I feel like Wallace Breen is just hurting deep down for him turning his back and trying everything he can to help humanity, while his exterior is to smile and be in support of their benefactors while he wishes they would go away.
Yeah despite what I just said I can't help but accept more likely scenario where breen is actually a good man a respectable one however he dose have the fatle flaw of fear but that fear is justified because he is technically the only thing between us and Anilation.
Ever read the Breengrub Twitter arg? It was written by Laidlaw. At one point Breen explains that the one in the citadel was one of many disposable clones. His original body is lost. It's kind of depression, but his intentions were actually good. Before, well, you know.
This does a great job showcasing the gritty, unsavory parts of a real uprising against a totalitarian regime. Dealing with informants and traitors is half the battle. I also liked how you showed how the war was getting to Breen, people forget that he's human too
1:09 see that Citizen? He was at 0:51 too. After he saw resistance members planning a raid, he called Civil Protection, later in 1:09. Nice touch Mr. Marooned
@@colonelgridwood4744 FUCK OFF THIS ISNT A JOKE THIS IS VERY OFFENSIVE AND OPPRESSIVE WOMAN HAD BE DESCRIMINATED ON HALD LIFE PLS WATCH THIS VIDEO HERE EXPLAINING WHAT I SAY: th-cam.com/video/YOQu5inZQPQ/w-d-xo.html&frags=pl%2Cwn
@@Thlormby they are not directly mentioned, but the Overwatch voice does mention higher ranked metrocops, which is most likely what the elite metrocops were supposed to be prior to being scrapped, so technically they aren't confirmed to be canon, but a potentially similar concept does exist
@@TylertheCC1010fan the idea i more so interpreted it as higher rank just means you become less human. and a suit change would make you stand out in combat so rebels know who to target so everyone no matter rank having the same appearance is not only strategically smart but also a very combine move. i think that's why it was scrapped.
i like dr breen. hes a more.. i cant really say. a better villain id say. he has a very noble reason for being evil, to preserve humanity under the protection of the combine, without being needlessly evil like other villains are.
When? When at all do you see Rebels turn on their own kind in this video? The only instance of this I saw was a Rebel executing a civilian for saying too much to the Combine.
in the last part when dr breens words repeat, i feel like when he says something, it comes throgh my left side of the headphone, and the echo from the right side really cool
Dr Breen has a nice bit of motivation to his character that I'd say a lot of other villains lack. His logic holds up, to some degree; Breen genuinely believed that if humanity integrated into an empire that spanned the Multiverse -- even as slaves -- they could never truly go extinct. The Combine, through their theoretically infinite reach, represented the closest thing to immortality humanity could ever achieve. In his eyes, it would be the ultimate form of existence -- even if it meant giving up what makes us human. In his dialogue, you can sense him lying to himself just as deeply as he lies to the remnants of humanity. There's an almost desperate, albeit arrogant sincerity to his words. He KNOWS he's made the right choice -- and he'll commit whatever atrocity it takes to deliver his species to what he considers their destiny. He's genuine -- but deluded. And in the end, the Combine fooled him -- but moreover -- Breen fooled himself. He did what he thought was best, betraying humanity in hopes of saving it. And for a storyline so often hidden in the details of a linear and focused game, that's pretty interesting to me. I hope it gets fleshed out somehow in whatever comes next for Half-Life.
k00za Freeman's actions -- and the destruction of the Citadel at the end of Half-Life 2 -- directly prevent the Combine from sending further reinforcements to reclaim Earth. Without the superportal, and without the Borealis, the Combine has no chance of reclaiming Earth. Even if they can never truly be defeated, Freeman at least succeeded in that way.
Hi. I think you've heard from me before, but I just keep coming back to this. This piece is truly masterful. It's raw animation quality isn't exactly godlike. But it doesn't have to be. The use of peaceful classical music behind scenes of carnage and despair. Breen's monologue about about the evolution of mankind, and how the dystopian state of Earth is seen as necessary. Rebels turning on one another, the fear of conspiracy stronger than ever. This not only shows the chaos of the City after the fires start burning, it shows how easily the burning itself can be questioned, it shows that humanity as a whole can't pick a side, and that what would normally seem right, may not be right, that fighting such a losing battle may only be a waste of the chance they had to survive. It shows that Civil Protection believes they have to do whats necessary, not because they want to doom the human race, but because they want to save it. While the original game comes off as more black and white, the setting itself proves to be more gray than what you see at first. This video really washes out the blacks and whites, and brings out the gray. And for that I say, *amazing work.* It's a shame the Half-Life universe is so overshadowed and looked over.
