Who is your favorite King, Anduin or Varian? Subscribe here and Follow me on twitch.tv/philiphartshorn Join my discord to help me choose my next video: discord.gg/J85mKhG Watch my film work here: ruclips.net/video/FQg5b6bagGs/видео.html Follow my Twitter: twitter.com/philipharts
Varian is just the perfect embodiment of what it is to be a heroic king. He’s saved himself and people close to him multiple times and brought the alliance together during their one of their darkest times and learned to show mercy and pursue peace towards an enemy he’s seen destroy his home and kill his father and closest friends.
Anduin. Absolutely. Varian was the warrior, he did things due to duty. Anduin does them from the heart. Every time he steps out of that priest role within his prince/kingship, he somehow almost misses the mark. As he said, "I can't be the king you were." No, you can't, Varian is Varian, you're Anduin and your strength and kingship come from a different place, not from the arm but the heart." There's so much that I love about both men, but I've been fond of Anduin since the beginning.
Hard to tell. The way the the game is presenting them, it comes of like Varian is the kind of king you want to have during war/crisis time, the protector and general, while Anduin is a king for peace, the builder and healer. At least that´s my impression as someone who only played casually. The information i have on them is frankly not enough to give an objective opinion.
We're all glad the Saurfang cinematics hit as hard as they do. He's a true pillar of the Horde, almost perfectly embodying its whole story, including all the ways it changed over the decades. Edit: Did you like the Stormwind harbor in this cutscene? It's based on the in-game version of the same place, meaning many Alliance players can relate to the place. We also know the prison in which Saurfang sits, the Stormwind Stockade, a quintessential early game dungeon.
Saurfang is a true pillar of the whole _game_ . I would love to see Philip's reaction to the Talanji escape scenario, that preceded the boat cinematic. Talk about relating to the location!
SourFang is probably the best representation for Orcs in general he has served every Warchief from backhand to Sylvanas. He's served since the first war and has participated in every war in Warcraft history. He's drink the demon blood and was Wild by Fury for years cure to live with regret.
Really shows the respect Saurfang has for Anduin. When you kill Saurfang's son, that was risen as a death knight by the Lich King, initially Saurfang is barred from seeing his son's body by the Alliance. Varian being king at the time, and a father as well, tells them to stand down and let a grieving father pass and collect his son. Varian and Saurfang had a huge amount of respect for one another warrior to warrior, father to father.
And it comes together as he for a while bonded as a Father who lost a son, with a son who lost his father. A quiet beautiful conclusion and aid for Anduin growing into his new role as King, but also the need to stand and fight now that his father is no longer there to do so. It shows that a peace loving healer and Priest deals way difftent with trauma then his father a Veteran snd ex gladiator did. A man who knew war first and became King after. And a young unrxpiriencef nan growing up in that mans protective shadow forced into war and the burdens of Kingship.
Yesss! And it all comes back full-circle during the cinematic in Shadowlands when Anduin breaks free from the Jailer's domination thanks to the spirits of Varian and Saurfang. It is also evident during the Sylvannas and Saurfang Mak'gora. When Saurfang splits Shala'mayne, it starts glowing orange like it did when Varian held it, to represent the similarity between the two souls.
“Oh, go back to your father, boy.” “I can’t … he’s dead.” “I hoped you would stop her.” “I can’t … not alone.” Anduin, inside the Stormwind Stockades, repeating the cadence of Zekhan outside Lordaeron. Heck, you could even interchange the youths. So glad someone drew your attention to this on live stream!
At about the 3:01 mark, Philip talks about the shadowing on Saurfang's face, but I think it's also really interesting for another reason: Anduin has just asked why Saurfang why he spared his life, but the shadowing on Saurfang's face, with his eye sockets completely obscured, turns his visage skull-like, the face of a dead man. I think it was a really fascinating, intentional choice on the part of the cinematic crew to subtly underline where Saurfang is at emotionally here. He's as good as a dead man walking and if the choice was his, he would be a dead man lying. When Anduin speaks of life to him, he turns away at first, sinking into that place of death and despair and shame, but it plants the seed in his mind, and when Anduin pretends to give up as well ("I can't"), *that* stirs Saurfang to action. *That* makes him look up out of self-pity and find the source of light again. This is long winded now, but I just thought it was a really great effect. A cadaver's face for a man who wishes to be one, but who seems to find himself alive again and again.
You hit the nail on the head with Saurfang wanting to kill Sylvanas but not being able to. it harkens back to a promise he made to Garrosh Hellscream, even before he became a Warchief. They were both sitting in a command room in Northrend discussing how to deal with the Scourge and their lack of resources. Garrosh, young, glory-thirsty and hot headed as he was, walked up to the Alliance bases in the map and stomped them to make the point that he wanted to attack the Alliance to take their bases and resources in order to then fight the Scourge. Which sounded a lot like his warmongering father, Grom Hellscream. To that, Saurfang replied by telling Garrosh he should watch himself and avoid becoming his father. Because Saurfang was not going to allow Garrosh to take the Horde down that dark path again, that he would decapitate Garrosh on the spot if he caught so much as a *glimpse* of him wanting to act on those impulses. Sadly the writers kind of forgot about that when they made Garrosh Warchief, and we never got any kind of scene where Saurfang was harkening back to that lethal promise he made when Garrosh was becoming increasingly more expansionist and aggressive. With Sylvanas it happened again, and I can just *imagine* how much Saurfang wished he could just take Sylvanas' head.
We didn't talk about it during the stream- I loved how, when Saurfang punched the wall, Anduin flinched- but just barely. I feel more from the impact and the noise, than any fear of Saurfang. He knew he could trust him. He _felt_ it, and he trusted his intuition.
I mean its like fiering a gunshot next to your ear. And Anduin was a peaceloving Priest, not a veteran like his father whos psrticulary used to roaring cannons, and fighting a Dragon like Onyxia among much else. Before MoP he is a pampered naive pslace shit who slowly grows. And this is his first actual war on the frontlines.
In case anyone hasn't mentioned it, the main characters each also have their own musical theme. You can hear Saurfang's theme play during the close-up in this video when he speaks to Anduin of his hope that Anduin could stop Sylvanas. You also hear it play during Reckoning when Zekhan is crouched over Saurfang's body, his fingers gently touching the Horde symbol worn by Saurfang. It adds yet another layer to the story-telling for which the Blizzard cinematics team is so renowned.
Dude, your analysis is insane. I appreciate your videos a ton, you put into words why these cinematics resonate so much with others. Blizzard probably needs to hire you on as a consultant for the animation team
During the Battle of Lordaeron, Sylvanas had ordered Saurfang to hold the causeway leading up to the old throne room at all costs, and it ended up costing him his freedom, as Anduin took him as a POW. Also, keep in mind that Anduin is not just the King of Stormwind, but also the High King of the whole Alliance. It'd be one thing if he were just responsible for his own people, but he has the fate of the entire Alliance on his shoulders as well, and he's barely 18. Varok Saurfang has been through every major event of modern Warcraft; from the formation of the old Horde, the genocide of the Draenei and the burning of Stormwind, to the time the orcs spent in the Dalaran internment camps after their defeat in the Second War, until Thrall freed them and created the new Horde based on the old ideals of shamanism and honorable conduct. He's seen the rise and fall of the Lich King, taking the battle to Northrend, as well as holding Orgrimmar together under the ruthless tyrant that Garrosh Hellscream became. The gradual loss of the noble ideals that Thrall had built the new Horde on are what he laments, even as he struggles to stand as an example of loyalty and honor in an increasingly honorless Horde, and he's had no one to really share his frustrations and doubts with as the rest of the Horde he deals with are sycophants of Sylvanas. To be able to confide those to his sworn enemy and be understood is a huge deal, he takes a risk that this frail human boy will understand, and maybe, just maybe, help him to restore what was lost instead of just destroying what is. He gambles on appealing to Anduin's sense of justice, and wins his freedom and the knowledge that he may have an ally on the other side. Anduin is also gambling on Saurfang's honor, hoping that he isn't releasing him to just go back and continue the senseless war. As a Priest, the killing is taking its toll on his psyche, and no matter how he tries to rationalize it, it is still causing him mental harm. Taking a risk on a third option to end the war without sending more and more of his people to die is perfectly acceptable to him; as a ruler, calculated risks are part of the job description, and this one is for more than just stopping the fighting, it's to help him heal as well. in-game after this, the players aid Saurfang in escaping Stormwind and meeting up with Zekhan in the Redridge Mountains, and we're given a choice: to genuinely aid Saurfang's rebellion, or to smile and nod and then go run to Sylvanas and tell her what's happening. It ultimately didn't end up impacting the story but it was a nice little bit of player agency that we hadn't really had before.
Anduin may not be as physically strong and skilled in hand-to-hand combat as his father, but for someone his age and having been through so much, he is wise beyond his years and is doing all he can.
I'm so happy I stumbled onto your channel as War Within was announced. As a lifelong wow player and lore nerd, it's so exciting to see someone fascinated and enthralled by the game we've loved for over a decade. More than that, the level of details and methods the filmmakers use that you quickly pick up on and convey to your audience is both fun and insightful. Your knowledge of the craft and attitude toward the content always makes these such a fun watch, even on the videos you do where I'm not traditionally a fan of the IP
the cinematics with Saurfang are some of the best things Blizzard has produced. Despite being a fictional character, Saurfang is someone I feel would be worth meeting.
The whole family really. His brother who was sent back in time ended up fighting for the Night elves when Azshara was about to summon Sargeras. Cenarius gave him a blessed axe and with it he was so good he cut all demons comming out of the Well of the eternity, jumped in headfirst. Slew so many demons including high level eredar lords and other boss lvl threats like cake that Sargeras himself had to step in to end him. And Broxxigar the red his brother is the only one to ever leave a cut, aka damage Sargeras. All for people he never met or belonged to. Just because the cause was right. His brother therfor was also of a like mind. And in Silithus the Horde and Alliance followed him withiut question as supreme leader. No previous hate amongst each other managed to even second guess him. Thats how much respect the Saurfang name alone commands. Hence i love that they showed more sides why he was so loved and respected. Really helps you belive why.
At Lordaeron we saw Anduin as he wanted to project himself. Strong, determined, resolved. The King of the Alliance, here to do what his father had promised when the Horde was lead to a place without honor. I feel like here we see Anduin as he is. He is strong, but in a different way than his father was.
Honor and loyalty are the two biggest virtues for orcs. Saurfang admitting to Anduin that he hoped Anduin would stop Sylvanas is Saurfang openly admitting he committed treason against his Warchief, a fate worse than death to an orc. Not only did he not get a warrior’s death AGAIN, he betrayed his warchief and lost his honor in the process.
Anduin calls upon the Light as a healer due to his purity and faith in people. This is his strength, and it's why his struggles in Shadowlands broke him so badly. Edit: I would also like to mention that much of Anduins courage facing these orcs and beings so much stronger than himself is because he always has. He was like 5 when a dragon placed herself within his keep, his father was just as forceful and strong as any orc, his entire life has been surrounded by powerful entities that could have accidentally killed him by sneezing, and he found a way to stand by them, shoulder to shoulder, and make himself just as useful and powerful through healing and diplomacy.
