themselves proud with this!

[@lisaakaserenityskye1480]

That are so cool and very interactive with their fans on twitch as well. I loved being one of the Kickstarter backers and would do it again. Love all their skits they have done and keep doing :🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@writersblock9995]

I actually didn't know they were doing a kickstarter! but I have a feeling their next one is going to get a lot more backers now they have shown what they are capable of, thanks for watching!

[@the1band1wagon]

I couldn't believe how beautiful and detailed baelin's route was when I first saw it. Before I would just watch a few of their videos that came up in my Facebook feed, then when I saw baelin's route I thought, "I'm gonna take a bigger dive and look at their videos." And they are even better than I originally thought. I have been smashing through their d&d. B.O.B. in all his unluckiness is my fav.

[@Leto85]

I do recognise story structure in Baelin's Route. But at first I didn't recognise the hero's journey in where Baelin changes. But yes, he does indeed, thanks to his companion. I'm curious to see if he stays changed in upcoming Viva La Dirt League videos or if he returns to his former self. There was a word for that; in where characters return to their default state in a series. Lisa Simpson in the Simpsons once said it explicitly, but I've forgotten the term. Maybe one of you folks can help me out. :)

[@jeffwilkinson4400]

"most importantly, he has the respect of Greg the Garlic Farmer"

[@CyGea]

Morning! Nice day for fishing...ain't it. It was some great "I am Groot" work from the actor. You really knew what he wanted to say, but just couldn't.

[@princessthyemis]

This is absolutely fantastic! I love analysing stories so much; I was thrilled to see one of this spectacular short film! You did such a good job and I could really tell you're passionate about it as well as Avatar and The Last of Us!😍😍 I never thought of Tess as a mentor figure before but now that you mentioned it you're totally right! I agree that a deal with Netflix or even KZbin originals would be absolutely incredible because they deserve it! You made me want to watch the film all over again! I love it so much!!!😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@writersblock9995]

Thank you :) sharing my passions with a community is why I love being on youtube! I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

[@gabidemagic]

12:05 it reminds me at God of War, when Kratos and his Son Atreus start to bond (Atreus begins to attack the Enemies- jumps on their Backs etc)

[@sofygrafe]

Nice review. I loooooove the movie. Watched it 4 times already. You didnt tell about their soundtrack on spotify. I lksten to it all day at work. Beautiful great awesome music arrangement

[@writersblock9995]

I didn't know it was on Spotify, I'll have to check it out!!! thanks for letting us know!

[@sofygrafe]

@@writersblock9995 there is a Q&A on the movie, theres where i heard it. Theres also a ton of extras on patreon, bloopers and more, which i think is worth my monthly contribution.

[@ChasmChaos]

Awesome analysis and breakdown. Really puts things in perspective for a dummy (like me).

[@shellydon9199]

loved the video!

[@denderrant]

A nice touch I noticed - when Baelin paused and realized something was wrong before going back to help Willow during the false resolution, he was standing in a grove of what look a lot like willows (hard to say without seeing them closer thought). Also, nice tentree hoodie!

[@writersblock9995]

Haha Thank you, it's my favourite hoodie! also I never noticed he was in willows but that makes for great symbolism, good catch! thanks for watching!

[@monhoobatraa3967]

Yes, I watched them too. They come so far.

[@writersblock9995]

I can't wait to see what they come out with next!

[@JonWhitfield5150]

I love them. They are outstanding. There was more character development and heart in that 36 minute episode than anything on Disney Plus the past few years

[@morganlinklater4517]

I watched it yesterday when it first came out, I didn't pick up on all of those points though. I might have to go back and rewatch it!

[@writersblock9995]

It's definitely worth a rewatch! I watched it a few times to make this video, thanks for watching!

[@morganlinklater4517]

@@writersblock9995 I've watched it again now and you made some really good points!

[@madlycan]

thx for the breakdown. really neatly done : D

[@writersblock9995]

Thanks for watching it :)

[@crimsonraen]

Yeeeeeeees! Baelin's Route was SO freakin' AMAZING! I really loved how Rowan delivered SO many different lines with just a single phrase!

