Best reaction to the Ren Shakespearian story telling, and breaking the 4th wall (and 5th and beyond, to which I believe his in) because, in my opinion there is no genre this masterful man will fit. Ren a genius that stands out along.
For me, the most amazing thing is that when he goes from Jenny & Screech tales to Violet, everyone is wondering "who is Violet, how is that connected?" and he drags you into the last tale so deeply, that everyone forgets about these doubts. That makes the final words hit so unexpectedly hard.
The long intro, the different setting...then he draws you into the story of Violet so much that you forget about Jenny and Screech. It's all so amazingly done. Couldn't agree more.
The "Richard" part is brilliant. "Richard was an officer who stood at six-foot-three". Do we need his name or his height? No. But giving this character a name and a physical trait makes him a character in our minds. We're imagining Richard now as a person, not some nameless "the police". Kind of the opposite of what the mask does in Judge Dredd. So with just two apparently irrelevant details Ren turns the nameless police officer into a character.
After I watched this the first time and everything processed in my mind, I immediately thought, "He should do Richard's Tale." The fallout that killing a person, especially a 14 year old, has on someone's life has to be incredibly heart-breaking and rough.
Tale of Jenny and Screech's Tale were about 2 months apart, while Violet's Tale came out 2 years later. You can see the older looking Ren. Amazing. Ren mentioned that he read a story in the news about a young hooker knifed to death in London. Hence, there was some inspriation. Ren turned it on its head into a story about the cyclical nature of generational violence. This is a morality tale about society.
Another commenter said the newspaper article about the girl being stabbed had a quote from one of the policemen saying "It's such a shame". Makes the ending of Jenny and Screech's tales even more chilling to me. This trilogy is just absolutely brilliant storytelling.
What blows my mind about Ren's storytelling and having seen well over 100 different reactions to the Tales is this: regardless of how involved or detached the viewer is over the Tales of Jenny and Screech, without fail, EVERYONE pays very distinct attention from the time Stevie knocks on the door, and from that point until he 'fast forwards' in time with the guitar is exactly 1 MINUTE. In that one minute he aligns the ENTIRE audience, and makes them pay attention and experience the horror of Violet's beating. What he does with this is tremendously important, because MOST people are thinking more about camera work and acting at the end of Jenny & Screech's tales, but we all understand the point and the experience in this section. I've seen so many brave Renegades in the comments relate their own stories, and talk about 'being seen', and more often than not, talk of healing through acknowledgment and community. Ren tackles these very difficult social subjects and opens a door on safe, non-jugemental spaces where the Renegades have brought love, support, and understanding, and we've made connections across the planet through our common experience and growth .
So well said. This is so much more than a violent video. It is the begining of a new framework of dealing with these issues, and the Renegades are very much at the forefront of the movement.
I always notice the face every reactor makes, even the most poker-faced of them, with the line "See Violet, she was pregnant". Pregnancy is still impactful for all of us. Also, that's the point where a lot of people are guessing the ending.
@synp9ynir agreed. I've noticed that line is usually very tell-tale about whether or not the reactor is going to understand the ending. It took me a while to figure out why I believe some people don't even register the end of the story; I think some get lost after the graphic section of Violet's tale, and don't even hear most of the lyrics after that. Its not often, but it does happen; I always find it a real shame when they do, because for most people there is a huge release of the tension built up to that point with the revelations that come at the end. I'm not even sure HOW Ren does it, but somehow by bringing everything full circle, anger and anxiety turn to empathy and understanding. Masterful work on all accounts.
Definitely a social commentary on those who are in the peripherals, left behind by an affluent society, living in vicious cycle of poverty and violence.
Bro Minstrel is a caricature of a black person often now considered offensive. He's a bard for sure. A story telling musician but Minstrel they usually dressed in black face.
Ren was inspired by a news story of a 14 yo boy killing a young prostitute, or something similar. I think he is trying to develop a new type of musical storytelling and wants to approach Netflix with it. I would also add that if you dont like this side of Ren, he does so much more and does it all exceptionally.
He never goes out of character. When he's directly addressing us not as either Jenny, Screech or Violet (and maybe Richard), he's the storyteller, like the medieval minstrels or troubadours, walking around with instruments telling stories. Even some of his music here has that medieval sound, presumably intentionally as he's the one who set himself up as the minstrel/troubador. This medieval style of story telling to music has very recently been given the name 'bardcore', as in a bard, someone who recites stories/epics in the medieval times.
Totally pulls you in. The first time I saw Violet's Tale, I had to stop and take a break. I very nearly had a panic attack from him coming so close to look in the camera, because I had experienced someone forcing me that close to their face during punishment or interrogations, when I was a child. That's nothing compared to other people, who may have been triggered from the actual description of physical abuse, but the point I'm making is, it made me feel the feeling again and my body panicked. Luckily, I was able to get my sh*t back together so I could continue watching it.
In terms of the releases, the tales of Jenny and Screech were released in 2019. It was loosely inspired by an article in the paper about a 14 year old boy who killed a prostitute. The police officer who killed the boy was quoted saying “it’s such a shame.” Ren did a whole series of Instagram stories as the character of Screech (he compiled them and they are on his YT channel). It gives more background and insight into the character. It’s only until we know the twist at the end that we realize that Jenny was also 14, walking the streets alone at night in high heeled shoes. It makes her story even more tragic. And you wonder how their lives might have been different if they hadn’t been separated at birth. Ren released Violet’s Tale in 2022. The clue that he gives is the “two zero zero five” referring to the year 2005, which is 14 years before Jenny and Screech. I think his motivation was to portray the impact of generational trauma and the cycles of violence. He’s been close to people who have experienced abuse. Screech had uncontrollable rage like his father. Violet and Jenny both froze in silence as a defense mechanism when faced with danger. Samuel Perry-Falvey did the filming. He’s a brilliant cinematographer. They’ve worked together on many videos, but the live one-shot videos are where they truly shine. They also worked together on Money Game part 1 and part 3. MG3 is a masterpiece!