I really loved your breakdown of this! I had never even considered the power struggle, and it makes so much sense. Thank you for your great interpretation, amazing as always, but this one was definitely my fave analysis so far. It seemed like you really enjoyed this cinematic. Very cool to see. As for Anduin, that kid has some huge ones because he has never been afraid of anything, it seems. Even in the novels he does things that I, as a parent, would ground my kid for LOL. Like, boy are you insane?? How are you so reckless with your royal neck? He faced Garrosh and nearly died, he has faced so many of the big bads throughout WoW, and even sassed a few along the way. I think he really IS just that brave. Of all of the various stories/scenes etc with him, the one thing I never doubted was his courage. I'm so excited for you to see the next two in this mini series!
Bravery is not being afraid of nothing, bravery is doing something even though you are afraid. And I believe Anduin was afraid, he was just very good at not showing it. But if you don't think his heart rate was through the roof when Saurfang hit the wall next to him, you would think he was a fool. It was a calculated move by him, but it could have gone wrong, he didn't know Saurfang personally. I mean he really miscalucated with Garrosh and that almost killed him.
@@Valfara770 oh I'm not saying he wasn't a bit afraid, obviously. He doesn't know how this ploy is going to turn out. I am saying that this is his character. He's not a robot, for sure he feels anxiety, stress, this is all clearly spelled out in the novels. But he has never allowed fear to stop him. This is what makes him courageous. And again, if he were my kid (I have a 19 yr old) he would be royally grounded, because yes he has taken needless risks. Foolish ones, too. But he has never allowed his own fears to get in the way of doing what he thought was right. Hopefully that clarifies it a bit.
(I love your WOW cinematic reactions.) Here are two that follow the one above and show you what became of Anduin's "talk" with Saurfang. ruclips.net/video/umAgdVTBae0/видео.html, ruclips.net/video/8NRLuUnpGYg/видео.html
In the Stormwind Harbour scene (you might have taken it in but didn't mention it) there was so many coffins lined up on the docks and in front of the standing "toy soldiers" had me thinking Anduin was looking at the trade of new fresh recruits going out and dead soldiers returning which of course was heightened by Greymane commenting about recruiting farmers next
If you haven't already & I've missed in. An in game cinematic. Thrall vs Garrosh Cinematic - Nagrand Finale The voice acting for Garrosh is just so amazing.
Varian was raised to be Warrior and King and how to make those kinds of impossible choices, Anduin was allowed to be raised as a Priest to be a healer and to be different than his father
anduins "i cant" is one of my favorite scenes in all of the cinematics, because its nothing but the cold, hard, naked truth. just like saurfang wasnt able to stop sylvanas, anduin isnt either on his own. him saying that was also kind of shocking as a viewer, because its not something that a king should say, obviously, especially not to an "enemy". but obviously, from other sources like the Old Soldier cinematic and the Good War novel, we know saurfang is actually our ally, by virtue of being the enemy of our enemy. also i love anduins body language, because at no point did he make any "aggressive" movements towards saurfang. hes respectfully and slowly moving into the cell and otherwise keeps his distance or moving away from the orc. the most "aggressive" move was showing him his shoulder. anduin knows he couldnt win this argument with show of strength, like his father might've been able to, instead he decides to trust the orc, confide in him and offer him a not only a chance, but a choice: to either fight for his horde or to hide away in a cell, away from everything. obviously anduin knew that for someone like saurfang, there was only one option, really.
Dude... DUDE!! Your reactions to these cinematics might as well be the best EVER done from a filmmaking perspective! You get it ALL!! BTW, how foretelling was it out of you to call the "toy soldiers" line that Sylvannas ended up using at Reckoning???
I know this is X amount of month's later. Saurfang is a true warrior, even the Alliance gave him command of their forces down in Silithus. Overlord Saurfang commanded both the Horde and Alliance down there. He's a badass, check out Nobble's story of Saurfang.
Not going to lie, I actually overlooked 7:00 when I saw the scene myself; it says a lot, to reject even a bed and instead lay on the ground. It's good story-telling as well, because throughout the Saurfang 'saga' it's a humble character, in that he's not looking for pleasantries or luxury of any kind. His values don't lie in tangible things
Honestly BFA cinematics had been the most amazing to date, the game play Meh. I enjoyed it for a bit but wasn't the best IMO. I'm just super happy to see someone enjoying the artistic side of World of warcraft as much as I do. I truly am enjoying seeing your perspective and Opinions of this amazing Franchise. will you venture into "Shadowlands" territory at all ? some interesting in game cinematics from that expansion. Maybe look into the Night warrior stuff? (a side story about the burning of Teldrassil) and maybe the Jailer maw stuff? yes as a collective whole Shadowlands was so disjointed but, it does help a bit going into the Anduin and Sylvanas dynamic and why Anduin is in the state he is in going into" The War Within".
I don't know why, but this reminds me of the first encounter between Eitrigg and Tirion Fordring at the watchtower near Hearthglen. At first they were fighting, because well they had to; they were orc and human, respectively. Yet Tirion refused to strike a dishonorable blow to Eitrigg, and when the tower eventually collapsed on top of him, Eitrigg pulled him out and delivered him back to Hearthglen. I think it's the classic thing of two people on opposite sites meeting, and seeing each other as individuals, rather than faceless enemies. It's been done numerous times before, I'm sure, in war movies and literature, but I think it's a staple of warcraft as well... Philip would probably be able to find some greek mythos of such things, but I'm not versed enough for that. Side note: the Warcraft movie absolutely touches on this concept as well, it'd be awesome to see an analysis of this by Philip, though it would be quite a different beast, being a full-length movie and all... And as a preface, none of what happens in the movie should ever be taken as canon, yet, in my opinion, it is a very good movie for the warcraft "aesthetic". Edit: And then I heard him mention the warcraft movie night :D
If you played as a Hord character, you are acutely sent into Stormwind to rescue Saurfang. His cell being unlocked is not explained until after leaving the Horde players to think Saurfang is in fact a traitor.