Spockitans my man! I love your work. Thank you for your analysis. Half life is very black and white. And the reason I wanted to make this is because I grew up with half life. When I first played it I must have been in my first year of middle school. Back then I only saw the black and white. I am now a senior in high school and my views have changed with growing up. With all the literature I've read, the news broadcasts and how much I've noticed the try and control the public, the rise of terrorism, looking back on history like the Soviet union and Nazi Germany. You look back on things like this and just think and put yourself in their shoes. Plus there was a great short film called "escape from city 17" that really inspired me. There was a line where they say "You've heard about this freeman crap? One man doing all that?" And they are both skeptical. That there was like these guys are going on a leap of faith, damn! I feel like gordon was told as a tall tale to boost morals. But yeah. I kinda went on a rant there, lol. Sorry for lack of content. Not only do I have school, but I am enrolled in a television news class and a film class. So not only do I have to produce a short film skit for our segment every week but also a full length short film that my fellow students and I try to win awards for. So as much as I've promised content, it's coming along even slower than before.
The most tragic part is that, no matter the armor and the mask, the metropolice are still human. They still have a consciousness. A capacity for mercy. For pain. For sympathy. But, because of the reputation of their superiors to the rebellion, they're treated like inhuman monsters.
I love how the half life universe good/evil thing has never been fully black and white. That'd be too simple.. EDIT: Five years later I think this isn’t totally untrue but my own comment reads a little pretentious to me, huh
Look at Mossman, she was a fucking traitor all the time, betraying Eli, the resistance, even betraying the whole humanity. She's exactly the same type of person as Breen has been, both selling themselves to the highest bidder.
Um, I dunno about that. We never see the Rebels do anything bad and we never see the Combine do anything good. It's pretty straightforward where the lines are drawn. Fine, Mossman betrays Breen, but she's about as much a member of the "Combine" as Barney is. They're not *really* working for the Combine, they're both Rebels.
10,000 views! I can not thank all of you enough! it means a lot to know people actually saw the thumbnail and decide to take a chance. Again thank you all!
Seriously, fantastic job. Breen's words in tandem with the music and the conflict is amazing well done. Favorite SFM currently, don't stop making these!
I love this sfm, it tells the story from both perspectives neither side is good nor evil everyone is fighting for a reason and has their own motivation and Views towards the fate of humanity. The combine is robotic and oppressive, but do they really hold towards humanity's future? The rebels want freedom and salvation from the clutches of their combine oppressors but what will be left for them in the long run even if they do somehow succeed? In the end, Breen wasn't a hero nor a villain but a puppet ruler to serve as a peace keeper. Deep inside Breen just wanted the best the best for humanity, but with the place he was put in and his real lack of control lead to his downfall.
This tackles not only the Resistance, but the Combine as well. Makes you want to ask the question: Am I fighting for the greater cause? Good video Maroon.
This is so well made. It shows that even Dr. Breen feel bad for what he did to humanity. Dramatic and awesome. Very good job! As they say : "Resist to Exist!"
Probably the 42nd time I've watched the video, and it still gets me. This is, without the faintest shadow of a doubt, the best SFM that I have ever had the pleasure to watch. The use of Ave Maria is impeccable. As others have mentioned, the 'Good vs. Evil' ideology is challenged brilliantly. I honestly believe that they could have used this as a trailer for Half-Life 2. Please, keep up the amazing work, Mr. Marooned!
I've always loved Half-Life for the way that it presents Dr. Breen as a person honestly trying to protect humanity, a man that thinks that what he is doing will help humanity in the long run. Although the game makes sure to show how terrible civilization is, it is only something to expect of a planet shriveling out of existence and struggling to survive. If you think about it, the gray area is a very realistic thing in this video, and this is because
Of how Breen means well, and wants humanity to "collaborate" in order to save themselves. It would only be wrong for all of the people on earth to all want to rebell, and this is shown by the cp units that openly volunteered to join them. In reality, to some people, the rebels are just another thorn in their side impeding humanities progress.
The Combine wish for humanity to be their slaves both mind and body this is evidenced by the approach they went for dealing with humanity. Instead of teaching humanity how to deny it's darker temptations they forced them through technology and oppression. To say the Combine used to right method here shows a lack of understanding of just what their doing. By forcing people to not have love or passion or to have any kind of emotional vent they are in fact making the problem worse because when people finally do get to vent their emotions it's going to be at a much, much higher degree and the results can be much worse.
I like it when animations show how the side the good guys are on are actually no better than the cruel evil side. Essentially, the so called "resistance" is no better than the combine, and it seems Breen really doesn't have a choice, and is really the only reason half life 2 happened.