I just want to add emphasis on the cycles, because to me, this is where the true genius of it all lies. both jenny's and screech's tale end with the beginning, in jenny's case, "it was a quiet dark knight...", and screech's "our story, it [starts] right where it [ends]". This is all by design, he's pointing out that these things happen over and over. "it's such a shame" is social commentary about how we hear these stories with indifference and just continue on with our lives. Thoughts and prayers. But then, two years later, as he wrote violet's, not only did he once again repeat the beginning at the end: "London City, far from pretty", but he goes even further, the characters themselves are a repeat, screech and jenny taking the traits of the parents, all the way down to the sudden panic when they realize what they've done. but, oh no, he doesn't stop there. Now he takes the entire saga, all of it, and makes it also end at the beginning, and begin at the ending. An absolute masterstroke, and i will never be unimpressed by it.
I think he wrote it to illuminate the tragedies that go on daily in the streets of cities, to the underclass that no one acknowledges. It's an opening of people's eyes to the realities happening every day, in hopes that more people grow a greater social conscience and help us all start working together to mend such social ills.
The genetics and the twin bond make sense. I think Ren came so close to death himself, that these stories show how fragile life is. It also shows how cruel death can be.
The best part of the Tales for me is how Ren made me not like Screech and a few minutes laters feeling sorry for Screech and realizing he’s a victim too. Everyone has a story and Ren is able to remind us to not be quick to judge. At least for me that was my take on this story. It’s really beautiful! Ha, you were quick to judge Ren too. I’m so glad you gave him another chance. Your reactions and feedback are great. Thank you
If you look through rens page, prior to releasing Screech's tale, there is a series of shorts that Ren released a week or 2 leading up to the release. . It was posted that Ren's phone had been stolen and this delinquent kid had it and was posting on Ren's page. It's a great insight into Screech.
And it makes their jobs so much harder as they just sit there and are totally absorbed by the story not reacting or possibly even breathing for parts of it. :/
Ren believes in talking about things that are difficult in our culture. He really embraces societal change. This story is all about the cycle of generational violence. If you really want something different, EDEN is all spoken word video that was the culmination of his actual Money Games he created in preparation for the release of Money Game 3 and the album.
It's an updated Greek Tragedy that leaves the viewer thinking. And it took me several tries to get through the entire story because it hit me in the gut. But I had to return because I was so blown away by the performance. And that is part of what's mind blowing. Every single thing about it is intricately planned and interwoven. And there's no big budget; it's straight up creativity. I cannot get it out of my mind and that's why I consider this to be an exceptional piece of work.
What especially gets me is that 2 years after the Tales of Jenny and Skreetch, he adds Violet’s Tale …! Trying all 3 together and adding tremendous depth to the tragedy.
The cinematographer for the Ren videos you have seen is his friend Samuel Perry-Falvey. For a change of pace, check out Animal Flow, an amazing one-take video shot by his friend Luke Flegg. And follow up with the live version, shot on a moving bus by Samuel. Wicked fun.
You’ve totally earned my respect for your thoughtful reactions. Given your initial reaction to Hi Ren, you took a second look at REN’s work, and came entirely about face with it. As a director, the subsequent praise is huge, coming from you, as I assume you have quite a background in these things. I am always astonished with these storylines Ren comes up with. He is a modern day master!
Ren''s background in music is kinda unique. He spent many years busking. Some of the lessons he learned; You gotta grab people. If they don't like what you do they'll just finish their shopping'. You need to focus on performing to a small group, and when they are entertained, the crowd will grow and suddenly there's a hundred people. Don't stop! Life is imperfect, but leave the roughness and carry on forward so you will carry the audience with you (THEY don't care that you hit one bum note three bars ago, so you mustn't either!). There are always 'stock/signature' techniques you can keep in reserve: one of which is to treat silence as a musical and lyrical element! (These are paraphrasing things he's talked about in interviews)
Think about especially in Violets tale how everything, every spot was pre-planned. Acoustics in the hall, in the stairwell and how he ended just at the right spot. The thought he had to have put in, just to get that right.
Fully agree. It is worth looking at the comments. See how many people who have experienced domestic violence felt heard and spoken for. He does like dark stories, but he really works to understand and give those experiences justice. It gets people talking and opening up.
Rens experience busking really helps in his live one take videos. If you want to hear him just popping off, there’s a cut of one of his streams (it’s called spontaneous stream jam I think) on hexenkinds channel. Rens guitar isn’t even plugged in and he plays Daniel beddingfield (sp?) to Elvis to acoustic guitar 50 cent and it all sounds incredible. He’s just sitting in his room on twitch. So good
This was a great reaction. Yeah, Ren is well, he transcends music and acting and takes musical performance to a whole new level. His use of sound and silence, the use of the one-take video that builds trust for the audience and authenticates the performance. Especially in this day and age, when the majority of music is so overproduced and inauthentic performances that are auto-tuned. His use of public spaces, his incorporation of the environment, his use of instruments to function as props as part of the storytelling. Yep, Ren's resetting the bar for music. And I dig the filmmaker's perspective you bring to the reaction. I'll have to check out some of your other reactions to him.
Ren has unlimited talent. That man has so much talent locked inside.. im here for all of it!! been a big fan of Ren for a while now. A real artist he is!!
New part coming soon it’s not over yet. Glad you finally see and appreciate the genius that REN is FACT. He is our modern day Shakespeare and some in the flesh.
Brilliant reaction thanks!🔥🔥🔥 Samuel is Samuel Perry-Falvey and yes he is the DOP. Brilliant fellow as well right?!! I believe Ren wrote Jenny after a news story about a lady who was mugged and murdered in London then he wrote Screech to see things from his perspective. The whole Trilogy I think is about the cycle of domestic violence and it's impact on society. Violet was a molested by her father, her mother drank and knew what was going on. Violet escaped at 16 she fell for Stevie who was abusive and he ended up killing her. Her babies ended up separated at birth as there was no reliable family to take Jenny and Screech in so they went into the system of gov't run childcare (not a great start to life). Jenny turns out to be like her mom a quiet scared girl and Screech grew up on the streets and turned out to be like his father violent and unstable. The Death of Jenny and Screech ended that whole family line in one night in one fell swoop. Modern Day tragedy😥happens all too often
Here's my understanding of how the origin story of this trilogy came to be & the messages, that I believe Ren intended, are within. 🤩😁🤯 This wasn't originally a trilogy story. Ren read a small article about a 14 yr old boy killing a young prostitute with a knife in an attempted robbery. Knife crime had been skyrocketing in London at this time. Later that same evening the boy had been shot and killed by the armed police division that was responding to a sighting of a possible suspect connected to a girl found murdered in Sussex Gardens area in Paddington - one of the capital's most notorious red light districts. It disturbed him, so he set out to write a commentary not just on senseless violence, but on how desensitized we've become to it. The words he ends both Jenny and Screech's Tales with is "It's such a Shame" we say these words all to often and just move on without a second thought. The the lead inspector was quoted saying " So Young, It's such a shame". Violets Tale was written over 2 years later adding another layer of commentary by Ren. He wanted us to consider not only generational violence but to make us look at all angles of society that we turn a blind eye to. Both characters are born out of violence on that cruel night of Violets beating and then both killed with brutal violence in the same night 14yrs later. Also, his lyrics have even more meaning when you read in between the lines. For example he doesn't say what Jenny was doing or why she wanted to escape from this place & life, or why Screech thought she was older saying at Patrick's door "I left this lady lying on the floor". Could that be because the way she's dressed & her heavy makeup? Also why was a 14yr old girl out so late in the dead of night walking alone in a sketchy area, wearing high heeled shoes, walking down a street that "she's walked it a thousand times before"? Everything points to Jenny being an underage prostitute, showing us what Ren writes has reason & is made to make us think. There's no fat on the bone, every word is weighed & has meaning. Interesting how Jenny has the same traits as her mother Violet, quiet, voiceless, and timid. Whereas Screech mirrors his father Stevie (the Prick boyfriend) in every way, Loud, obnoxious, and easily provoked to violence. They didn't know one another and had never met their biological parents. What made these kids so much like their parents? Was it simply Nature, inherited traits due to their genetic make-up OR Nurture, being brought up in the broken governmental system filled with, mistreated & in many cases, abused children, shuffled from one foster home to another ? He organically takes us on this journey, leaving us to think shouldn't we be doing better in this so called "advanced, wealthy, 1st world society. I'm loving your reactions. Cheers🍻
This is a disturbingly entertaining depiction of the cycle of domestic violence. Like many of his other songs, Ren is bringing attention to difficult societal issues in a way that makes us identify with characters and through them, understand the issues better. His talent is phenomenal. Great reaction and breakdown.
As I remember... Ren did Jenny and Screech in 2019. That's why 2005 is so important in Violet"s. 14 years before they were born: and they were 14 when they met (and died). Edit By the way... Nice work mate. Liked and subbed
Learning this at the end puts Jenny's tale into so much perspective. Until the end you have no idea Jenny is a 14 year old girl in heels walking the street late at night with rose on her cheeks.
Comments on the cycle of domestic violence. He supposedly read about a case somewhere, and he felt inspired to tell a story. ren does a few long interviews you can find easily and answers alot of your questions. He is unique, and excellent in so many genres, it's unreal. I haven't seen this kind of talent in one person, I am just amazed by him.
Great reaction thank you!!! Ren is a masterful storyteller, lyricist, rapper, musician and artist. Not all of Ren's song are this dark... just in case some of the chatters reading this ^^
One of my all-time favorite movies is Casablanca. It's one of the few movies that I've seen over and over again without ever getting tired of it. Now I've added another movie to my favorites list. It's only 13 minutes long, with only two actors--Ren and his videographer, Sam. It's called The Tale of Jenny and Screech. As with Casablanca, I've seen this movie at least 50 times and never get tired of it. Your great reaction to it helps drive home the reasons why I'm blown away by it every time. You also pointed out something I missed in all those viewings: Violet's name on the end of the bed. That little detail alone shows just how dedicated Ren and Sam were in making this serious work of art.
He's the consummate performer/artist personified - and in the broadest sense. No boundaries - he just does what he does without concern for classification, reference to others or self-imposed boundaries. I'm quite sure he's something special. I understand he wrote Violets Tale a couple of years after the first two parts, when he had an idea how to complete the cycle.
You get it / I’ve been into music, novels, films for 40 plus years. He’s got Hendrix,Reinhardt guitar skills, Dickens, Steinback story telling and Welles, Scorcese (with Sam) cinematography - humbly admit that I thought I’d heard the best music - but this lad is amazing. Ta for a fantastic reaction vid.
So thankful I discovered Ren about a year ago…. He’s changed my vision on what’s possible with music and art… with epic beats and lyrical perfection! Great reaction!
As a DV survivor, bringing these stories out to the light and not flinching away from it, is so validating. Violet isn't made into a damsel or object; she's brutalized but still a PERSON. They (Ren and Sam) conveyed the horror and chaos of the experience very well without being overly explicit. Brilliant.
oh my gosh it makes my heart so happy to see you discovering this intense series from Ren. He is a modern marvel to me, He has brought something new, and something meaningful. Thank you for this ♡
Ren truly is a once in a lifetime artist and I’m so glad it was in my lifetime. Even if you don’t like what he’s doing, it’s not your thing, you have to respect his genius and talent. I think people connect with it because he’s not afraid to talk about taboo topics such as domestic violence, mental health etc He is genuine and shows his raw emotions. It’s not fake, I think people respect that openness and vulnerability of it. Also I agree his pieces make you think for a long time after viewing them. I found your channel because of Stray Kids reactions, and I’m so pleased you’re covering Ren.
Not just a multi-talented: musician, singer, actor, composer, lyricist, script-writer, set / lighting / acoustics director - & Masterful Story-Teller, but a very powerful Social Commentator. Ren skips across and dips in and out of various genres and uses every tool, in his very considerable 'tool-kit', to bring us right into the scene to 'stand witness'. { One viewer said; "I felt like I should press pause & run to the phone and dial 911!"} He moves seamlessly between each character & flips in and out of Narrator. He blends multiple genre's, including medieval tunes and associated 'Olde World' Town Crier narration styles. He calls his work "BardCore", but if you look at UK's standard Bardcore, you will see he does Much MUCH More. Ren IS the Modern Shakespeare He spotlights the tough issues: domestic violence, incest, street violence, homeless kids, the falures of State 'Care' systems, the corruptions of our capitalistic system, where the socio-politico checks and balances have been subverted and profit ( at any cost) became 'king'. In his Money Game series he highlights the huge discrepancies /gaps growing between the Have's & the Have Not's. In his Sick Boi, and Hi Ren, pieces etc., he highlights his own devastating experiences and consequences of the deficits in the generic health and mental health systems, when misdiagnosis leads to life limiting, even life threatening deterioration, chronic illness and chronic pain. This Trilogy? Ren was disgusted at how quickly the deaths of an under-age prostitute and a street kid disappeared in the 24 hour ever-churning News Cycle. People look away from uncomfortable truths, they murmur vague platitudes like; "Oh what a shame..." and then click away to the next item. To something more palatable, more 'entertaining'. (If it were the daughter of a 'prominent citizen' knifed to death in an alley returing from a night out would it only warrant a 90 second 'news bite'? ) Ren says; "No! Wait. Stop! Look here! These lives - these deaths - are important!" He lays out the pathways that lead innocents like Jenny, Violet and 'poor boy' Screech also, into becoming victms and/ or perpetrators, and then he leaves the big question hanging for us to ponder. "If we KNOW why these tragedies keep happening - and we DO - then WHY are we not doing more to stop this?" He does the same in Murderer. He lays out, (one of) the pathways that created a psychopathic killer. And all to a super catchy beat! WHERE does all this Creativity and 'Key Messaging' originate? [ * Ren has said his father was a Psychotherapist and his Mother involved in running Psycho-Therapeutic Drama Worshops for a time. They were 'Hippy-Dippies' for a while and in his childhood he was taken to multiple Folk and other Music Festivals where he was exposed to many cultures, many musical styles, much of these of course; 'story-telling' with social messages and inevitably absorbing many socio-politico debates of the day.] He ( much like Dimash in fact - although utilising a very different tool-kit ) feels social-injustice keenly, and believes if you have 'a voice' you also have a responsibility to use it for 'the greater good'. Again, and much like Dimash, he's skipping over and beyond the narrow genre specific lanes of the current music industry and, very effectively and powerfully, reaching millions. I think he's doing Great!
There's so many layers of amazing to this trilogy. The performance musically, acting, camera work, co-ordination, writing, etc etc. I've seen this series many many times and just yesterday picked up on something new to me. When he sings about Jenny he never looks at the camera, non-confrontational. Screech stares dead at it.
Your reaction to REN’s “Tales” is a delight to watch. I really enjoyed your professionalism and content on storytelling/production. This is my second most favorite REN music performance. Thanks!
Ren being around theater from a young age and performing music live in the streets (aka busking) means he has a natural affinity to stage acting in that his stage is wherever he chooses to perform and his ability to show so much with so little is right out of a live play. The fans joke about it by calling it Bardcore or comparing him to a minstrel or troubadour but thats exactly what this sort of storytelling is and its simply amazing. I love good theater for this very reason because when the story, even the macabre, latches on, it takes you for a ride with the most minimal or non-existent of sets and thats exactly what Ren did with the tales trilogy.
Great commentary and breakdown of Ren and his artistry. He is one unique & humble individual that we are blessed with in these turbulent times. Excellent reaction sir. Kia kaha from NZ
My man. He is not just an talented entertainer or artist, he is an once in a generation prodigy; just like Shakespeare centuries before, he is an bard.
The way he seamlessly bounces between various characters and the narrator, just blows my mind. EPIC storytelling and vision. Writing, singing, performance... top shelf. Thanks.
Roscoe, you don't need to worry that what you say may not make for a good reaction. Your instincts are golden. I'm always here for whatever you react to from Ren or from Dimash. I recognize monumental, generational talent, and I understand that you do too. That's a lot of what makes you a compelling reactor.
The symmetry of Jenny & Screech lying one street apart and lying side by side in Violet is powerful to me. And when he sings "The Devil comes to dance" he ends the word with a hiss like a serpent. Chef's kiss.
Violet was Jenny and Screech's mother (the two twins). The twins grew up separately, not knowing each other. Ren writes all his own stories (lyrics), writes and produces all his own music, is a phenomenal (self-taught, btw) guitar, and piano player. Ren is a literal genius! And Samuel's camera work is amazing! Ren's real emotions explode in one of his older song's he wrote at the height of his illness, called "Crutch". The cinematography is breathtaking and the song is hauntingly beautiful. Also, "For Joe" is an emotional masterpiece! Ren is our modern day musical anomaly!
This one makes you sweat. It's interesting that by the end of Violets Tale, like a magician he has caused you to forget it's supposed to tie back somehow to Jenny and Screech. A sleight of hand and then wham, there it is and you remember. And your brain explodes.
From what I’ve heard thus far- 1. Violet for years was assaulted by her dad and wound up pregnant 2. Violet meets Stevie who’s a complete ass hat and abuses her like her dad and probably beats her for being pregnant so of course he’s gonna play the “you cheated so I get to beat you” bs card. 3. In 2005 Violet gets beaten severely goes to hospital where she has her twins Jenny and James aka Screech then she dies. 4. Being that Violets gone, Stevie’s probably going to do some time and I wouldn’t leave a stuffed animal with Violets parents they twins go into the foster care system. 5. 14 years pass of which we know nothing about but can figure if a 14 yr old girl is walking the streets of London in high heels her life probably wasn’t so great (and Ren verified that in an insta story) and we heard more about James being a “kid of the street” 6. James attempts to rob Jenny, she freezes in fear he loses his mind and cuts her up killing her. 7. James now freaking out goes to his “best friend” Patrick (more like the guy who found him and other kids on the street and “helps them out” and usually turns them in to addicts and sex workers) but he’s either not home or just not answering 8. Then our villian calls his girlfriend but alas she is busy too (gee I wonder who with??? Yeah it’s Patrick). 9. Then we have our poor officer Dick who was probably hoping for a nice mellow night when he ends up with some psycho kid who he has to fatally shoot which lets face it if you’re a good person that shits gonna stick with you forever. 10. Telling the story they way he does I noticed a couple of things (A)Both Violet and Jenny were silent as was Violets mother who stayed silent while her husband sexually assaulted her daughter. (B)Everything we learn about Jenny and Violet is from the narrator or minstrel (cuz that’s what Ren is, a very old soul who has seen some shit). They never speak except for the desperate pleas from Violet to save her Babies. 11. James, Stevie and Violets dad were all violent abusive assholes. We were so surprised on that one right. 12. The “It’s such a shame” line in Jenny and Screeches tale is kinda like what we all sorta do when we hear tales like this on the news. We say oh what a shame and then go about our days. 13. Also telling Violets story last allows for that amazing gut punch that brings most of us to tears. *Edited side note* In Violets tale he was heavily the minstrel/narrator. In Shakespeare plays as well as Greek comedies and tragedy they’d interact with the audience (break the 4th wall) as they explained what we were watching or what was implied in a certain scene so it makes sense for him to break character during the beating scene. If you’ve read this far THANK YOU so very much and please let me know what you feel it was. Also Happy Saturday y’all. Oh and yeah don’t know if you can tell but I never shut up thanks ADHD)
Ren is so much like Cillian Murphy in looks ( Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer ) , who is very likely to win an Oscar this year, maybe the Oscar should really go to Ren! Love your reaction to this amazing story of awareness to the society we actually live in!
I love the way you can draw so much meaningful commentary from the very artistry at play here, delving into the complexities of the actual story is a whole other set of layers on top! It's just a masterful piece of work on every level 🤯 thank you for a great reaction!
Ren never disappoints. He is one of my favorites and is indeed a master storyteller. He's a modern day bard; or minstrel. Apologies in advance for my long comment. This is why I don't comment often. I think you'd really appreciate some of Nightwish's other songs. I know you've done one of theirs in Phantom of the Opera with their original singer. But I think you'd appreciate the storytelling in their many other works and live shows. There are only a handful of official videos they've done. They are always best live. One of the tightest bands and one of the most amazing vocalists of our day, in my opinion. Noise is an amazing video they shot. I think it's right up your alley. And any of their live stuff from Wacken 2013, Wembley 2015, or Tampere live, and their live from Buenos Aires. You won't go wrong choosing a song from any of those shows. Also, they recently released a compilation live for one of their newer songs called Tribal. It's amazing as well. I believe the shots were taken from a show in Finland and one in Greece, but I could be mistaken. Their current lead vocalist, Floor, tells the stories and pulls you in, emotionally, masterfully. I really hope you dive in to a few more from them. I would start with Noise official video, and another great one for storytelling is one called Dead Boys Poem live from Buenos Aires. It's deep, but wonderful. There are too many to mention. Song of Myself live from Wacken 2013 is another - titled and inspired by the poem of the same name by Walt Whitman. Elan is another offical video they did that I think you'd really like with the visuals and meaning of the song itself. Hopefully you see this and dive into some of their stuff! Keep on with your Ren journey! Love your reactions! I'm here for all of it! Blessings to you and yours from Alabama!
finally a reactor talks about being pulled into the story. Great reaction. I think the part where he pinches her eyelids and folds them up... the way he works with the camera at that moment, that's when you get dragged into the story. But the build up with him knocking on the door, all leads up to that moment. If you have ever had to hold your door shut at night while someone full of drink and intent on violence is on the other side, you are already beginning to empathise with those knocks, and pretending to sleep and hoping he'll go away, but the folding the eyelids up, suddenly you are no longer just empathising with Violet, you are in the story, for a moment, you are Violet. It's scarily well done. The way he circles, actually makes me fearful of Ren were I ever to meet him. He seems like a really genuine good bloke to know but watching Violet's tale makes you feel that there is a darkness in him which I hope is just incredibly good acting and storytelling. Violet's tale remains my favourite of all his work.
As dark as these stories are and can be painful for some, i can't help re watching it over and over. I even know all the words. it's mad, but we renagades keep pushing Ren further because he is so genuinely a great guy. Masterful at his trade, and i will forever follow him whatever he may do
THE Bard. I love this piece, as horrifying as it is. So beautiful, rich, disturbing...shakespearean tragedy. His guitar work, his wordsmithing....all of it. I notice new things every time I watch it. The one-shot, visceral style....we are there, intimately, terrifyingly.....PRESENT in real time.
Violet's tale is a song withing a song. It's a totally different harmony, melody and rhythm between the rewinding and forwarding of the "hands of time".
I think the sheer brutality of Violet's tale sort of knocks the previous tales out of your head, so by the time he finally drops that final bombshell you've almost forgotten about Jenny and Screech; it just makes it hit that much harder
Sorry I'm late to the party, but I wanna just say thank you for your masterful reaction to his masterful storytelling! I truly enjoyed the explanation from a Director's perspektive at the end. I now know more about why I love Ren's work so much.
Great reaction, pal. Well put about the fact that it is us as viewers / listeners that are imagining all the violence, fear, intimidation without there being anything other than Ren's descriptive power. You definitely have a great eye for detail. Keep up the good work, pal.
Seriously, he’s got this way of… when Ren speaks, you don’t have a choice but to listen. His language, the words he uses, the camerawork… listening to these makes me feel like I just watched an hour-long film.
I love the little detail of his use of the reverse of the 'rewinding the hands of time' guitar riff from the start of Jenny's Tale to let you know when we are coming back to 'now' in the story. Bardcore was coined by Ren to describe this style. Things to think about... the twins were 14 years old (The trilogy came out in 2019 and Violet's tale was in two zero zero five) Jenny froze when confronted by Screech as 'still as a statue in high heel shoes' while she was walking home at night on a street she had walked a 'thousand times before'. Screech pounds on his best friends door and he's not at home and when he calls his GF, obviously upset and asks to see her, she tells him she's 'busy'. OK, that could be a coincidence, but... The whole thing is just a masterful statement on the cycle of crime and violence and how dysfunction perpetuates itself. Money Game 3 will kick your a*** as well.
Did you notice that his surroundings were completely silent? He fills that space with his narration and story. The lack of distraction lends to the focus and immersion of the viewers experience.
My first watch I was so worked up after violet getting beat to an inch of her life when said “a tragedy or miracle” I stopped the video and turned off my phone. I was like what fucking miracle? Dudes just glorifying violence. But then I decided to turn it back on and finish it and I was in shock and awe.
People would say that the babies living was a miracle. He’s saying, “are you viewing this news as a tragedy that the mother died, or a miracle that her babies survived?”
Hearing the Seagulls in the background after Violet is beaten makes the viewer realize he is outside on the street
At the end of Screech's Tale when the camera fades into a blur I always seen that as Screech's vision blurring away as he dies.
Me too
You probably missed the opening words to Violet's tale when he rewound the clock for her tale to unfold.
Best reaction to the Ren Shakespearian story telling, and breaking the 4th wall (and 5th and beyond, to which I believe his in) because, in my opinion there is no genre this masterful man will fit. Ren a genius that stands out along.
For me, the most amazing thing is that when he goes from Jenny & Screech tales to Violet, everyone is wondering "who is Violet, how is that connected?" and he drags you into the last tale so deeply, that everyone forgets about these doubts. That makes the final words hit so unexpectedly hard.
I want to make shirts that say "who is violet"?
Shymalan'd everyone
The long intro, the different setting...then he draws you into the story of Violet so much that you forget about Jenny and Screech. It's all so amazingly done. Couldn't agree more.
Someone once said, Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can SEE. I think this describes REN 💯%❤
The "Richard" part is brilliant. "Richard was an officer who stood at six-foot-three". Do we need his name or his height? No. But giving this character a name and a physical trait makes him a character in our minds. We're imagining Richard now as a person, not some nameless "the police". Kind of the opposite of what the mask does in Judge Dredd.
So with just two apparently irrelevant details Ren turns the nameless police officer into a character.
After I watched this the first time and everything processed in my mind, I immediately thought, "He should do Richard's Tale." The fallout that killing a person, especially a 14 year old, has on someone's life has to be incredibly heart-breaking and rough.
Tale of Jenny and Screech's Tale were about 2 months apart, while Violet's Tale came out 2 years later. You can see the older looking Ren. Amazing. Ren mentioned that he read a story in the news about a young hooker knifed to death in London. Hence, there was some inspriation. Ren turned it on its head into a story about the cyclical nature of generational violence. This is a morality tale about society.
Great info / ta.
Another commenter said the newspaper article about the girl being stabbed had a quote from one of the policemen saying "It's such a shame". Makes the ending of Jenny and Screech's tales even more chilling to me. This trilogy is just absolutely brilliant storytelling.
I followed ren right at the start and coming back to him.
😮he's grown to excellence and society observations are surreal
he's also given some extra backstory such as Patrick wasn't home and his girlfriend was "busy" because they were together
I think the album came out in 2019 with jenny and screech’s tale and he starts with in violets tale 2005 14 years apart
There should be at least 5 Oscars for this type of work !
What blows my mind about Ren's storytelling and having seen well over 100 different reactions to the Tales is this: regardless of how involved or detached the viewer is over the Tales of Jenny and Screech, without fail, EVERYONE pays very distinct attention from the time Stevie knocks on the door, and from that point until he 'fast forwards' in time with the guitar is exactly 1 MINUTE. In that one minute he aligns the ENTIRE audience, and makes them pay attention and experience the horror of Violet's beating.
What he does with this is tremendously important, because MOST people are thinking more about camera work and acting at the end of Jenny & Screech's tales, but we all understand the point and the experience in this section.
I've seen so many brave Renegades in the comments relate their own stories, and talk about 'being seen', and more often than not, talk of healing through acknowledgment and community. Ren tackles these very difficult social subjects and opens a door on safe, non-jugemental spaces where the Renegades have brought love, support, and understanding, and we've made connections across the planet through our common experience and growth .
the part about the dad in the bedroom and mother probably knows gets me every time. So dark but glad he used it.
So well said. This is so much more than a violent video. It is the begining of a new framework of dealing with these issues, and the Renegades are very much at the forefront of the movement.
Beautifully said & 100% true. Us Renegades are united in strength, love & admiration for Ren, his Team & each other ❤🙏
I always notice the face every reactor makes, even the most poker-faced of them, with the line "See Violet, she was pregnant". Pregnancy is still impactful for all of us. Also, that's the point where a lot of people are guessing the ending.
@synp9ynir agreed. I've noticed that line is usually very tell-tale about whether or not the reactor is going to understand the ending. It took me a while to figure out why I believe some people don't even register the end of the story; I think some get lost after the graphic section of Violet's tale, and don't even hear most of the lyrics after that. Its not often, but it does happen; I always find it a real shame when they do, because for most people there is a huge release of the tension built up to that point with the revelations that come at the end. I'm not even sure HOW Ren does it, but somehow by bringing everything full circle, anger and anxiety turn to empathy and understanding. Masterful work on all accounts.
Bringing awareness to intergenerational domestic violence, how often the cycle perpetuates...
Definitely a social commentary on those who are in the peripherals, left behind by an affluent society, living in vicious cycle of poverty and violence.
Wicked Bardcore for sure. A 21st century minstrel in a track suit. Changed me forever.
Bro Minstrel is a caricature of a black person often now considered offensive. He's a bard for sure. A story telling musician but Minstrel they usually dressed in black face.
I love the change in acoustics change from room to room. No amount of mixing could replace that. Ren is a genius!
Ren was inspired by a news story of a 14 yo boy killing a young prostitute, or something similar. I think he is trying to develop a new type of musical storytelling and wants to approach Netflix with it. I would also add that if you dont like this side of Ren, he does so much more and does it all exceptionally.
He never goes out of character. When he's directly addressing us not as either Jenny, Screech or Violet (and maybe Richard), he's the storyteller, like the medieval minstrels or troubadours, walking around with instruments telling stories. Even some of his music here has that medieval sound, presumably intentionally as he's the one who set himself up as the minstrel/troubador. This medieval style of story telling to music has very recently been given the name 'bardcore', as in a bard, someone who recites stories/epics in the medieval times.
Totally pulls you in. The first time I saw Violet's Tale, I had to stop and take a break. I very nearly had a panic attack from him coming so close to look in the camera, because I had experienced someone forcing me that close to their face during punishment or interrogations, when I was a child. That's nothing compared to other people, who may have been triggered from the actual description of physical abuse, but the point I'm making is, it made me feel the feeling again and my body panicked.
Luckily, I was able to get my sh*t back together so I could continue watching it.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
In terms of the releases, the tales of Jenny and Screech were released in 2019. It was loosely inspired by an article in the paper about a 14 year old boy who killed a prostitute. The police officer who killed the boy was quoted saying “it’s such a shame.” Ren did a whole series of Instagram stories as the character of Screech (he compiled them and they are on his YT channel). It gives more background and insight into the character.
It’s only until we know the twist at the end that we realize that Jenny was also 14, walking the streets alone at night in high heeled shoes. It makes her story even more tragic. And you wonder how their lives might have been different if they hadn’t been separated at birth.
Ren released Violet’s Tale in 2022. The clue that he gives is the “two zero zero five” referring to the year 2005, which is 14 years before Jenny and Screech. I think his motivation was to portray the impact of generational trauma and the cycles of violence. He’s been close to people who have experienced abuse. Screech had uncontrollable rage like his father. Violet and Jenny both froze in silence as a defense mechanism when faced with danger.
Samuel Perry-Falvey did the filming. He’s a brilliant cinematographer. They’ve worked together on many videos, but the live one-shot videos are where they truly shine. They also worked together on Money Game part 1 and part 3. MG3 is a masterpiece!
I just want to add emphasis on the cycles, because to me, this is where the true genius of it all lies. both jenny's and screech's tale end with the beginning, in jenny's case, "it was a quiet dark knight...", and screech's "our story, it [starts] right where it [ends]". This is all by design, he's pointing out that these things happen over and over. "it's such a shame" is social commentary about how we hear these stories with indifference and just continue on with our lives. Thoughts and prayers.
But then, two years later, as he wrote violet's, not only did he once again repeat the beginning at the end: "London City, far from pretty", but he goes even further, the characters themselves are a repeat, screech and jenny taking the traits of the parents, all the way down to the sudden panic when they realize what they've done. but, oh no, he doesn't stop there. Now he takes the entire saga, all of it, and makes it also end at the beginning, and begin at the ending. An absolute masterstroke, and i will never be unimpressed by it.
I think he wrote it to illuminate the tragedies that go on daily in the streets of cities, to the underclass that no one acknowledges. It's an opening of people's eyes to the realities happening every day, in hopes that more people grow a greater social conscience and help us all start working together to mend such social ills.
The genetics and the twin bond make sense. I think Ren came so close to death himself, that these stories show how fragile life is. It also shows how cruel death can be.
Ren's acting skills sell this. I think he would be terrific in the right film roles.
Leave the acting to those who need multiple shots/retakes and sound editing. What he does is better than that.
I think he's expressed interest in directing.
Absolutely!
The best part of the Tales for me is how Ren made me not like Screech and a few minutes laters feeling sorry for Screech and realizing he’s a victim too. Everyone has a story and Ren is able to remind us to not be quick to judge. At least for me that was my take on this story. It’s really beautiful!
Ha, you were quick to judge Ren too. I’m so glad you gave him another chance. Your reactions and feedback are great. Thank you
If you look through rens page, prior to releasing Screech's tale, there is a series of shorts that Ren released a week or 2 leading up to the release. . It was posted that Ren's phone had been stolen and this delinquent kid had it and was posting on Ren's page. It's a great insight into Screech.
Ren makes reactors jobs so easy because Ren videos make you want to discuss what you just watched.
And it makes their jobs so much harder as they just sit there and are totally absorbed by the story not reacting or possibly even breathing for parts of it. :/
Ren believes in talking about things that are difficult in our culture.
He really embraces societal change. This story is all about the cycle of generational violence.
If you really want something different, EDEN is all spoken word video that was the culmination of his actual Money Games he created in preparation for the release of Money Game 3 and the album.
It's an updated Greek Tragedy that leaves the viewer thinking.
And it took me several tries to get through the entire story because it hit me in the gut. But I had to return because I was so blown away by the performance.
And that is part of what's mind blowing. Every single thing about it is intricately planned and interwoven. And there's no big budget; it's straight up creativity.
I cannot get it out of my mind and that's why I consider this to be an exceptional piece of work.
What especially gets me is that 2 years after the Tales of Jenny and Skreetch, he adds Violet’s Tale …! Trying all 3 together and adding tremendous depth to the tragedy.
The cinematographer for the Ren videos you have seen is his friend Samuel Perry-Falvey. For a change of pace, check out Animal Flow, an amazing one-take video shot by his friend Luke Flegg. And follow up with the live version, shot on a moving bus by Samuel. Wicked fun.
You’ve totally earned my respect for your thoughtful reactions. Given your initial reaction to Hi Ren, you took a second look at REN’s work, and came entirely about face with it. As a director, the subsequent praise is huge, coming from you, as I assume you have quite a background in these things. I am always astonished with these storylines Ren comes up with. He is a modern day master!
Ren''s background in music is kinda unique. He spent many years busking. Some of the lessons he learned; You gotta grab people. If they don't like what you do they'll just finish their shopping'. You need to focus on performing to a small group, and when they are entertained, the crowd will grow and suddenly there's a hundred people. Don't stop! Life is imperfect, but leave the roughness and carry on forward so you will carry the audience with you (THEY don't care that you hit one bum note three bars ago, so you mustn't either!). There are always 'stock/signature' techniques you can keep in reserve: one of which is to treat silence as a musical and lyrical element! (These are paraphrasing things he's talked about in interviews)
Think about especially in Violets tale how everything, every spot was pre-planned. Acoustics in the hall, in the stairwell and how he ended just at the right spot. The thought he had to have put in, just to get that right.
Fully agree. It is worth looking at the comments. See how many people who have experienced domestic violence felt heard and spoken for. He does like dark stories, but he really works to understand and give those experiences justice. It gets people talking and opening up.
Rens experience busking really helps in his live one take videos. If you want to hear him just popping off, there’s a cut of one of his streams (it’s called spontaneous stream jam I think) on hexenkinds channel. Rens guitar isn’t even plugged in and he plays Daniel beddingfield (sp?) to Elvis to acoustic guitar 50 cent and it all sounds incredible. He’s just sitting in his room on twitch. So good
This was a great reaction. Yeah, Ren is well, he transcends music and acting and takes musical performance to a whole new level.
His use of sound and silence, the use of the one-take video that builds trust for the audience and authenticates the performance. Especially in this day and age, when the majority of music is so overproduced and inauthentic performances that are auto-tuned.
His use of public spaces, his incorporation of the environment, his use of instruments to function as props as part of the storytelling.
Yep, Ren's resetting the bar for music. And I dig the filmmaker's perspective you bring to the reaction.
I'll have to check out some of your other reactions to him.
Ren has unlimited talent. That man has so much talent locked inside.. im here for all of it!! been a big fan of Ren for a while now. A real artist he is!!
New part coming soon it’s not over yet. Glad you finally see and appreciate the genius that REN is FACT. He is our modern day Shakespeare and some in the flesh.
I’ve watched this video hundreds of times and never noticed the name Violet at the bottom of the bed. You are the only one so far, bravo 👏🏼
Brilliant reaction thanks!🔥🔥🔥 Samuel is Samuel Perry-Falvey and yes he is the DOP. Brilliant fellow as well right?!! I believe Ren wrote Jenny after a news story about a lady who was mugged and murdered in London then he wrote Screech to see things from his perspective. The whole Trilogy I think is about the cycle of domestic violence and it's impact on society. Violet was a molested by her father, her mother drank and knew what was going on. Violet escaped at 16 she fell for Stevie who was abusive and he ended up killing her. Her babies ended up separated at birth as there was no reliable family to take Jenny and Screech in so they went into the system of gov't run childcare (not a great start to life). Jenny turns out to be like her mom a quiet scared girl and Screech grew up on the streets and turned out to be like his father violent and unstable. The Death of Jenny and Screech ended that whole family line in one night in one fell swoop. Modern Day tragedy😥happens all too often
Here's my understanding of how the origin story of this trilogy came to be & the messages, that I believe Ren intended, are within. 🤩😁🤯
This wasn't originally a trilogy story. Ren read a small article about a 14 yr old boy killing a young prostitute with a knife in an attempted robbery. Knife crime had been skyrocketing in London at this time. Later that same evening the boy had been shot and killed by the armed police division that was responding to a sighting of a possible suspect connected to a girl found murdered in Sussex Gardens area in Paddington - one of the capital's most notorious red light districts. It disturbed him, so he set out to write a commentary not just on senseless violence, but on how desensitized we've become to it. The words he ends both Jenny and Screech's Tales with is "It's such a Shame" we say these words all to often and just move on without a second thought. The the lead inspector was quoted saying " So Young, It's such a shame".
Violets Tale was written over 2 years later adding another layer of commentary by Ren. He wanted us to consider not only generational violence but to make us look at all angles of society that we turn a blind eye to. Both characters are born out of violence on that cruel night of Violets beating and then both killed with brutal violence in the same night 14yrs later. Also, his lyrics have even more meaning when you read in between the lines. For example he doesn't say what Jenny was doing or why she wanted to escape from this place & life, or why Screech thought she was older saying at Patrick's door "I left this lady lying on the floor". Could that be because the way she's dressed & her heavy makeup? Also why was a 14yr old girl out so late in the dead of night walking alone in a sketchy area, wearing high heeled shoes, walking down a street that "she's walked it a thousand times before"? Everything points to Jenny being an underage prostitute, showing us what Ren writes has reason & is made to make us think. There's no fat on the bone, every word is weighed & has meaning.
Interesting how Jenny has the same traits as her mother Violet, quiet, voiceless, and timid. Whereas Screech mirrors his father Stevie (the Prick boyfriend) in every way, Loud, obnoxious, and easily provoked to violence. They didn't know one another and had never met their biological parents. What made these kids so much like their parents? Was it simply Nature, inherited traits due to their genetic make-up OR Nurture, being brought up in the broken governmental system filled with, mistreated & in many cases, abused children, shuffled from one foster home to another ? He organically takes us on this journey, leaving us to think shouldn't we be doing better in this so called "advanced, wealthy, 1st world society.
I'm loving your reactions. Cheers🍻
This is a disturbingly entertaining depiction of the cycle of domestic violence. Like many of his other songs, Ren is bringing attention to difficult societal issues in a way that makes us identify with characters and through them, understand the issues better. His talent is phenomenal. Great reaction and breakdown.
Ren is just a genius. Really liked your reaction.
As I remember... Ren did Jenny and Screech in 2019. That's why 2005 is so important in Violet"s. 14 years before they were born: and they were 14 when they met (and died).
Edit
By the way... Nice work mate. Liked and subbed
Ren is a genius storyteller! There is no one like him. Thanks for your reactions!
Learning this at the end puts Jenny's tale into so much perspective. Until the end you have no idea Jenny is a 14 year old girl in heels walking the street late at night with rose on her cheeks.
I’ve watched so many of these reacts to this tale and you are the first person to call out the bed in violets tale . Very cool
Ren is a MASTER storyteller.
Comments on the cycle of domestic violence. He supposedly read about a case somewhere, and he felt inspired to tell a story. ren does a few long interviews you can find easily and answers alot of your questions. He is unique, and excellent in so many genres, it's unreal. I haven't seen this kind of talent in one person, I am just amazed by him.
Great reaction thank you!!! Ren is a masterful storyteller, lyricist, rapper, musician and artist.
Not all of Ren's song are this dark... just in case some of the chatters reading this ^^
One of my all-time favorite movies is Casablanca. It's one of the few movies that I've seen over and over again without ever getting tired of it. