Why The Battle of the Bastards Was More Impressive Than You Think 😲

[@flameknightplayz2939]

"We spent an entire day with Kit on top of Iwan, beating him." - Woke me tf up.

[@flameknightplayz2939]

"I just shot it from every angle we could." - Took me out.

[@nickd.9955]

Game of Moans

[@aaronbaldon5403]

​@flameknightplayz2939 that means the director couldn't visualize what he wanted and didn't know what he was doing, thereby wasting most of the shooting day

[@martinw2235]

@@aaronbaldon5403 That's an excellent point. It's not just getting another couple of angles for options during editing. It's having no idea what you want the scene to be. Also, a full day of production with so many cast & crew must have cost an unbelievable amount of money.

[@danielkrcmar5395]

​@@martinw2235 The whole episode cost $11 million.

[@tomfoolery5680]

The scene of him struggling to get out of the pile of bodies was powerful. The claustrophobia, the carnage and then the real life relief of him finally emerging. The writing however was a bit to be desired.

[@reallue]

I remember watching that for the first time, & feeling all of those emotions, & taking a big breath of air w/ Jon when he finally emerged from that tangle of bodies fighting for their lives. It reminded me of a concert experience like that when I was younger. That was some of the most powerful cinematic experiences ever put to film. It made Braveheart feel like a kids movie

[@tomfoolery5680]

@@reallue Same. Honestly one of only a few times I was completely immersed in what I was watching. While a whirlwind of thoughts/emotions darted in and out of my mind. Anger at Ramsey, Loyalty to Jon, the desperation of fading optimism, pity for the cruel and hopeless creatures we so easily become, overwhelmed at how the dying and maimed were becoming a bigger threat than the living soldiers, the resolve of Jon being ready to die and the pride to die with boots on feet and sword in hand. The doom of speared walls closing in and then bewilderment that the Knights of the Vale brought with them. Then the moment Jon was free the rage and single mindedness to find Ramsey and do what the Gods apparently refused to do. Punish him.

[@IaMmE531]

I saw in an interview that Kit had done that him almost being suffocated in the middle of all the bodies and fighting to break free was his idea. According to him, it played on a very real fear of him being claustrophobic and afraid of being trampled under people, if I remember correctly

[@ndld4955]

And to think in history things like that probably happen too .. Rarely but still ...

[@thePyiott]

It was like he came back from the dead the second time

[@BlackVortex604]

BOTB was a cinematic masterpiece but not writing wise

[@Exorcist364xs]

It really was! It was the emotions it made you feel because it wasn’t just about beating someone or winning for glory. It was a fight for their home and honor. It was fantastic. I normally don’t like battle scenes because I hate hearing horses sound like they’re being injured when I know they’re not it still makes me feel bad. Or just seeing bloodied bodies strewn about. It was honestly a poetically brutal scene! I really loved it! But yeah Sansa should have let on about the Vale. That still doesn’t sit right with me. Personally I would tell my brother, bastard or not I have pull I wouldn’t let him just go out against a mad man like Ramsay and have other men lose their lives. I’d rather smash Ramsay’s army to pieces! But maybe it was because they didn’t listen to her that’s my only guess. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@realBatman-89]

​@Exorcist364xs She was hoping he would die. Then she would be the sole heir.

[@idontspeakjapanese6289]

The fact that Jon survived both the rain of arrows and the trample of both cavalries all at once is literally 100% plot armor activated, not to mention Jon's army letting themselves be surrounded by the Bolton infantry without doing anything is literally bad writing at it's finest, but non theless it's a good battle but poorly written

[@lindsay9838]

Agreed. Makes me so sad that House of the Dragon lost Miguel over his annoying wife. He is simply the best for the big, battle episodes and HOTD is about to need a lot of those

[@jjh2456]

@@realBatman-89clearly not as she spots him on the battle and he spots her.

[@philippeblais8594]

"Did you know, in the show." That's a first. It's usually. "Did you know, in the books."

[@flavius5722]

He îs probably running out of material

[@Exorcist364xs]

@@flavius5722 lol he should change his name Did You Know? Actually it jarred my mind as well because his voice and Did You Know In The Books? He should start saying Did You Know I Know Nothing? Or something like Did You Know Jon Snow knows Nothing?

[@flavius5722]

@@Exorcist364xs 😂😂

[@carastone3473]

@@Exorcist364xs that would be hilarious

[@alexholl654]

Stannis hasn't even marched on winterfell yet in the books

[@AuroraBoost]

That scene when the cavalry starts to clash was so awesome

[@Exorcist364xs]

Yep. And the scene of Jon standing alone that’s a beautiful shot!

[@DTraiN5795]

One of my favorite episodes. Every time I get close to it I get excited. I wish the rain had stopped so they could’ve finished the battle properly

[@snakethejake97]

regarding the scene of Jon beating Ramsay, there were two instances of where Iwan was actually punched by Kit.

[@KlaySmith-mn6dj]

And we loved him for it.

[@Nenernener123]

Surprised it wasn’t more since it was done for a full day

[@mockingslur6945]

They are as big as "2 fleas fu$king" lol

[@dinorex3464]

Yup, and he felt so bad about it that he later hung out with him and offered him a beer to apologise. Kit Harington is such a kind person.

[@tehfuqizg0inon588]

Yea at first his punches look real and not pulled then it looks like he's pulling them

[@CCEkeke]

My issue with the Battle of the Bastards is that it makes Jon Snow look like a colossal moron just for dramatic tension. He's supposed to be a sound battle strategist. Yet he got most of his men killed thanks to falling for Ramsay's manipulations.

[@CodedTech60]

Let's be honest, Jon isn't a genius either. He would've done the same thing in his book counterpart. if anyone in his family was getting impacted. Like imagine telling your own night watch you are leaving to fight for Stannis to go save "Arya". Also, I think the show really does end here, not season eight.

[@m.williams4971]

Yes and no. Imagine this: You spend 8-9 years(age of Rickon when Jon left) watching this little guy, your brother growing up, whom you’ve been separated from now for 5 years, and thought he was going to be killed. Are you really going to sit back and ‘stick with the plan’?

[@JM-hj3sm]

I don't think I'd call him a moron. Robb's a strategic prodigy, and he likely would have done the same if he was in Jon's place.

[@stevem2323]

First of all he didn't ordered the attack, Davos did to save him. Secondly, you are not taking in account that he was dead and brought back he was still an emotional mess after it, he just wanted to try and save Rickon. Him charging was more to evade the arrows.

[@stevem2323]

@@CodedTech60 Genius? What the f that has to do with anything? First of all he didn't ordered the attack Davos did, to save him. Secondly that's Jon, if there's 0.00000001 percent of chance to save his brother he would, that's not moronic. Also you have to take in account his emotional state, he was still broken after being brought back from the dead.

[@Thatdude829]

NO , I couldn't tell that it wasn't a real sword lol

[@janealupe9259]

Was waiting to see this comment!! Cuz, sammmee. 😂😅

[@ArthurCallahan389]

Glad I’m not the only one. People always claim they can tell if this is fake or that’s cgi, & most of the time I think they’re full of crap.😂

[@josephschultz3301]

@@ArthurCallahan389 It's not the worst fake sword I've seen, not by a long shot, but the artifacting and the makeshift artificial lighting still give it away. Now, if you'd like to talk _really_ bad VFX, we can always talk about the final fight scene from Black Panther and how it looks like it was made on a Play Station 3.

[@DTraiN5795]

I never cared honestly. I was immersed into what was happening every time I watched it.

[@ArthurCallahan389]

@@josephschultz3301 😂😂😂There are those instances where it’s almost like they did it on purpose it’s so bad. I wasn’t necessarily talking about the obvious. I remember when DVD first came out & several movies didn’t realize how much more clear the screen would be so there were flight scenes where you could see the wires. Do you remember that time when Anakin Skywalker was just a little kid & wanted a Turboman doll for Christmas & a T-800 Terminator got it for him? 😂😂😂Sorry, I couldn’t help myself & I know it’s cringy corny & that’s why I think it’s funny so I do that to my daughter all the time😂😂😂Anyway, you could see Arnold’s wires when he was dressed as Turboman & flying. I’ve not watched that in 25 years so it may be fixed by now.

[@aegorrivers6700]

Everyone gave it their all. Except for the writers

[@bingobongo1615]

Yeah the longer you think about the battles the less sense it makes…

[@arhaegar12e.73]

Perfect summation of the final season, unfortunately…😢😔

[@darriuscole8544]

The writers did give it their all. This is just the best that they can do.

[@matthewmccullough7836]

I loved the episode except for in the final season I had nothing bad to say against the writing of this show. And this was one of my top 5 episodes.

[@dobrickgenevo]

And everyone consented to working/being used for the scene except for the horses.

[@rizzo-films]

That shot of Jon struggling in the crowd is one of my favorite shots in all of war cinema. And its a tv show! It's poetic, it's a work of art, and it's shockingly realistic in a way that we never see in medieval-style combat: the demoralizing, impossible chaos of it, where one man in the crowd doesn’t mean SHIT.

[@martividal4534]

It's not realistic, this pile of death is literally imposible in an open ground battle, same with the spear and shield formation from the soldiers. Also the bolton army didn't see thousands cavalry soldiers coming until they charge. The battle is amazing visually... that's all

[@gammypage]

No it's not impossible at all, look up videos of how crushes happen at concerts and other crowds, especially on a hill or depression in a field

[@Luissv72]

As someone who has experienced crowd crush, it is rough, and that scene gives me chills going back to it.

[@boreed217]

What was the situation?

[@yaraeddine127]

This was one of the best shot battle scenes I’ve ever watched; the cinematography, getting into the field, allies and enemies being struck down, all from a first person-like standpoint made it incredible. It wasn’t panning, focusing on two. It way outdid any battle scene before or since.

[@Lancer212]

I couldn't care less how many horses they have when Rickon can't zigzag

[@madarathedivine2665]

Took me out not gonna lie

[@fixyourself6238]

They shot a moving, FLYING, dragon in the series and you guys are complaining about a kid not doing zigzag

[@Lancer212]

@fixyourself6238 That battle didn't have a dragon in it and EVERYONE complained about the running in a straight line. It was stupid as hell and completely justified to dislike the absurdity of it.

[@fixyourself6238]

@@Lancer212 of course there wasn't a dragon in that battle, are you insane?? I was talking about when they shot Danny's dragon when they tried to conquer Westeros jeez man where the brain be

[@Lancer212]

@@fixyourself6238 Then wtf you doing talking about dragons then? You're the one who brought it up. Has nothing to do with Rickon running

[@squadup22]

That shot of him pulling out his sword awaiting the men on horses is probably my favorite shot of the entire series, so epic and I actually thought he was going to die. I also made that my screen savior!😜

[@lukasa6374]

eh it came at the expensive of Jon being an absolute idiot

[@mysticlegion8088]

​@@lukasa6374exactly, even though it was a bad ass scene it still was just stupid to do. I just don't believe the character of Snow would do something like that. This was GoT not some other cliche fantasy show that could get away with some BS like that.

[@napalmbhoji]

they really perfected the punches and smirk

[@jayb8934]

I've never been in a battle, let alone a medieval one, so I have no way of knowing what it's actually like, but I've never seen anything in television or cinema that made a battle feel as real as the Battle of the Bastards. Most of the time battles are made to look exciting and easy to follow and make the main characters stand out and look good. This battle conveyed utter chaos and terror and moment to moment survival being about luck as much as skill. It made war look like hell instead of some epic adventure.

[@mercb3ast]

Nothing authentic or realistic about Battle of the Bastards. It's usual nonsensical Hollywood spectacle over authenticity. The only thing is gets, is what it would like to be in a soccer stadium during a crowd crush. If you want to see what is widely regarded as the most historically authentic battle ever put on film. Go watch the battle of Gaugamela in Oliver Stone's Alexander. That is as close as anyone has gotten to showing what a real battle would look like. Even then, it fails in some ways, because it has the Persian infantry just charge enmass. NOBODY did that. It's suicide. EVERYONE fought in formation. Some formations were looser than others, but you didn't just free for all wing it and charge with all your buddies. You marched up, shoulder to shoulder, for protection. Nobody wants to just run onto a spear or have a battle break down into a massive 1v1v1v1 battle.

[@ozimodo189]

@@mercb3astAgreed. Just rewatched BotB last night and was severely let down. Not a fan of the hollywoodized battles in the last few seasons and definitely not a fan of Jon magically becoming a superhero. I swear there were 4-5 separate instances where he should’ve died but keeps on. The previous battles felt much more grounded and “real” vs BotB. Starks Assemble.

[@208jdog]

To be honest, I can see that deviating from the books could have worked for them considering the actors gave the characters different emotions than in the books. But I don't think D&D realized that so they never made proper adjustments

[@ingainloggningsnamn]

Well the show had already deviated wildly by that point, so it's more like D&D didn't understand the characters (book & show) anymore.

[@Matthew-qq9nx]

​@@ingainloggningsnamnand the characters had different motives and evolved differently. It would have been okay had they done the 10 seasons they needed.

[@onigiri2032]

Battle of the bastards remains one of my favorite episodes of the series. It's genuinely one of the most visually stunning fights ive ever seen

[@killerjoe7596]

Finally! A positive critique of the Battle of the Bastards. I for one, was quite impressed.

[@Matthew-qq9nx]

I think most people enjoyed the cinematics even if they didn't like the writing.

[@killerjoe7596]

@@Matthew-qq9nx And people need to get over that also. The Game of Thrones book series was a big old rambling mess. There was just no way that the producers could wrap up the show with that many characters to everyone's satisfaction.

[@btricksey]

​@@killerjoe7596Absolutely. Well said. What is most striking is that even the writer himself can't come up with how he wants his epic saga to unfold, and he had a good few years to do so. It's no easy task, flowing with one's imagination. I personally believe his mind has moved on from this tale and there's no sparks anymore. The show's creators had no choice, they HAD to make S 7&8 happen somehow and wrap up the epic saga - there was likely a ton of pressure from HBO, fans, the actors...everyone. They probably look back and regret some of their decisions but it had to be wrapped up somehow.

[@ajell86]

​@btricksey i think the next book is 11 years in the making, doesn't look to be arriving any time soon

[@Ar1AnX1x]

some of these episodes were strange because they felt epic and great because the whole team did an S Tier job but then you realize the writers did a C tier job and ruined what could have been a Masterpiece

[@bexthewitch87]

For as much (warranted) guff BotB gets, that scene of Jon in the middle of that press of men was very historically accurate to what warfare was like in the middle ages. And very well shot too!

[@someguitardude8462]

Publius Cornelius Scipio trying to escape the bloothbath at Cannae, 216 BC, colorized.

[@Seven_Leaf]

Choreography wasn't the prblem past season3-4, it was the plot and writing.

[@whysrumgone]

The cinematography gets away with a lot because of the failings elsewhere.

[@kokocute123]

I just finished rewatching this scene and didn’t give it enough credit during the first watch because of how overwhelming and epic it was. The cinematography shots, the POV of Jon almost drowning in his own men (it wasn’t part of the script btw), the Tully army arriving, and of course the sweet sweet death of Ramsay Snow. Everyone in this episode was amazing! Even Wun-Wun the giant, bless his big heart. Battle of the Bastards has one of the most breath-taking and most beautiful battle cinematography I’ve seen on screen. It was truly a treat watching it for the second time today and still in awe of how well-directed and acted it was.

[@Chestwolf]

Thank god for the rain, because that claustrophobia scene is one of my favorite battle scenes in cinema history. Visceral af.

[@anima099]

The claustrophobia was supposed to parallel the scene where Dany was celebrated in Mereen.

[@manwiththeredface7821]

It gave the impression of Jon having to struggle for every bit of tiny victory (just like all his life) while Dany had other people struggle for her (just like all her life). Mereen felt like a Disney fairytale compared to the realistic medieval butchery at Winterfell.

[@TV-ge3uj]

The scene where Jon punches Ramsay is one where you want a really pedantic director who orders a reshoot at the slightest mistake.

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

"So much rain" - welcome to the beautiful Island of Ireland. Saintfield/Tamhnaigh Naomh Co Down/Condae an Dúin Northern Ireland

[@Exorcist364xs]

I so badly want to live in Ireland. I’m mostly of Scottish Irish and British descent. But I feel in depths of my soul I belong there. I don’t know how welcoming you are of Americans coming back to the island but man I’d buy a ticket and never come back. Btwy-my last name is my step father’s name lol!

[@deaganachomarunacathasaigh4344]

@@Exorcist364xs Why?🤣 I won't lie. I love Ireland, but I love Ireland because I grew up here. Its the culture, language and just things we do make you love home. I'll tell you the truth about Ireland. If I were an outsider looking in, theres nothing to do here. Absolutely fuck all worth while employment and with the rising cost of living without a rise in pay unless you can get into the medical or engineering industry you're pretty much fucked. Plus its cold and wet. Ireland is like the battle of the bastards weather for most the year and In late winter and early spring it freezes. While it never really drops further than -10°C most of the time, the wind will make you feel like its -30°C. And the warmest it gets is 15°C. Now we as Irish people are climatised to it and sorta enjoy our weather, it makes most non Northern people feel very miserable. Its very similar to New York state in Autumn temp for most the year but add rain and wind all day nearly everyday. Now I have no problem with you coming, but Americans are rarely ever fully accepted into Irish communities. Maybe after 20 years. We are just a very closed off people, while we are very friendly and hospitable, you won't be made feel different, but you'll know you are. We are very quiet by nature, is binna béal ina thost as we say aka silence is golden.

[@HyperspaceCafe]

I couldn’t even tell the sword wasn’t real. I usually just try to enjoy the show rather than tear it apart. You know? Escapism?

[@LordKalte]

What's escapism?

[@leafwhite6376]

I'm not even trying to escape, I'm just willing to be immersed by the mundane, you know. Imagination? (Not trying to give attitude to you, just sharing in your attitude toward everyone else)

[@cheften2mk]

Still got nothing on Helms Deep or the Rohirim charge

[@Exorcist364xs]

Well for me this depicts a realistic battle that would take place during those times. Finding out those were actual horses charging at them that’s pretty cool. And that had to have been intimidating even if they were trained. And there weren’t any fantasy creatures involved like the Long Night. It was men and horses and the weapons they had.

[@cheften2mk]

@@Exorcist364xs Its not realistic as they would not run into each other like a sporting match

[@Exorcist364xs]

@@cheften2mk actually this battle was based off a real historical battle. Google it. Ramsay’s tactics were true to the time period. Some of it was obviously for show. But it truly depicted actual warfare of that time.

[@cheften2mk]

@@Exorcist364xs It wasn't

[@hvitserkmylosson9450]

​@@cheften2mk The real-life inspiration for the Battle of the Bastards was the Battle of Cannae between the Romans and the Carthaginians, led by Hannibal, in 216 BCE - a key battle during the Second Punic War. Carthage crushed the much larger Roman army, as Hannibal's men circled their enemies through a double envelopment, just like Ramsay does in the Game of Thrones battle. The Ancient Greek historian Polybius described this moment (via Time): "The Romans [...] held out, but as the outer ranks continued to fall, and the rest were gradually huddled in and surrounded, they finally all were killed where they stood." The Battle of the Bastards only differs in that Petyr Baelish's (Aidan Gillen) House Arryn comes to Jon's aid, crushing the Boltons and ending Ramsay's terrible reign. Source: screenrant.com/game-thrones-battle-bastards-cannae-true-story-history/#:~:text=The%20epic%20Battle%20of%20the,led%20Carthaginians%20in%20216%20BCE.

[@davidj.salisbury9777]

The action is relentless- when he’s on his feet fighting and people keep running into the frame. Total masterpiece by director Sapochnik.

[@kf338]

The first scene of the battle was amazing.

[@maadtee6281]

Did you know that Jon stopped punching Ramsay because he knew his sister wanted to join in the fun

[@anthonyparillo7832]

Seemed pretty obvious

[@BatDad1984]

Honestly, it was one of the high points of the post book era of the show. You could see how the team did everything they could to make it brutal and satisfying at the end. It shows that if they had been given more time, the final season would have been so much better.

[@abudgie6909]

Unfortunately, the writing started to degrade rapidly from season 5 onwards. I really don't think it's an issue of time, since the cinematography and effects teams were doing great work regardless. It really was just a writing issue.

[@dinorex3464]

Everything about this battle was perfect except for the writing. I refuse to believe Jon would fall so easily for Ramsay's trap.

[@RAMI-m4w]

jon turn from being a smart complex character into your ahh mid anime protagonist

[@MetalxMasters]

I wish the line where Jon mentioned Ramsay's men turning against him would have had a bigger impact. So much wasted opportunity in these later seasons it's not even funny.

[@Adrian-cg5qz]

Actually he can be very angry in the books and act out on his anger a bit in the books so him acting out of anger isn't a stretch the show doesn't show he changes at all when he comes back alive but it's pretty likely he'll be in ghost until mel and possibly bran bring him back making him possible more angry but book jon is actually smart when stannis was gonna run head long into a trap jon persuaded him so his plan which gave stannis 3-5000 mountain man and told him to attack the greyjoys at the umbers as well ( stannis is in a good position because of that)

[@michaelthomas1916]

That end of that battle is what I've always imagined the battle of Cannae must've been like for the Roman's when Hannibal's army engulfed them.

[@someguitardude8462]

But many, many times worse. In this battle there are 10k men tops. In Cannae there were 86k in the roman side alone. If Polybius is to be believed 70k of those men died. That’s like half the population of Rome itself at the time. I cannot even fathom the image of half a city being encircled and squished to death. Truly a horrifying way to die.

[@lorannjacobs470]

It takes time and effort to create, I’m drawn in by this, love the costumes , and had the opportunity to meet one of the jewelry designers, love, love

[@kesudor]

Sadly I lack the tactical acumen to appreciate not informing the battle commander of a secret army you have enroute

[@alibryant749]

Either Sansa decided at last minute to get the Vale to help (because they argued about this prior to the battle), or just wanted to wait till the last minute to have a bargaining chip cause she saved the day, either way John could have been killed

[@beingsultannn]

The claustrophobic scene was so good 💯

[@olliesmith2890]

Two of the most satisfying moments ever in GOT for me, in this episode. Jon beating the snot out of Ramsey and Ramsey being eaten alive by his starving hounds(Sansa's smile, is all our smiles then).

[@Matthew-qq9nx]

I hated the battle but loved the death

[@alibryant749]

Ramsey: "my hounds won't hurt me" Sansa: "you haven't fed them in 7 days" Hounds: Master looks and smells like beggin bits... ITS BACOOOON!

[@aliciastembridge6008]

One of the best battle scenes PERIODT!

[@zeondeane2832]

I worked all days on set and it was really cold and wet. People do not realise the endurance required, 5am starts and late finishes.

[@alibryant749]

I was pissed that Wunwun survived Hardhome but died from arrows from arseholes smh RIP big buddy

[@nater1328]

I really wondered why his scabbard flopped to the side so hard when he removed his sword belt to make his stand- now I know

[@zzzMist]

13 takes to film a smirk shouldn’t be a sign of a cinematic masterpiece. The rest of it I can understand but a smirk. Lol

[@Chad0023]

I thought the same thing

[@m.williams4971]

And why you aren’t in film(no offense). Yeah, stuff like that’s important. Not to forget, actors are human. Maybe several of the takes she had a laugh? Can’t use that one. Lines also have to be perfect with the smirk. One false word and it’s not usable. I wouldn’t assume it was only the smirk, but the whole thing…….and the smirk.

[@bman45cal]

Think about how many times you take a selfie before you get a pic you like, now apply that to the big screen and tell me 13’s too much again

[@spacetoastjam7656]

I've worked on sets before. Can safely say that 13 takes is not a ton of takes in all honesty (this can vary depending on what is being shot), i've seen more takes for stuff equally as simple as that shot. Sometimes due to schedulling you will have time to do something that can be done in 6 takes but because you have extra time, you'll spend more time doing it rather than standing around doing nothing. If cast and crew are standing around doing nothing while not on break then something has gone wrong.

[@kevincluster1451]

Her brother died earlier and the Starks don't strike me as the smirking bunch it was trash. Don't say junk like that's why your not in film and defend this travesty of a series. Every viewer has the right to be a critic and I expected better since the earlier seasons were pretty good.

[@zakaryperrin7126]

I loved that scene in the clone wars when Obi-Wan Kenobi said that he would have left the Jedi order if the Duchess asked

[@ashutoshsingh-tk6cr]

It was a cinematic masterpiece..... everything went perfect...

[@manjuarun1550]

So much dedication , that is why GOT is the best show yet.

[@GUYFROMEldos]

People call the things jon and his army did bad writing But its was an army put together fast and with wildings who did not have battle strategy experience plus fighting against men who are experienced in combat while they had on cloaks instead of armour. It truly was a battle of bastards and its ending was bittersweet

[@gammypage]

Last scene was amazing!

[@AlexFrank02]

I don’t get easily grossed out or disturbed by violence but the pile of bodies was fucking brutal

[@sehu1291]

The chaos of this battle was epic. No dumb 1 vs 1 all the time

[@kswindl]

"did you knorw, in the shorw, it took 25 days..."

[@maxerea4380]

Fun fact, the guy who helped directing the battles in LoTR also helped filming this battle.

[@lovelywaz]

Jon Snow pulled a Leeroy Jenkins there. 😈😈

[@Xicor620]

My favorite episode hands down

[@cnfusd1352]

we need the 10 hours behind the scenes cut of beating ramsay. only 10 hours of beating joffrey would be better

[@The1dynamyte]

I just watched this again this afternoon My favorite episode

[@outlawblack123]

if only they had a script their efforts would have made a great show.

[@hoeman45]

i wish ned and rob couldve seen john pull out his sword in this moment

[@crm4003]

Best episode of the whole series imo Other than the red wedding but this was simply a masterpiece

[@she_who_dares9713]

This episode is peak TV.

[@rboss5919]

Even the showrunners wanted to beat up Ramsay as much as they could.

[@stonytrees8573]

Such an awesome scene so much blood the ground turned to mud is crazy

[@romanmorozov6974]

I feel like the show runners hated Ramsey so much they wanted to see Kit beat him up for 10 hours straight xD

[@olivierjodoin2283]

Mon coup de coeur est Dwellings of Eldervale. J'ai adoré ma première partie!

[@Nauda999]

the real floppy sword, you can see the sword flopping when Jon rides the horse.

[@joehales2659]

Gotta love how the giant fights barehands but the zombie giants carry clubs almost like they wanted cool fight choreograph with the shield wall and not the realism of the Bolton army getting smashed into the ground like tent pegs

[@dario5178]

It might have not made sense but it was visceral and immersive

[@YoBoiHrcky]

Iwan must've had his shit kicked out of him by the time they were done

[@NPC13377]

What was the alternate ending to the battle?

[@Lou2cents]

The best battle scene ever. One of my fav episodes

[@GhostEmblem]

Everyone harping on the writing but the scene with Rickon was immaculate. Jon blocking Ramsies arrows with a mormont shield was a great addition to longclaw. Also for ppl who complain about the teleporting knights of the Vale apparently according to this guy there was supposed to be a different ending to the part just before the knights appeared.

[@blazeblade761]

I think in the scene where jon punches ramsay kit accidentally punched iwan

[@suburbantimewaster9620]

They put a lot of work into the battle and it was worth it.

[@jackteets9]

When he jumps on his horse to meet rickon his sword is so obviously rubber, also when wun wun busts the gate down you can see an arrow floating on the right side of the screen by his head not attached anything.

[@chira3991]

love this episode

[@killerjoe7596]

It just occurred to me that every character on this show was miserable, except Ramsey Bolton and he was a psycho.

[@AcidicJazz1999]

When jon climbs his horse to run to rickon you can see his swors bend

[@Accurateweatherman]

That was the second episode that made me feel like I was part of something special. The first being the Red Wedding of course.