Lord Of Sarcasm Thank you! I wanted it to seem like the combine could easily label them as terrorists and the audience could see why. Think of it though, they are putting the whole human race in jeopardy with their attacks, Combine could easily wipe out the planet. And these rebels are going up against a civilization that has conquered solar systems and conquered their planet in 7 hours, they have to be a little crazy to go up against that.
You have chosen, or been chosen, to relocate to one of our finest remaining urban centers. I thought so much of City 17 that I elected to establish my Administration here, in the Citadel so thoughtfully provided by Our Benefactors. I have been proud to call City 17 my home. And so, whether you are here to stay, or passing through on your way to parts unknown, welcome to City 17. It's safer here.
The Rebels by nature of being rebels and operating in a world where everyone's so desperate for basic commodities does basically preclude them from being completely moral all the time...
After being to Clock Work based HL2 RP servers, depcpite different understanding and lore for each of them, it gives a whole new appreciasion for this short story. But, most terrifying thing is - that its very related to the real world.
Amazing choreography and excellently composed shots. Breen's speech, about the necessity of "evolution" and "growth" to become the playthings of a distant, horrible empire is chilling in both its eloquence as well as its relevance in today's world, with demands for forced assimilation of peoples and ceaseless wars against resistors. Truly wonderful work; well done.
It’s the fact that the animator uses civil protection and other civilians (loyalists) for the majority of the rebel murders, which are all unaltered human beings.
I love everything that you did in that video! The slow motion effects, how you placed the Dr. Breen narrations and effects, everything! I especially liked the lighting.
Wow this was really good man! Those models too.. holy crap those look good. Also, the rebel with the shades and looks like he's gonna kick the Combines ass.. you should give him a name and create a story about him. It would be pretty cool.
That rebel is named Adam. The characters are Samuel, Anthony, Harry, Adam, and Melissa. They all do have back stories! Over all they are kinda the extremists in the resistance. they aren't afraid to bomb a rations depot even if there are civilians in the way.
Jeez that's hardcore I'm surprised that the resistance didn't exile them for their extreme tactics. I'm mean the human race isn't exactly on the rise at that time. Are there videos based on their backstories, and where can I find them?
Zackarco my idea was that the resistance is really scrambled and not as organized as you think. This group are outcasts(extremists), but there is cooperation with leaders like Eli Vance and Others. This is the only video of them I've made so far. So maybe something soon, but who knows.
Mr. Marooned Honestly man, you could actually make a great and compelling story based off these characters, showing their struggle against the Combine and what lengths they'll go to put the hurt on the Combine before ultimately being killed.
This was absolutely brilliant. It demonstrates the resolve of the rebels and the violent extremes they're willing to go through to accomplish their liberation from the Combine.
I like to think that this were the first years of Breen's government. When we see him in HL 2, we see him as a much less human person. But in this animation, we see his human side, which he has lost throughout the years.
I actually like the fact that the voice actor of Wallace Breen explained what they're doing in a fictional universe for maybe about 2 and a half minutes.
They just appeal to an audience thats fresh off a new game. If you look at TheCompanyThatDoes NotExist, they have a amazing hl2 video that's around 900 views, while theyre GTA sfm videos are in the thousands.
The theory is this: Breen was only trying to protect humanity by taking away their right to fight. He was preventing another war, which would plunge humanity into extinction. After Gordon supposedly kills Breen, Breen says that you need him, which is saying that he was acting as the olive branch between the Combine, the Resistence, and all of humanity.
I love this video a lot. It touches on a sentiment of human resistance and will that the games portrayed well already, but you add a layer of depth without the involvement of Gordon Freeman. What I especially liked about this was the portrayal of Dr. Breen. While already a good villain because his actions and comments indicated that he genuinely believed he was bettering mankind in the long run, you added to that by implying of a personal conflict in Dr. Breen himself; simultaneously believing what he was doing was for the good of mankind, while also depressed by the crimes that he was forced to commit in necessity of upholding his aims, and the disappointment that the rest of humanity didn't see it his way.
This reminds me of requiem gaming, in the last days of requiem (apex rp) they changed the rule so rebels could kill any citizen or rebel. And there always was traitors, killing other rebels. I still remember just making it into the outlands, and then getting sniped by a rebel, although we where rebels. It was like this video, the whole thing was a mess, and everyone just killed eachother.
Nearly at 100K views mate. Excellent video, read the description, nice to see that it's not just a 'project' for you, but something you'll remember. Keep at it!
The fact that the Rebels kill eachother reminds me of an old czech movie called Atentát which was a movie recreation of the assasination of Heydrich, and at the end, the people resisting the Nazis commit suicide.
Oh-My-Holy-Frikin-Stupid-Crap, from that point you have +1 to your subscribers army, heh. For serious now - Is this your first steps in SFM? cuz' it looks like you've been in this things for a long time! Animation, camera moves and cuts are amazing! I'm happy to see another proffesional SFM animator on TH-cam :)
Somehow the City 17 uprising to me especially this video, reminds me of the Warsaw uprising in WW2. An underground rebellion planning to do an uprising against an invasive empire The uprising is bloody street fights and house to house fighting. And the end cause is the city being turned into rubble.
![HL2 - Bad memories [SFM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5EJ0JqdzDpw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Death Train [S2FM]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gvaaEumTo7c/mqdefault.jpg)
I feel like Wallace Breen is just hurting deep down for him turning his back and trying everything he can to help humanity, while his exterior is to smile and be in support of their benefactors while he wishes they would go away.
his last words were "you need me", was he talking to the combine? or was he talking to gordon.
@@terrypvcringe9093 he said that to Gordon
Yeah despite what I just said I can't help but accept more likely scenario where breen is actually a good man a respectable one however he dose have the fatle flaw of fear but that fear is justified because he is technically the only thing between us and Anilation.
Ever read the Breengrub Twitter arg? It was written by Laidlaw. At one point Breen explains that the one in the citadel was one of many disposable clones. His original body is lost. It's kind of depression, but his intentions were actually good. Before, well, you know.
@@karveka4371 yeah. Sad story
This does a great job showcasing the gritty, unsavory parts of a real uprising against a totalitarian regime. Dealing with informants and traitors is half the battle. I also liked how you showed how the war was getting to Breen, people forget that he's human too
1:09 see that Citizen? He was at 0:51 too. After he saw resistance members planning a raid, he called Civil Protection, later in 1:09. Nice touch Mr. Marooned
Im so late but in 2:37 he is back again then you rewind back to 0:11 he was shot by a rebel
When there is a male_09 uprise.
Ahem
AS A FEMINST I FIND THIS VERY OFFENSIVR WHY MALE? SHOULDNT IT BE FEMALE YOU AR REALLY SEXIST 😡😡😡
@@familyguyepisodesgaming9015 It a joke. Get over it.
@@colonelgridwood4744 FUCK OFF THIS ISNT A JOKE THIS IS VERY OFFENSIVE AND OPPRESSIVE WOMAN HAD BE DESCRIMINATED ON HALD LIFE PLS WATCH THIS VIDEO HERE EXPLAINING WHAT I SAY:
th-cam.com/video/YOQu5inZQPQ/w-d-xo.html&frags=pl%2Cwn
@@colonelgridwood4744 HERE IS A VIDEO ABOUT WHY YOU ARE WRONG: th-cam.com/video/dgH5Zf1a2ig/w-d-xo.html
This is one of the best HL2 SFM I've ever seen, very well done.
AMemeADayKeepsTheNormiesAway noice
Dark, violent, impressive, dramatic, fantastic. That was AMAZING. and the way the story was told... Keep it up!!
Thank you so much for watching! I was worried the story didn't get through! Also...I LOVE YOUR WORK!
@@mr.marooned6318 I think your video is going to give me nightmares..
I love that you used the Elite Metrocops, It's a shame their design was never put in the game, but they are canon.
Yeah I really wish we say like jury,razor and spear in the game
Where do they mention them in the games?
@@Thlormby they are not directly mentioned, but the Overwatch voice does mention higher ranked metrocops, which is most likely what the elite metrocops were supposed to be prior to being scrapped, so technically they aren't confirmed to be canon, but a potentially similar concept does exist
@@TylertheCC1010fan the idea i more so interpreted it as higher rank just means you become less human. and a suit change would make you stand out in combat so rebels know who to target so everyone no matter rank having the same appearance is not only strategically smart but also a very combine move. i think that's why it was scrapped.
i like dr breen. hes a more.. i cant really say. a better villain id say. he has a very noble reason for being evil, to preserve humanity under the protection of the combine, without being needlessly evil like other villains are.
+Crackhead Mario! He just wanted the best for us!
Correction, Anticitizen Freeman is the true enemy of Humanity
true
true
He's not evil. He's a coward since he's kneeling to the combines, but he had to do it.
The ironic thing is there are more scenes in this video where the rebels kill each other than the combine killing them.
When? When at all do you see Rebels turn on their own kind in this video? The only instance of this I saw was a Rebel executing a civilian for saying too much to the Combine.
9 Ske *AHEM* 0:11
That was one instance
Love your profile pic btw
payton jarden when?
Man,this is really underrated...
FullMetalPatriot severely underrated
I agree
Joseph Hernandez they commented this 4 years ago
@Aromko Komondor u still here
Wow, rude.
in the last part when dr breens words repeat, i feel like when he says something, it comes throgh my left side of the headphone, and the echo from the right side really cool
Dr Breen has a nice bit of motivation to his character that I'd say a lot of other villains lack. His logic holds up, to some degree; Breen genuinely believed that if humanity integrated into an empire that spanned the Multiverse -- even as slaves -- they could never truly go extinct. The Combine, through their theoretically infinite reach, represented the closest thing to immortality humanity could ever achieve. In his eyes, it would be the ultimate form of existence -- even if it meant giving up what makes us human.
In his dialogue, you can sense him lying to himself just as deeply as he lies to the remnants of humanity. There's an almost desperate, albeit arrogant sincerity to his words. He KNOWS he's made the right choice -- and he'll commit whatever atrocity it takes to deliver his species to what he considers their destiny. He's genuine -- but deluded. And in the end, the Combine fooled him -- but moreover -- Breen fooled himself.
He did what he thought was best, betraying humanity in hopes of saving it. And for a storyline so often hidden in the details of a linear and focused game, that's pretty interesting to me. I hope it gets fleshed out somehow in whatever comes next for Half-Life.
k00za Freeman's actions -- and the destruction of the Citadel at the end of Half-Life 2 -- directly prevent the Combine from sending further reinforcements to reclaim Earth. Without the superportal, and without the Borealis, the Combine has no chance of reclaiming Earth. Even if they can never truly be defeated, Freeman at least succeeded in that way.
Oh my god you're talented, you are one of, no, *the* most underrated SFM animator ever.
Thanks! Means alot!
Hi. I think you've heard from me before, but I just keep coming back to this.
This piece is truly masterful. It's raw animation quality isn't exactly godlike. But it doesn't have to be. The use of peaceful classical music behind scenes of carnage and despair. Breen's monologue about about the evolution of mankind, and how the dystopian state of Earth is seen as necessary. Rebels turning on one another, the fear of conspiracy stronger than ever.
This not only shows the chaos of the City after the fires start burning, it shows how easily the burning itself can be questioned, it shows that humanity as a whole can't pick a side, and that what would normally seem right, may not be right, that fighting such a losing battle may only be a waste of the chance they had to survive. It shows that Civil Protection believes they have to do whats necessary, not because they want to doom the human race, but because they want to save it.
While the original game comes off as more black and white, the setting itself proves to be more gray than what you see at first. This video really washes out the blacks and whites, and brings out the gray. And for that I say, *amazing work.*
It's a shame the Half-Life universe is so overshadowed and looked over.
Spockitans my man! I love your work. Thank you for your analysis. Half life is very black and white. And the reason I wanted to make this is because I grew up with half life. When I first played it I must have been in my first year of middle school. Back then I only saw the black and white. I am now a senior in high school and my views have changed with growing up. With all the literature I've read, the news broadcasts and how much I've noticed the try and control the public, the rise of terrorism, looking back on history like the Soviet union and Nazi Germany. You look back on things like this and just think and put yourself in their shoes. Plus there was a great short film called "escape from city 17" that really inspired me. There was a line where they say "You've heard about this freeman crap? One man doing all that?" And they are both skeptical. That there was like these guys are going on a leap of faith, damn! I feel like gordon was told as a tall tale to boost morals. But yeah. I kinda went on a rant there, lol. Sorry for lack of content. Not only do I have school, but I am enrolled in a television news class and a film class. So not only do I have to produce a short film skit for our segment every week but also a full length short film that my fellow students and I try to win awards for. So as much as I've promised content, it's coming along even slower than before.
Thanks for the little background, and good luck in film school. Hope you get more free time on your hands.
It's been a while since I've watched this, I'd forgotten about how powerful it was. Man, it's been almost three years and this still blows me away.
The most tragic part is that, no matter the armor and the mask, the metropolice are still human.
They still have a consciousness.
A capacity for mercy.
For pain.
For sympathy.
But, because of the reputation of their superiors to the rebellion, they're treated like inhuman monsters.
Just In time for Hl2's birthday! Happy Birthday Half Life 2!
hey mind if I use this video for a tribute of city 17? I can credit you in the description of it.
+Combine Overwatch I would prefer that it stayed here. Sorry
I understand, though it was a masterpeice, I can say that you are very good at sfm.
Thank you
your welcome
I love how the half life universe good/evil thing has never been fully black and white. That'd be too simple..
EDIT: Five years later I think this isn’t totally untrue but my own comment reads a little pretentious to me, huh
That's what I exactly thought through the entire video. You can't trust in the combines but you can't fully trust the rebels neither.
Look at Mossman, she was a fucking traitor all the time, betraying Eli, the resistance, even betraying the whole humanity.
She's exactly the same type of person as Breen has been, both selling themselves to the highest bidder.
Joe Qust Eli put Mossman next to Breen to draw attention away from Eli. Mossman was simply influenced by Breen.
Um, I dunno about that. We never see the Rebels do anything bad and we never see the Combine do anything good. It's pretty straightforward where the lines are drawn.
Fine, Mossman betrays Breen, but she's about as much a member of the "Combine" as Barney is. They're not *really* working for the Combine, they're both Rebels.
rabels are just fucking up even more
Before gordon freeman: Kalm
AFTER FREEMAN
Panik
This is absolutely beautiful. This is by far one of my favourite Half Life SFM films ever made. Bravo.
10,000 views! I can not thank all of you enough! it means a lot to know people actually saw the thumbnail and decide to take a chance. Again thank you all!
Np
+Mr. Marooned It's pretty damn cool! good job :)!
This was actually amazing. My favorite Half Life inspired short (and I've seen many). Thank you so much for making this.
+Jack Rutledge Goembel I'm working on a new one! Not sure if it will live up to this one, but I hope you'll enjoy it
Mr. Marooned I can't wait!
This is my favorite SFM
:D
you are a god, yet clowns are the ones that allways win the saxxy awards
Mr. Marooned mine too
I like how it shows "war crimes" on both sides. Beside all the fun and shooting combine
how can an outstanding and touching work like this be so underrated
I don't see Breen as the "good guy", but I have to admit, he makes a pretty compelling character.
That moment when you made something for the saxxys but wasn't at your computer to enter in and post the video to TH-cam...😅
Mr. Marooned if you did enter you would win 😕
the facial hair link is gone click on it
metro cop 1456# yeah, I know! It was such a good add on!!!
That moment when you loved this and want more like this.
Best sfm I have ever seen. The story, the narrative, the animation... Everything goes into a perfect gem.
+Guy Kazemeka Thank you. I hope you like the next one!
Amazing work.
+MGHAnimation I my gosh! Your one of my sfm idols! Thank you so much! It means alot!
Seriously, fantastic job. Breen's words in tandem with the music and the conflict is amazing well done. Favorite SFM currently, don't stop making these!
Why did this make me cry? I've played Half-Life:2 more times than I can count.
I love this sfm, it tells the story from both perspectives neither side is good nor evil everyone is fighting for a reason and has their own motivation and Views towards the fate of humanity. The combine is robotic and oppressive, but do they really hold towards humanity's future? The rebels want freedom and salvation from the clutches of their combine oppressors but what will be left for them in the long run even if they do somehow succeed? In the end, Breen wasn't a hero nor a villain but a puppet ruler to serve as a peace keeper. Deep inside Breen just wanted the best the best for humanity, but with the place he was put in and his real lack of control lead to his downfall.
This tackles not only the Resistance, but the Combine as well. Makes you want to ask the question: Am I fighting for the greater cause? Good video Maroon.
rabels are the bad guys
This is so well made. It shows that even Dr. Breen feel bad for what he did to humanity. Dramatic and awesome. Very good job!
As they say : "Resist to Exist!"
I love the small things of rebels having older gear from before the combine like the M1 Helmet, it just makes sense!
Bro every time i watch this I forever question this... "who are we... what are we...?" truly a work of art.
After many years, I watch over and over. Just because of how amazing this is. Every character expresses their feelings. Wonderful!
To me this is a piece of art nice job Mr. Marooned
thank you!
Probably the 42nd time I've watched the video, and it still gets me.
This is, without the faintest shadow of a doubt, the best SFM that I have ever had the pleasure to watch. The use of Ave Maria is impeccable. As others have mentioned, the 'Good vs. Evil' ideology is challenged brilliantly. I honestly believe that they could have used this as a trailer for Half-Life 2.
Please, keep up the amazing work, Mr. Marooned!
Ryan Fitzpatrick thanks man!
That pile of corpses really show how many people died for Gordon....
I've always loved Half-Life for the way that it presents Dr. Breen as a person honestly trying to protect humanity, a man that thinks that what he is doing will help humanity in the long run. Although the game makes sure to show how terrible civilization is, it is only something to expect of a planet shriveling out of existence and struggling to survive. If you think about it, the gray area is a very realistic thing in this video, and this is because
Of how Breen means well, and wants humanity to "collaborate" in order to save themselves. It would only be wrong for all of the people on earth to all want to rebell, and this is shown by the cp units that openly volunteered to join them. In reality, to some people, the rebels are just another thorn in their side impeding humanities progress.
The Combine wish for humanity to be their slaves both mind and body this is evidenced by the approach they went for dealing with humanity. Instead of teaching humanity how to deny it's darker temptations they forced them through technology and oppression. To say the Combine used to right method here shows a lack of understanding of just what their doing. By forcing people to not have love or passion or to have any kind of emotional vent they are in fact making the problem worse because when people finally do get to vent their emotions it's going to be at a much, much higher degree and the results can be much worse.
I like it when animations show how the side the good guys are on are actually no better than the cruel evil side.
Essentially, the so called "resistance" is no better than the combine, and it seems Breen really doesn't have a choice, and is really the only reason half life 2 happened.
Lord Of Sarcasm Thank you! I wanted it to seem like the combine could easily label them as terrorists and the audience could see why. Think of it though, they are putting the whole human race in jeopardy with their attacks, Combine could easily wipe out the planet. And these rebels are going up against a civilization that has conquered solar systems and conquered their planet in 7 hours, they have to be a little crazy to go up against that.
You have chosen, or been chosen, to relocate to one of our finest remaining urban centers. I thought so much of City 17 that I elected to establish my Administration here, in the Citadel so thoughtfully provided by Our Benefactors. I have been proud to call City 17 my home. And so, whether you are here to stay, or passing through on your way to parts unknown, welcome to City 17. It's safer here.
You just just SEE the shame and regret on Breen's face. I love it.
The Rebels by nature of being rebels and operating in a world where everyone's so desperate for basic commodities does basically preclude them from being completely moral all the time...
After being to Clock Work based HL2 RP servers, depcpite different understanding and lore for each of them, it gives a whole new appreciasion for this short story. But, most terrifying thing is - that its very related to the real world.
I watch this regularly to satisfy my boredom and love for this video. Seriously, this is the best SFM I've ever seen.
+Physgunner Glade you like it that much!
Amazing choreography and excellently composed shots. Breen's speech, about the necessity of "evolution" and "growth" to become the playthings of a distant, horrible empire is chilling in both its eloquence as well as its relevance in today's world, with demands for forced assimilation of peoples and ceaseless wars against resistors. Truly wonderful work; well done.
It’s the fact that the animator uses civil protection and other civilians (loyalists) for the majority of the rebel murders, which are all unaltered human beings.
i've missed this sfm for a fucking while now
0:49 combine conscripts after the fall of air exchange and 1:45 i feel really sad for the CP guy
just found this and it is pretty good. amaizing even. if only there were more of these videos.
I love everything that you did in that video! The slow motion effects, how you placed the Dr. Breen narrations and effects, everything! I especially liked the lighting.
Wow , nice work. It's deserve more views in my opinion.
This shows the bad side of the rebels while being my favorite half life animation ever
Wow this was really good man! Those models too.. holy crap those look good. Also, the rebel with the shades and looks like he's gonna kick the Combines ass.. you should give him a name and create a story about him. It would be pretty cool.
That rebel is named Adam. The characters are Samuel, Anthony, Harry, Adam, and Melissa. They all do have back stories! Over all they are kinda the extremists in the resistance. they aren't afraid to bomb a rations depot even if there are civilians in the way.
Jeez that's hardcore I'm surprised that the resistance didn't exile them for their extreme tactics. I'm mean the human race isn't exactly on the rise at that time. Are there videos based on their backstories, and where can I find them?
Zackarco my idea was that the resistance is really scrambled and not as organized as you think. This group are outcasts(extremists), but there is cooperation with leaders like Eli Vance and Others. This is the only video of them I've made so far. So maybe something soon, but who knows.
Mr. Marooned Honestly man, you could actually make a great and compelling story based off these characters, showing their struggle against the Combine and what lengths they'll go to put the hurt on the Combine before ultimately being killed.
This was absolutely brilliant. It demonstrates the resolve of the rebels and the violent extremes they're willing to go through to accomplish their liberation from the Combine.
the music fits very well,it's allways easy to show half life's dark side
This is a.....
This is a.....
A fu****g MASTERPIECE !
All is perfect :)
My favorite SFM
Really , REALLY nice job :)
You NEED to have more subs :)
This is exactly how I always pictured a war between the rebels and the combine, these scenes look perfect.
this is epic. how on earth is this not more popular. It opens the eyes of HL2 players to see the other side.
I like to think that this were the first years of Breen's government. When we see him in HL 2, we see him as a much less human person. But in this animation, we see his human side, which he has lost throughout the years.
The ave maria instrumental was the foundation of this amazing video
I actually like the fact that the voice actor of Wallace Breen explained what they're doing in a fictional universe for maybe about 2 and a half minutes.
Dis vid is too good to be forgotten like this
This was really good. Am glad i stumbled upon this. Thank you for making this! (I gave a thumbs up)
really good well animated, well shaded peice of art- 79 likes how ever a shitty, poorly made, crappy fnaf sfm- 5k likes
sad isn't it?
They just appeal to an audience thats fresh off a new game. If you look at TheCompanyThatDoes NotExist, they have a amazing hl2 video that's around 900 views, while theyre GTA sfm videos are in the thousands.
Oh absolutely
and with the return of Gordon Freeman,he is the anomaly that neither Breen nor the Combine count on.
I show this every chance I get to people on GMOD, Cinema Servers, Steam, or otherwise. It's one of the best videos out there. Fantastic work sir.
You Deserve more Subscribers Cause the Work you do is Just Amazing.
This is the type of video people /DREAM/ of making, truly a work of art.
Probably one of the best Half-Life 2 machinima I've ever seen.
+gorman971 Thank you! Check out Sheath Entertainment™ and TheCompanyThat DoesNotExist for more videos like this!
Mr. Marooned I just watched their videos, they are pretty well made too !
This SFM changed the way I see Half Life 2.
This, this is just beautiful.
agreed in order to to continue our lifes we must obey the combine or die....
I still have to give Breen credit, he's definitely not bad with words.
The theory is this: Breen was only trying to protect humanity by taking away their right to fight. He was preventing another war, which would plunge humanity into extinction. After Gordon supposedly kills Breen, Breen says that you need him, which is saying that he was acting as the olive branch between the Combine, the Resistence, and all of humanity.
cities are last inhabitable areas becouse xen creatures are running arround so yeah humanity in that universe is basically fucked
I love this video a lot. It touches on a sentiment of human resistance and will that the games portrayed well already, but you add a layer of depth without the involvement of Gordon Freeman. What I especially liked about this was the portrayal of Dr. Breen. While already a good villain because his actions and comments indicated that he genuinely believed he was bettering mankind in the long run, you added to that by implying of a personal conflict in Dr. Breen himself; simultaneously believing what he was doing was for the good of mankind, while also depressed by the crimes that he was forced to commit in necessity of upholding his aims, and the disappointment that the rest of humanity didn't see it his way.
jredbaron96 the best villains are the ones who think they are doing good and are heroes in their own eyes
marooned your very correct breen only wanted us too live good lifes and not die.
This is the best SFM i've ever watched! Great job my friend :D
Ave Maria goes with anything that is dystopian, elegant or mass killing.
We don't see enough of HL2 sfm animations. Good work!
All we see is stupid FNAF sfms when I search sfm fnaf comes up and I'm angry a fuck
Such an old game... And it still looks great
This reminds me of requiem gaming, in the last days of requiem (apex rp) they changed the rule so rebels could kill any citizen or rebel. And there always was traitors, killing other rebels. I still remember just making it into the outlands, and then getting sniped by a rebel, although we where rebels. It was like this video, the whole thing was a mess, and everyone just killed eachother.
Nearly at 100K views mate. Excellent video, read the description, nice to see that it's not just a 'project' for you, but something you'll remember. Keep at it!
I don't know why but watching this during quarantine and during christmas just.. hits differently.
This was beautiful.
The fact that the Rebels kill eachother reminds me of an old czech movie called Atentát which was a movie recreation of the assasination of Heydrich, and at the end, the people resisting the Nazis commit suicide.
Oh-My-Holy-Frikin-Stupid-Crap, from that point you have +1 to your subscribers army, heh.
For serious now - Is this your first steps in SFM? cuz' it looks like you've been in this things for a long time! Animation, camera moves and cuts are amazing!
I'm happy to see another proffesional SFM animator on TH-cam :)
The best villans are those who have reasons to do what they do.
I think that's the first time I've ever seen an OverWatch commander get decapitated.
You make this so amazing but so sad at the same time
This...is.....GREAT! WOW! It feels like trailer for Half-Life 3. Thank you for this video and effort you put in this!
There are one or two moments where movements seem robotic, but other than this is gold. the music put together with the lighting and story. genius
+British_Kebab One of them has to be 2:23! I Always look at that and say, darn, If only I caught that earlier :)
Mr. Marooned Yeah that's the one. but to be honest, this is still a work of art. truly amazing
+British_Kebab thank you! I always appreciate criticism!
Mr. Marooned No problem.
Hit me right in the feels
You earned a new sub. Very well done my friend!
Somehow the City 17 uprising to me especially this video, reminds me of the Warsaw uprising in WW2.
An underground rebellion planning to do an uprising against an invasive empire
The uprising is bloody street fights and house to house fighting.
And the end cause is the city being turned into rubble.
This gave me goosebumps.
how this is relevant, noah?
how is this relevant, noah?
*"War, war never changes"*
it was 7 years ago and u watch it again and...i just say wow.
Beautiful work, each character seemed to have a motive and their own Destiny. Much more of a grittier half life Universe.
still one of my favorite sfms of all time
Holy shiet , THATS A GODAMN WELL DONE ANIMATION!
Congrats!