Loved all these WoW reactions and especially the in-depth fillmaker perspective u have one them. Would absoultely love it if you could react to the hurricane fan-made trailers. This guy "Hurricane" makes the in-game trailers so epic that he even got hired by blizzard and makes trailers for them now. In order: Naxxramas-Burning crusade-"Journey" and last "cataclysm announcement" all made by Hurricane. Keep em coming! peace!
I think now that Chriz Metzen is back they should definitely look into making a Warcraft sequel with Metzen supervision and have Henry Cavill play Arthas Menethil/Lich King.
@@space.raider.2271 I strongly disagree! Anduin's rise to the throne has been a fantastic storyline, from his childhood, through the events of Pandaria, his loss in Legion, and growth through BfA... Then there's the slinky sneaky stuff with Shaw and SI-7, and the complications of diplomacy... I don't think we've been shortchanged.
I wish Blizzard would just make WoW animated tv shows already. Their cinematics team is so good, at some point in history they've carried Blizz through bad content they're so good. I would just love to see a WoW show done by Frederator Studios, or Studio Mir.
after Saurfangs punch at the wall when he walks away, i think Anduin's look was more one of pity, especially compared to the music being very somber. additionally when Saurfang was approaching Anduin, he crunched his core, like he was anticipating a punch
The combat of trust fills the air of the cell. Saurfang - too honorable warrior to kill a weaker enemy in a hand-to-hand combat. They both know who would win this fight, so the fight itself is not needed. Altho the horde general knows, feels there more into this meeting .... One of the bet cinematics, so short yet so emotionally full! Blizzard! @15:29 that's why i like Blizzards cinematics the "message" is always straight "do what has to be done NOT what is easy to do" - Blizzard games in a nutshell!
Isn’t it so sad, after seeing all of these incredible stories and cinematics, that blizzard, for their first and only movie, went with a generic orcs vs humans movie, set in the past with characters no one cares about?
you are in for a ride, sir. this story arc is so good. you're maybe missing a little of the backstory. You likely know that Varok Saurfang lost his son at the battle of the Wrathgate, but the real tragedy of it is that he lost his son to the Lich King, who took his soul and raised him as a death knight. In a game play cut scene, you see Varok Saurfang confront his son's corrupted form and as he is taunted, says: "my boy died at the Wrathgate. I am here only to collect his body." "we named him Dranosh. It means Heart of Dranor in Orcish. I would not let the Warlocks take him. My boy would be safe, hidden away by the elders of Garadar. I made a promise to his mother before she died that I would cross the Dark Portal alone. Whether I lived or died, my son would be safe. Untainted. Today, I fulfill that promise."
So its not a cinematic. But theres history here your missing. During the Icecrown Citedel raid, the last part of Wrath of the Lich King, Saurfangs son was raised as an enemy. the Alliance forces defeated him and Saurfang turns up to claim his sons body. Its Varian that allows it. Lets him take his son to bury. Its a moment that Saurfang remembers and says he wont forget the kindness of it.
If the community would tell Blizzard what they got right instead of what they got wrong, they may get it. Instead, all Blizzard hears is whining. I'd like to see these kind of cinematics as well
Honestly i do not understand why they don't just make movies with this quality of animation and voice acting etc. I have no doubt that a good Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch etc movie in that quality would easily break 100million in the box office. Just don't screw the writing with virtue signaling.
This is a great cinematic, but this is what broke my faith in WoW lore. This is literally the 3rd time the Horde has been in trouble from internal conflicts, and was yet again saved by the Alliance. The Horde has this strong and animalistic appearance, but they would not exist without the help of the Alliance, for the third time now.... The Horde will always be weak because of this.
So you are saying that a tribal society ruled by war and strength, were the biggest and strongest is the leader, is full of unstability and internal fights for power? Who would have thought!! Such an outlandish idea!! Shit lore indeed, not realistic at all!!
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Impossible to choose, for me, but honestly- Anduin's been my king since Pandaria. I am all in for a peacemaker.
Varian is just the perfect embodiment of what it is to be a heroic king. He’s saved himself and people close to him multiple times and brought the alliance together during their one of their darkest times and learned to show mercy and pursue peace towards an enemy he’s seen destroy his home and kill his father and closest friends.
Anduin. Absolutely. Varian was the warrior, he did things due to duty. Anduin does them from the heart. Every time he steps out of that priest role within his prince/kingship, he somehow almost misses the mark. As he said, "I can't be the king you were." No, you can't, Varian is Varian, you're Anduin and your strength and kingship come from a different place, not from the arm but the heart."
There's so much that I love about both men, but I've been fond of Anduin since the beginning.
Hard to tell. The way the the game is presenting them, it comes of like Varian is the kind of king you want to have during war/crisis time, the protector and general, while Anduin is a king for peace, the builder and healer. At least that´s my impression as someone who only played casually. The information i have on them is frankly not enough to give an objective opinion.
Varian. Its not even close.
We're all glad the Saurfang cinematics hit as hard as they do. He's a true pillar of the Horde, almost perfectly embodying its whole story, including all the ways it changed over the decades.
Edit: Did you like the Stormwind harbor in this cutscene? It's based on the in-game version of the same place, meaning many Alliance players can relate to the place. We also know the prison in which Saurfang sits, the Stormwind Stockade, a quintessential early game dungeon.
Saurfang is a true pillar of the whole _game_ . I would love to see Philip's reaction to the Talanji escape scenario, that preceded the boat cinematic. Talk about relating to the location!
SourFang is probably the best representation for Orcs in general he has served every Warchief from backhand to Sylvanas. He's served since the first war and has participated in every war in Warcraft history. He's drink the demon blood and was Wild by Fury for years cure to live with regret.
Really shows the respect Saurfang has for Anduin. When you kill Saurfang's son, that was risen as a death knight by the Lich King, initially Saurfang is barred from seeing his son's body by the Alliance. Varian being king at the time, and a father as well, tells them to stand down and let a grieving father pass and collect his son. Varian and Saurfang had a huge amount of respect for one another warrior to warrior, father to father.
And it comes together as he for a while bonded as a Father who lost a son, with a son who lost his father.
A quiet beautiful conclusion and aid for Anduin growing into his new role as King, but also the need to stand and fight now that his father is no longer there to do so.
It shows that a peace loving healer and Priest deals way difftent with trauma then his father a Veteran snd ex gladiator did.
A man who knew war first and became King after.
And a young unrxpiriencef nan growing up in that mans protective shadow forced into war and the burdens of Kingship.
Yesss! And it all comes back full-circle during the cinematic in Shadowlands when Anduin breaks free from the Jailer's domination thanks to the spirits of Varian and Saurfang.
It is also evident during the Sylvannas and Saurfang Mak'gora. When Saurfang splits Shala'mayne, it starts glowing orange like it did when Varian held it, to represent the similarity between the two souls.
“Oh, go back to your father, boy.”
“I can’t … he’s dead.”
“I hoped you would stop her.”
“I can’t … not alone.”
Anduin, inside the Stormwind Stockades, repeating the cadence of Zekhan outside Lordaeron. Heck, you could even interchange the youths. So glad someone drew your attention to this on live stream!
At about the 3:01 mark, Philip talks about the shadowing on Saurfang's face, but I think it's also really interesting for another reason: Anduin has just asked why Saurfang why he spared his life, but the shadowing on Saurfang's face, with his eye sockets completely obscured, turns his visage skull-like, the face of a dead man. I think it was a really fascinating, intentional choice on the part of the cinematic crew to subtly underline where Saurfang is at emotionally here. He's as good as a dead man walking and if the choice was his, he would be a dead man lying. When Anduin speaks of life to him, he turns away at first, sinking into that place of death and despair and shame, but it plants the seed in his mind, and when Anduin pretends to give up as well ("I can't"), *that* stirs Saurfang to action. *That* makes him look up out of self-pity and find the source of light again. This is long winded now, but I just thought it was a really great effect. A cadaver's face for a man who wishes to be one, but who seems to find himself alive again and again.
You hit the nail on the head with Saurfang wanting to kill Sylvanas but not being able to. it harkens back to a promise he made to Garrosh Hellscream, even before he became a Warchief. They were both sitting in a command room in Northrend discussing how to deal with the Scourge and their lack of resources. Garrosh, young, glory-thirsty and hot headed as he was, walked up to the Alliance bases in the map and stomped them to make the point that he wanted to attack the Alliance to take their bases and resources in order to then fight the Scourge. Which sounded a lot like his warmongering father, Grom Hellscream. To that, Saurfang replied by telling Garrosh he should watch himself and avoid becoming his father. Because Saurfang was not going to allow Garrosh to take the Horde down that dark path again, that he would decapitate Garrosh on the spot if he caught so much as a *glimpse* of him wanting to act on those impulses.
Sadly the writers kind of forgot about that when they made Garrosh Warchief, and we never got any kind of scene where Saurfang was harkening back to that lethal promise he made when Garrosh was becoming increasingly more expansionist and aggressive. With Sylvanas it happened again, and I can just *imagine* how much Saurfang wished he could just take Sylvanas' head.
We didn't talk about it during the stream- I loved how, when Saurfang punched the wall, Anduin flinched- but just barely. I feel more from the impact and the noise, than any fear of Saurfang. He knew he could trust him. He _felt_ it, and he trusted his intuition.
I imagine even if you know that, your body would have some kind of reaction
I mean its like fiering a gunshot next to your ear. And Anduin was a peaceloving Priest, not a veteran like his father whos psrticulary used to roaring cannons, and fighting a Dragon like Onyxia among much else.
Before MoP he is a pampered naive pslace shit who slowly grows. And this is his first actual war on the frontlines.
In case anyone hasn't mentioned it, the main characters each also have their own musical theme. You can hear Saurfang's theme play during the close-up in this video when he speaks to Anduin of his hope that Anduin could stop Sylvanas. You also hear it play during Reckoning when Zekhan is crouched over Saurfang's body, his fingers gently touching the Horde symbol worn by Saurfang. It adds yet another layer to the story-telling for which the Blizzard cinematics team is so renowned.
Dude, your analysis is insane. I appreciate your videos a ton, you put into words why these cinematics resonate so much with others. Blizzard probably needs to hire you on as a consultant for the animation team
During the Battle of Lordaeron, Sylvanas had ordered Saurfang to hold the causeway leading up to the old throne room at all costs, and it ended up costing him his freedom, as Anduin took him as a POW.
Also, keep in mind that Anduin is not just the King of Stormwind, but also the High King of the whole Alliance. It'd be one thing if he were just responsible for his own people, but he has the fate of the entire Alliance on his shoulders as well, and he's barely 18.
Varok Saurfang has been through every major event of modern Warcraft; from the formation of the old Horde, the genocide of the Draenei and the burning of Stormwind, to the time the orcs spent in the Dalaran internment camps after their defeat in the Second War, until Thrall freed them and created the new Horde based on the old ideals of shamanism and honorable conduct. He's seen the rise and fall of the Lich King, taking the battle to Northrend, as well as holding Orgrimmar together under the ruthless tyrant that Garrosh Hellscream became. The gradual loss of the noble ideals that Thrall had built the new Horde on are what he laments, even as he struggles to stand as an example of loyalty and honor in an increasingly honorless Horde, and he's had no one to really share his frustrations and doubts with as the rest of the Horde he deals with are sycophants of Sylvanas.
To be able to confide those to his sworn enemy and be understood is a huge deal, he takes a risk that this frail human boy will understand, and maybe, just maybe, help him to restore what was lost instead of just destroying what is. He gambles on appealing to Anduin's sense of justice, and wins his freedom and the knowledge that he may have an ally on the other side.
Anduin is also gambling on Saurfang's honor, hoping that he isn't releasing him to just go back and continue the senseless war. As a Priest, the killing is taking its toll on his psyche, and no matter how he tries to rationalize it, it is still causing him mental harm. Taking a risk on a third option to end the war without sending more and more of his people to die is perfectly acceptable to him; as a ruler, calculated risks are part of the job description, and this one is for more than just stopping the fighting, it's to help him heal as well.
in-game after this, the players aid Saurfang in escaping Stormwind and meeting up with Zekhan in the Redridge Mountains, and we're given a choice: to genuinely aid Saurfang's rebellion, or to smile and nod and then go run to Sylvanas and tell her what's happening. It ultimately didn't end up impacting the story but it was a nice little bit of player agency that we hadn't really had before.
Anduin may not be as physically strong and skilled in hand-to-hand combat as his father, but for someone his age and having been through so much, he is wise beyond his years and is doing all he can.
I'm so happy I stumbled onto your channel as War Within was announced. As a lifelong wow player and lore nerd, it's so exciting to see someone fascinated and enthralled by the game we've loved for over a decade. More than that, the level of details and methods the filmmakers use that you quickly pick up on and convey to your audience is both fun and insightful. Your knowledge of the craft and attitude toward the content always makes these such a fun watch, even on the videos you do where I'm not traditionally a fan of the IP
Thank you so much!!!
These never get old. Been playing wow since 07 and this is my favorite story. Thanks for the reactions ❤
For real, Saurfang's story is an incredible one
the cinematics with Saurfang are some of the best things Blizzard has produced. Despite being a fictional character, Saurfang is someone I feel would be worth meeting.
The whole family really.
His brother who was sent back in time ended up fighting for the Night elves when Azshara was about to summon Sargeras. Cenarius gave him a blessed axe and with it he was so good he cut all demons comming out of the Well of the eternity, jumped in headfirst. Slew so many demons including high level eredar lords and other boss lvl threats like cake that Sargeras himself had to step in to end him. And Broxxigar the red his brother is the only one to ever leave a cut, aka damage Sargeras.
All for people he never met or belonged to. Just because the cause was right.
His brother therfor was also of a like mind. And in Silithus the Horde and Alliance followed him withiut question as supreme leader. No previous hate amongst each other managed to even second guess him.
Thats how much respect the Saurfang name alone commands.
Hence i love that they showed more sides why he was so loved and respected. Really helps you belive why.
At Lordaeron we saw Anduin as he wanted to project himself. Strong, determined, resolved. The King of the Alliance, here to do what his father had promised when the Horde was lead to a place without honor.
I feel like here we see Anduin as he is. He is strong, but in a different way than his father was.
Honor and loyalty are the two biggest virtues for orcs. Saurfang admitting to Anduin that he hoped Anduin would stop Sylvanas is Saurfang openly admitting he committed treason against his Warchief, a fate worse than death to an orc. Not only did he not get a warrior’s death AGAIN, he betrayed his warchief and lost his honor in the process.
Anduin calls upon the Light as a healer due to his purity and faith in people. This is his strength, and it's why his struggles in Shadowlands broke him so badly.
Edit: I would also like to mention that much of Anduins courage facing these orcs and beings so much stronger than himself is because he always has. He was like 5 when a dragon placed herself within his keep, his father was just as forceful and strong as any orc, his entire life has been surrounded by powerful entities that could have accidentally killed him by sneezing, and he found a way to stand by them, shoulder to shoulder, and make himself just as useful and powerful through healing and diplomacy.
I really loved your breakdown of this! I had never even considered the power struggle, and it makes so much sense. Thank you for your great interpretation, amazing as always, but this one was definitely my fave analysis so far. It seemed like you really enjoyed this cinematic. Very cool to see. As for Anduin, that kid has some huge ones because he has never been afraid of anything, it seems. Even in the novels he does things that I, as a parent, would ground my kid for LOL. Like, boy are you insane?? How are you so reckless with your royal neck? He faced Garrosh and nearly died, he has faced so many of the big bads throughout WoW, and even sassed a few along the way. I think he really IS just that brave. Of all of the various stories/scenes etc with him, the one thing I never doubted was his courage. I'm so excited for you to see the next two in this mini series!
Bravery is not being afraid of nothing, bravery is doing something even though you are afraid. And I believe Anduin was afraid, he was just very good at not showing it. But if you don't think his heart rate was through the roof when Saurfang hit the wall next to him, you would think he was a fool. It was a calculated move by him, but it could have gone wrong, he didn't know Saurfang personally. I mean he really miscalucated with Garrosh and that almost killed him.
@@Valfara770 oh I'm not saying he wasn't a bit afraid, obviously. He doesn't know how this ploy is going to turn out. I am saying that this is his character. He's not a robot, for sure he feels anxiety, stress, this is all clearly spelled out in the novels. But he has never allowed fear to stop him. This is what makes him courageous.
And again, if he were my kid (I have a 19 yr old) he would be royally grounded, because yes he has taken needless risks. Foolish ones, too. But he has never allowed his own fears to get in the way of doing what he thought was right.
Hopefully that clarifies it a bit.
(I love your WOW cinematic reactions.) Here are two that follow the one above and show you what became of Anduin's "talk" with Saurfang.
ruclips.net/video/umAgdVTBae0/видео.html, ruclips.net/video/8NRLuUnpGYg/видео.html
All of them together are called "Battle for Azeroth: Varok Saurfang’s Mak’gora". Just shy of 24 minutes total. A shame it isn't a full length movie.
I can't wait for you to go for the next one! It's gonna be your peak ! :)
In the Stormwind Harbour scene (you might have taken it in but didn't mention it) there was so many coffins lined up on the docks and in front of the standing "toy soldiers" had me thinking Anduin was looking at the trade of new fresh recruits going out and dead soldiers returning which of course was heightened by Greymane commenting about recruiting farmers next
If you haven't already & I've missed in. An in game cinematic. Thrall vs Garrosh Cinematic - Nagrand Finale
The voice acting for Garrosh is just so amazing.
Varian was raised to be Warrior and King and how to make those kinds of impossible choices, Anduin was allowed to be raised as a Priest to be a healer and to be different than his father
Maybe you Should be the one to Direct and produce the Next World of Warcraft film :) becuase someone needs to do it
anduins "i cant" is one of my favorite scenes in all of the cinematics, because its nothing but the cold, hard, naked truth.
just like saurfang wasnt able to stop sylvanas, anduin isnt either on his own. him saying that was also kind of shocking as a viewer, because its not something that a king should say, obviously, especially not to an "enemy".
but obviously, from other sources like the Old Soldier cinematic and the Good War novel, we know saurfang is actually our ally, by virtue of being the enemy of our enemy.
also i love anduins body language, because at no point did he make any "aggressive" movements towards saurfang. hes respectfully and slowly moving into the cell and otherwise keeps his distance or moving away from the orc. the most "aggressive" move was showing him his shoulder.
anduin knows he couldnt win this argument with show of strength, like his father might've been able to, instead he decides to trust the orc, confide in him and offer him a not only a chance, but a choice: to either fight for his horde or to hide away in a cell, away from everything.
obviously anduin knew that for someone like saurfang, there was only one option, really.
Dude... DUDE!! Your reactions to these cinematics might as well be the best EVER done from a filmmaking perspective! You get it ALL!! BTW, how foretelling was it out of you to call the "toy soldiers" line that Sylvannas ended up using at Reckoning???
I'm sure it's already been mentioned but they put out a movie that combined all these cinematics called Battle for Azeroth: Varok Saurfang’s Mak’gora.
I know this is X amount of month's later.
Saurfang is a true warrior, even the Alliance gave him command of their forces down in Silithus. Overlord Saurfang commanded both the Horde and Alliance down there. He's a badass, check out Nobble's story of Saurfang.
Not going to lie, I actually overlooked 7:00 when I saw the scene myself; it says a lot, to reject even a bed and instead lay on the ground. It's good story-telling as well, because throughout the Saurfang 'saga' it's a humble character, in that he's not looking for pleasantries or luxury of any kind. His values don't lie in tangible things
Honestly BFA cinematics had been the most amazing to date, the game play Meh. I enjoyed it for a bit but wasn't the best IMO. I'm just super happy to see someone enjoying the artistic side of World of warcraft as much as I do. I truly am enjoying seeing your perspective and Opinions of this amazing Franchise. will you venture into "Shadowlands" territory at all ? some interesting in game cinematics from that expansion. Maybe look into the Night warrior stuff? (a side story about the burning of Teldrassil) and maybe the Jailer maw stuff? yes as a collective whole Shadowlands was so disjointed but, it does help a bit going into the Anduin and Sylvanas dynamic and why Anduin is in the state he is in going into" The War Within".
I don't know why, but this reminds me of the first encounter between Eitrigg and Tirion Fordring at the watchtower near Hearthglen. At first they were fighting, because well they had to; they were orc and human, respectively. Yet Tirion refused to strike a dishonorable blow to Eitrigg, and when the tower eventually collapsed on top of him, Eitrigg pulled him out and delivered him back to Hearthglen. I think it's the classic thing of two people on opposite sites meeting, and seeing each other as individuals, rather than faceless enemies. It's been done numerous times before, I'm sure, in war movies and literature, but I think it's a staple of warcraft as well... Philip would probably be able to find some greek mythos of such things, but I'm not versed enough for that.
Side note: the Warcraft movie absolutely touches on this concept as well, it'd be awesome to see an analysis of this by Philip, though it would be quite a different beast, being a full-length movie and all... And as a preface, none of what happens in the movie should ever be taken as canon, yet, in my opinion, it is a very good movie for the warcraft "aesthetic". Edit: And then I heard him mention the warcraft movie night :D
Do you feel that? a "Reckoning" is coming :) cant wait to watch you react to it
I love these! I'd love to see you react to the in-game BFA cinematics, particularly the ones about Jaina's arc. They are so emotional and evocative!
everything is about power dynamics to some degree, always. Here i agree it was centralized
saw it live came to give you a view and a like :)
Same. (Plus, any excuse to rewatch this cinematic.)
If you played as a Hord character, you are acutely sent into Stormwind to rescue Saurfang. His cell being unlocked is not explained until after leaving the Horde players to think Saurfang is in fact a traitor.
Loved all these WoW reactions and especially the in-depth fillmaker perspective u have one them. Would absoultely love it if you could react to the hurricane fan-made trailers. This guy "Hurricane" makes the in-game trailers so epic that he even got hired by blizzard and makes trailers for them now.
In order: Naxxramas-Burning crusade-"Journey" and last "cataclysm announcement" all made by Hurricane.
Keep em coming! peace!
Those blue rectangle boxes are coffins, draped with the alliance flag.
I think now that Chriz Metzen is back they should definitely look into making a Warcraft sequel with Metzen supervision and have Henry Cavill play Arthas Menethil/Lich King.
This expansion had SO MUCH POTENTIAL jeez
Anduin knows his diplomacy.
"My HORDE back" we all did... we all did
I really hope the Alliance gets cool development like this too one day. Alliance lore started strong but these days it's sadly kinda basic.
@@space.raider.2271 The never wanted all this stupidity with leaders
@@space.raider.2271 I strongly disagree! Anduin's rise to the throne has been a fantastic storyline, from his childhood, through the events of Pandaria, his loss in Legion, and growth through BfA... Then there's the slinky sneaky stuff with Shaw and SI-7, and the complications of diplomacy... I don't think we've been shortchanged.
@@space.raider.2271 None of us wanted the "cool developement." They have been screwing with the horde since cata
Anduin looks like Brad Pitt from Meet Joe Black. I also get King Baldwin IV Vibes.
I wish Blizzard would just make WoW animated tv shows already. Their cinematics team is so good, at some point in history they've carried Blizz through bad content they're so good. I would just love to see a WoW show done by Frederator Studios, or Studio Mir.
after Saurfangs punch at the wall when he walks away, i think Anduin's look was more one of pity, especially compared to the music being very somber.
additionally when Saurfang was approaching Anduin, he crunched his core, like he was anticipating a punch
I would say empathy, more than pity, but yeah, it's a strenght so different than the physicality of Saurfang.
The combat of trust fills the air of the cell.
Saurfang - too honorable warrior to kill a weaker enemy in a hand-to-hand combat.
They both know who would win this fight, so the fight itself is not needed.
Altho the horde general knows, feels there more into this meeting ....
One of the bet cinematics, so short yet so emotionally full! Blizzard!
@15:29 that's why i like Blizzards cinematics the "message" is always straight "do what has to be done NOT what is easy to do" - Blizzard games in a nutshell!
I'm sure there's been a ton of folks asking the same, but do you have any plans to review/react to the Warcraft movie?
Isn’t it so sad, after seeing all of these incredible stories and cinematics, that blizzard, for their first and only movie, went with a generic orcs vs humans movie, set in the past with characters no one cares about?
If ever you get the opportunity, I would love to see more Warhammer (Fantasy and 40k). Would love to see your opinion.
You should watch taliesin & evitel deep dive for these vods will give you even better contexts
King Varian is my favorite but Anduin has his place.
Both have their charm!
short but sweet, easily the best part of BFA was Saurfang's part in the story.
you are in for a ride, sir. this story arc is so good. you're maybe missing a little of the backstory. You likely know that Varok Saurfang lost his son at the battle of the Wrathgate, but the real tragedy of it is that he lost his son to the Lich King, who took his soul and raised him as a death knight. In a game play cut scene, you see Varok Saurfang confront his son's corrupted form and as he is taunted, says:
"my boy died at the Wrathgate. I am here only to collect his body."
"we named him Dranosh. It means Heart of Dranor in Orcish. I would not let the Warlocks take him. My boy would be safe, hidden away by the elders of Garadar. I made a promise to his mother before she died that I would cross the Dark Portal alone. Whether I lived or died, my son would be safe. Untainted. Today, I fulfill that promise."
Reckoning trailer we need
So its not a cinematic. But theres history here your missing. During the Icecrown Citedel raid, the last part of Wrath of the Lich King, Saurfangs son was raised as an enemy. the Alliance forces defeated him and Saurfang turns up to claim his sons body. Its Varian that allows it. Lets him take his son to bury. Its a moment that Saurfang remembers and says he wont forget the kindness of it.
Just... if you ever watch the Live Action World of Warcraft movie, don't have high expectations. These cinematics are 100x better
I really hope you will give StarCraft 2 cinematics a go after you're done with WarCraft :) Some amazing moments ther
Shame blizzard probably will never do these types of cinematics during an xpack again
If the community would tell Blizzard what they got right instead of what they got wrong, they may get it. Instead, all Blizzard hears is whining. I'd like to see these kind of cinematics as well
Soon the Mak Gora...
the one thing Blizzard always are great at. is the cinametics, they are the best
Even if this cinematic was the opening scene of a movie, if they continued it from there, unraveling what was going on, it would be a fantastic movie.
Defias in Stockade
Honestly i do not understand why they don't just make movies with this quality of animation and voice acting etc.
I have no doubt that a good Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch etc movie in that quality would easily break 100million in the box office.
Just don't screw the writing with virtue signaling.
These were very cheasy and cringe cinematics, honestly.
This is a great cinematic, but this is what broke my faith in WoW lore. This is literally the 3rd time the Horde has been in trouble from internal conflicts, and was yet again saved by the Alliance. The Horde has this strong and animalistic appearance, but they would not exist without the help of the Alliance, for the third time now....
The Horde will always be weak because of this.
So you are saying that a tribal society ruled by war and strength, were the biggest and strongest is the leader, is full of unstability and internal fights for power? Who would have thought!! Such an outlandish idea!! Shit lore indeed, not realistic at all!!