[@writersblock9995]

So much feeling behind such simple words :)

[@MidnightDStroyer]

What i like a lot about Baelin's Route how VLDL brings Baelin through the Hero's Journey; every such journey requires obstacles that must be overcome. At several different points, Baelin (as an NPC) gets into situations where the NPC's programming itself gets in the way & he becomes capable to break out of that when he needs to. The Hero's Journey brings him to a point where he's *more* than any other random NPC. A solid mix between MMORPG game mechanics & how players could experience the game.

[@sailor1566]

If you look on imdb (if you didnt already know😁) rowan (baelin/bodger) is an actor/model and was in james camerons avatar

[@writersblock9995]

I didn't know that! That's so cool!

[@bradleyclerkin6190]

I love that you know him as bob

[@artorias-]

I loved it, the story was quite predictable but it was still enjoyable to watch. Can't wait for more :)

[@desireedavenport1306]

They really are comic geniuses! I can't think of anyone else who could take Baelin and make such an awesome short film centered around him! 🥰

[@dyabolikalpvp2775]

Ya they really do make some good stuff. Hopefully they do get picked up somewhere because imagine what they could make with proper backing.

[@opinionofmine3238]

To be honest I wasn't that impressed when I saw it, but listening to this breakdown made realize just how much more brilliant the film's construction is, so many lines that just seemed like throways that actually had a purpose I never noticed (like the bloody NPCs line, or how the fight in the background at the start was actually showcasing Bailin's programming). My favorite scene in the movie though was definitely the part where Bailin had to be pushed off the road. The close-up on his feet as he struggled to even consider deviating from his programming was such a great touch!

[@Merullan]

That reference on Bob and his rolling was briliant!

[@Merullan]

I absolutly agree with you about the guys, if you compare the very beggining music videos with stuff they can do now, it is unbelievable achievement. Their DaD series are way too good to not be filmed later on

[@python27au]

Balin is similar to the Discworlds Librarian. He only says Oook and you really only understand what is said by the dialogue of the other characters.

[@_anomalocaris_]

Really good review 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@writersblock9995]

Thank you very much!

[@FluffySylveonBoi]

Morning. Nice day for fishing, ain't it? His last line before the video ends is the first time in a long way, where he said this sentence and meant it. The other sentences he said throughout his journey sounded the same way, but had a different meaning each time. But now, he really is glad that it's a beautiful morning and nice time for fishing

[@watersprint1668]

This deserve way more views :)

[@lockwoan01]

Mornin'! Nice day for fishin', ain't it? Huhu!

[@lillychamberlain1496]

It was the first video I watched from them and I literally cried. Watched everything on their channel since.

[@nigelbenson4822]

Nice analysis!

[@AggroSamurai]

Its such an incredible story. the player broke the game by pulling the fishing npc 'out of bounds' and the game then treated the out of bounds npc as the player, triggering game events. As soon as the fishing npc was done with the quest, the game no longer had the out of bounds npc locked into that event so back home the fishing npc goes. Just incredible.

[@paulmurray3459]

I think other key moments in his ongoing change is how he reacts to the two offers to hug. In one he is still influenced by the unfeeling NPC programming. In the the other (really heartwarming moment) he fully embraces feelings as he gives the princess a real hug.

[@Ghost-uc8gd]

Finally a video I can get behind

[@Josivis]

4:41 This makes me think of SAO and this is a perfect setting for a crossover.

[@pianotutorialseasy]

Loved the movie, loved the review! 😁

[@charliebrown2460]

Thank you. I have bipolar, and I've been struggling with a serious depressive episode for a while. Watching you explain *why* Baelin's Route is so good (rather than just gush about it) was...so much of exactly what I needed right now. Thank you for making this video. And another big shout to Viva La Dirt League. Your movie made me smile. Never stop creating.

[@writersblock9995]

I'm glad I could help :) thanks for watching!