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[Year End] What Counts As “Horror”?

Oh hey, I didn’t see you there!

What is horror? What counts as horror? You guys might have noticed a few films in my “Best And Worst” that don’t necessarily fit the conventionally accepted mold for a genre film. Chronicle and The Grey for example, are two movies that more than likely would not be filed on the “Horror” shelf at Blockbuster or under the “Horror” tab in iTunes.

The reason they’re featured here? Sometimes it’s fun to write about movies that, while they have horror elements, stretch the scope of the content we feature on the site. It’s fun to have more colors to play with and, more importantly, it’s fun to expose you guys to this stuff. I like talking to the readers about it, conversing with you in the comments about what does or doesn’t turn you on about any given film. It’s not for hits, believe me. If you think something like The Grey pulls in more traffic than Maniac or Texas Chainsaw 3D you’re wrong. I feel that discussing films that might seem tertiary to the genre improves the quality of the overall conversation. It provides a better context in which to discuss the nuts and bolts of the pure horror films that drive 95% of our “movies” page.

It’s also incredibly entertaining to talk about movies that skirt genres rather than embrace them wholeheartedly, since it allows us to look at the very criteria we use to define those genres. Let’s talk more inside (spoilers within)… READ MORE

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[BEST & WORST '12] Evan Dickson’s List Of The Best Horror Films Of 2012!

This was a weird year. There weren’t that many great “straight up” horror movies out there, at least not in my eyes. I feel like the genre is at a turning point where it’s about to be reinvigorated, I’ve already seen a few of the films coming out next year (ones that simultaneously fit the definitions of the genre while taking it to new places) and I think 2013 will represent a turning point. 2012 saw the genre tentatively figuring out how to spread its wings in the age of huge budget divides (just like the American middle class, medium sized films are on the wane), VOD and a shifting landscape in general.

So don’t be surprised if some of these movies don’t 100% fall under the “horror” category. It’s not like I tossed Cloud Atlas on here or anything, I operated from the films that we cover on the site, but you’ll see what I’m talking about inside. On occasion we cover some great stuff that doesn’t rigidly fit the definitions of the genre, but it’s material that we feel appeals to horror fans’ sensibilities. That being said, I also kept this year’s “best of” list to films that were released in 2012. I still saw plenty of movies that I fell in love with, and here are 10 that you might dig as well. READ MORE

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[Interview] Joe Carnahan On Perspective, Director’s Cuts And Being In The Moment In ‘The Grey’

Out on Blu-ray and DVD from Open Road and Universal director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

I recently hopped on the phone with Carnahan to play a bit of catch-up. I really love this film (review here) and jumped at the chance for a little follow-up after to interview with Carnahan and Neeson back in January. And I think I was able to catch some stuff that fell through the cracks that time.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

Head inside to check it out! I also highly urge you to check this film out on Blu-ray, it looks amazing. READ MORE

[Blu-ray Review] Joe Carnahan’s ‘The Grey’

Reviewed by Mike Ferraro

If you said about a decade ago that Liam Neeson would shape up to be one of the best action stars around, no one would have believed you. Ever since he punched his way through Europe in Pierre Morel’s Taken, it seems that action yet another of Neeson’s niches. Sure, he’s had a misstep or two (Unknown, the Titans films), but here comes The Grey to completely forgive any wrongdoing he has done. Calling this a straight-up action film (as marketing would have had you believe) is simply not doing the film justice. READ MORE

Open Road’s ‘The Grey’ Gets Jam-Packed Home Video Release

1thegrey110811 Open Roads The Grey Gets Jam Packed Home Video Release

When a plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness, the survivors must battle extreme weather conditions, devastating injuries and a pack of rogue wolves in order to stay alive in the riveting action adventure The Grey (review), coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack with UltraViolet, as well as DVD, Digital Download and On Demand on May 22, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Starring Academy Award-nominee Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List, Taken), The Grey pits man against nature in a non-stop, life-or-death battle.

Directed by Joe Carnahan (The A-Team, Smokin Aces), the film also features Dermot Mulroney (J. Edgar, Big Miracle), Frank Grillo (Warrior, Minority Report), James Badge Dale (Shame, The Departed), Joe Anderson (Across the Universe, Love Happens), Dallas Roberts (3:10 to Yuma, Walk the Line) and Nonso Anozie (Atonement, RocknRolla).

The Grey Blu-ray Combo Pack delivers the film in perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound and features bonus content including deleted scenes and feature commentary by co-writer and director Joe Carnahan and editors Roger Barton (Transformers: Dark of the Moon) and Jason Hellmann (G-Force). The Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet, a DVD, and a Digital Copy of the film – so consumers can truly enjoy the movie anytime, anywhere, on the device of their choice! UltraViolet is the revolutionary new way for consumers to collect movies and TV shows and put them in the cloud. From there, they can download and stream instantly to computers, tablets and smartphones. In addition, consumers can redeem a Digital Copy of the film from a variety of retail partners, who offer many viewing options including iTunes, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch,Android, connected televisions, Blu-ray player apps, and more! READ MORE

‘The Grey’ Is Out Today! Check Out This Additional Review And Write In With Your Own!