[@glrasshopper]

IF only they had spent that much effort on the script

[@richardkrilljr.8711]

Interesting- I didn’t notice that it was a fake sword in this scene but I feel like there was another scene where there was clearly a fake sword. I wonder what their alternative ending to the battle was. All said, one of the most memorable hours of television ever made.

[@GunnzaEIR]

My friend was an extra in that battle. We are from Ireland

[@Genasidal]

Poor Ramsey got punched for 10 hour straight. Jaw of a God that one.

[@xanderyodz9514]

The production spent countless time and effort for GoT and yet several fans were unhappy about it. Those fans didn't spent time or effort or even money for production of GoT and all they do is spend time hating the writing/ending. They just want to feed/satisfy their ego that the ending should go as they see fit to their standards because if not they would heavily criticised the writers or have them cancelled. The producers/production of GoT gave us 8seasons - YES 8 FREAKING SEASONS!!! And for that I'm grateful and wont changed a thing, because I understand them like in Highschool or in college when the teacher/professor asks a project video for a subject. You would change/adjust the span of the video according to the time and money for it. I mean lets not kid ourselves HBO/producers provided 8 effing seasons of GoT and of course the actors would ask for an increase in salary no matter how big or small their role is from the show; and if higher pay for actors is just then it should also be for production staff. The time constraints is not felt in HoTD and the two year gap between S1 and S2 shows more creative freedom that the yearly gap between seasons of GoT and some characters like Daeron was not introduce yet to minimize for actors swelling paycheck for succeeding seasons. Other G.R.R.Martin's spinoff turning into animation was smart and realistic as were the production of GoT that time with the 8th season. I was in disbelief back in 2017 when they announced the Season Finale of GoT because with the pace of the show it should have at least 2 seasons left but I'm open and understandable with the staff and writers. Cutting it into one season with fewer episodes is the realistic thing to do and those fake fanatics of the show wouldn't understand.😂

[@dayschange2]

I have to admit, I really did enjoy the battle of the bastards. I hope it's in the books, or will be in the books, when I finally read them.

[@KindredKeepsake]

Kit was so miserable during the filming of this episode... XD Dude was covered in “dirt and “sh!t” and was just DONE! But he helped create art!

[@dirtdawgz8326]

Best battle scene ever shot.

[@Motor-City_Ben-Diesel]

Absolute masterpiece

[@Manterok]

Totally worth it lol that's some of the best TV/cinema I've ever seen

[@brianvernon249]

That battle was the defining moment of the Starks. If they lost, they’d no longer exist. (Bran doesn’t count) and Arya would dive deep into the faceless men or another guild. But not under the Stark name.

[@faora5651]

Valyrian steel so strong it bends and corrects itself.

[@JakeBoston-n8p]

Made me insanely mad that Wunwun didnt get a damn log or something as a weapon. Theyve been shown to use mammoths, tools, chains, bows. He should of been an even bigger threat. Wish he would of lived, Seeing a Giant have an interaction with one of Dannys dragons would of been awesome. Having the dragons upright, seeing another being eye to eye.

[@haraldjensen1839]

So what was the original ending?

[@mattlombardi54]

I’m that 1% that notices, because I notice I care. I use my 3Dxl for even smaller sized non xl vapor mode dabs and it’s terrific. Not sure how many use the xl for smaller sized low temp dabs but it works incredibly.

[@mattlombardi54]

One more thing, the way you handle that peak makes me nervous as fuck, waving it around like a magic wand 😂

[@annamattos8627]

When HBO aired that episode for the first time in Brazil, I actually watched it twice, back to back, I had so much adrenaline from it! The second time, I counted Jon Snows' punches. Ramsay deserved every single one of them.

[@Yugigreg]

It looks like a real sword to me…

[@landonowens889]

I was so bummed when he pulled out his sword and it looked like sword 😢

[@JaguarBST]

Proof that even visual masterpieces can not entirely make up for bad writing.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

Should have made BOTB one whole episode and the same for Battle of Mereen. Disney really like how they cut the episode in half for both

[@victoriagreenfield5781]

The battle of the bastards was a cinematic masterpiece

[@SnoW-pk9zo]

That battle started awesome and went quite bad at the end