1thegrey110811 The Grey Is Out Today! Check Out This Additional Review And Write In With Your Own!

Opening today from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

From my 9/10 Review,”As is the case with the best films, ‘The Grey’ isn’t just a vehicle for Neeson. Or Carnahan. Or the supporting cast. It doesn’t have enough lows for any one element to tower above the rest. In the weeks and years after its release the selling point of ‘The Grey’ will be the film itself. The rare movie about men that acknowledges insecurity and never delves into machismo, it’s the first truly great film of 2012. A masterpiece of survival you’ll be watching for years to come.

Now Micah Roland writes in, “Honestly, I haven’t been this pleasantly surprised by a film in a long time. ‘The Grey’ is a bleak, gruesome and horrifying action thriller featuring a masterful performance by Liam Neeson. Highly recommended.

Hit the jump for Micah’s full review! And don’t forget to check back in after you see the film with your review here. READ MORE

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The Grey

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

Test Your Fear Of Heights In This New Clip From ‘The Grey’!

GreyPLaneLand12612 Test Your Fear Of Heights In This New Clip From The Grey!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

From my review, “As is the case with the best films, ‘The Grey’ isn’t just a vehicle for Neeson. Or Carnahan. Or the supporting cast. It doesn’t have enough lows for any one element to tower above the rest. In the weeks and years after its release the selling point of ‘The Grey’ will be the film itself. The rare movie about men that acknowledges insecurity and never delves into machismo, it’s the first truly great film of 2012. A masterpiece of survival you’ll be watching for years to come.

Now we have a new clip from the film. And if you’re afraid of heights, zip lines, or snow – you’re out of luck. Hit the jump to check it out! READ MORE

[BD Review] ‘The Grey’ Is A (Bloody) Survival Masterpiece

1thegrey110811 [BD Review] The Grey Is A (Bloody) Survival Masterpiece

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

As is the case with the best films, ‘The Grey’ isn’t just a vehicle for Neeson. Or Carnahan. Or the supporting cast. It doesn’t have enough lows for any one element to tower above the rest. In the weeks and years after its release the selling point of ‘The Grey’ will be the film itself. The rare movie about men that acknowledges insecurity and never delves into machismo, it’s the first truly great film of 2012. A masterpiece of survival you’ll be watching for years to come.

Also be sure to check out my interview with Liam Neeson and Joe Carnahan. It’s a frank, long, interesting read about both the emotional and physical challenges of making the film.

Click here for the review. And don’t forget to check back in after you see the film on Friday your review here. READ MORE

Red Band Trailer For ‘The Grey’ Shows A Glimpse Of The Carnage!

1thegrey110811 Red Band Trailer For The Grey Shows A Glimpse Of The Carnage!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

I really love this movie and will share my review with you later this week. If you’re so inclined, check out the interview I posted this morning with Liam Neeson and Joe Carnahan. It’s a frank, long, interesting read about both the emotional and physical challenges of making the film.

And check out this new red band trailer after the jump! NSFW!
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[Interview] Liam Neeson & Joe Carnahan Discuss ‘The Grey’, What It Means To Be A Man, And (Of Course) Wolves

1thegrey110811 [Interview] Liam Neeson & Joe Carnahan Discuss The Grey, What It Means To Be A Man, And (Of Course) Wolves

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

I recently sat down with Neeson and Carnahan for a frank chat about the themes behind the film and the challenges of making it. It’s nice to love a movie as unabashedly as I do this one, so this conversation was definitely a treat for me. Also, it was late in the day so Carnahan was nursing a scotch while Neeson opted for wine – and the conversation flows freely accordingly.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

Hit the jump to check out the interview! READ MORE

Several Clips From ‘The Grey’ Show Their Teeth

1thegrey110811 Several Clips From The Grey Show Their Teeth

The hype behind Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey is out of control as I’ve yet to hear a single negative thing about Open Road’s survival thriller opening in theaters January 27.

We’ve now landed a handful of clips from the widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson. Dig on ‘em all after the break.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Neeson’s First Encounter With Vicious Wolves In ‘The Grey’ Clipage!

 Neesons First Encounter With Vicious Wolves In The Grey Clipage!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

Originally pushing for Oscar glory, various critics have already been raving about the thriller. With Evan Dickson’s review forthcoming, Bloody Disgusting scored a exclusive clip, a tense scene in which Neeson first encounters the pack of wolves.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

First ‘The Grey’ Clip A Running Of The Wolves

1thegrey110811 First The Grey Clip A Running Of The Wolves

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a widely praised thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

With our official review forthcoming, get a taste of the thrills in the first clip that can only be compared to the running of the bulls, only with wolves.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Survival Horror ‘The Grey’ a “Man’s Man’s Movie”

1thegrey110811 Survival Horror The Grey a Mans Mans Movie

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

The film apparently screened for critics and the result was overwhelmingly positive. So much so that Open Road created a third trailer featuring new footage and loads of quotes. My personal favorite: “It’s a man’s man’s movie.” Unlike 300, this appears to be a true statement.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

‘Devil Inside’, ‘Underworld’ and ‘The Grey’ Get MPAA Rating

For those of you who live or die based on MPAA ratings, here’s three films that are locked and loaded for release in 2012 — all landed an R-rating.

Paramount Insurge’s The Devil Inside, in theaters January 6, has been rated R “for disturbing violent content and grisly images, and for language including some sexual references.

Sony Screen Gems’ Underworld Awakening, opening January 20, has been rated R “for violence and gore, and for some language.

Lastly is Open Road Films’ The Grey, in theaters January 27, has been rated R “for violence/disturbing content including bloody images, and for pervasive language.

Click any title above for trailers, clips, images and posters for all three films. READ MORE

Second ‘The Grey’ Trailer Crash Lands With More Story

1thegrey110811 Second The Grey Trailer Crash Lands With More Story

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

While I was already blown away by the film’s first trailer, the latest delivers pretty much the same with a little bit more story. Check it out inside.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

New ‘The Grey’ Imagery Brings the Deep Freeze

1thegrey110811 New The Grey Imagery Brings the Deep Freeze

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

Originally hoping to gain Oscar attention, the film is supposed to be really, really good. We’ve added a few new images to the gallery, click above to see ‘em all.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.READ MORE

Go Bold or Go Home: Official Poster for ‘The Grey’

 Go Bold or Go Home: Official Poster for The Grey

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

After the release of a “filler” poster, Open Road has now put out the official one sheet that’s hoping Neeson has the star power to sell the movie. The tagline is pretty dope, though: “Live or die on this day…

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.
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Tame Poster, First Stills for Open Road’s ‘The Grey’

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

While a powerful trailer was released last week, we just now got our mitts on the first three stills and teaser poster, all of which aren’t so strong.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Tame Poster, First Stills for Open Roads The Grey

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Liam Neeson Punches a Wolf in ‘The Grey’ Teaser Trailer!

Opening January 27, 2012 from Open Road is director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla), and Joe Anderson.

This afternoon the official trailer has made its way online and it’s powerful stuff; it’s survival horror at its best!

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Liam Neeson Punches a Wolf in The Grey Teaser Trailer!

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Open Road Chills Up 2012 for ‘The Grey’

Open Road has announced a January 27, 2012 release for Director Joe Carnahan’s (A-Team) The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla ), and Joe Anderson.

In ‘The Grey,’ Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.

 Open Road Chills Up 2012 for The Grey
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Update: Studios Hunt Survival Horror ‘The Grey’

Update: Open Road is said to be finalizing a deal.

Based on a 30-minute reel being shown to distributors as we speak, bidding is getting hot and heavy on The Grey, the Joe Carnahan-directed drama about an oil drilling team struggling to survive in the wilds of Alaska after their plane crashes smack in the middle of a territorial rogue wolf pack, reports Deadline.

Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts, James Badge Dale, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Nonso Anozie, and Joe Anderson star in the film. CAA is shopping the Scott Free-produced pic with Warner Bros, Open Road, Summit, Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company and FilmDistrict are all in the mix.

Apparently, they’re seeking heavy distribution (3,000 theaters) and expect Neeson’s performance to be in the Oscar mix.
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‘A-Team’ Director Heads to Wolf Infested Vancouver for ‘The Grey’

Director Joe Carnahan (A-Team) has gotten a green light to start production next week on The Grey, a thriller that stars Liam Neeson (Unknown, After.Life), Dallas Roberts (Joshua, The Factory), James Badge Dale (The Departed), Dermot Mulroney (Zodiac), Frank Grillo (My Soul to Take, Mother’s Day), Nonso Anozie (RocknRolla ), and Joe Anderson. They play oil-rig roughnecks left stranded by a plane crash right in the hunting zone of a pack of rogue wolves on the frozen Alaskan tundra. “The wolves have a territorial range of 300 miles, and they will run you out if you cross that. If you’re within 30 miles of their den as is the case here, they will try to kill you. It’s simple arithmetic, but it creates an opportunity for one of those man vs. nature movies I love like Deliverance and Touching The Void,” Carnahan tells Deadline.
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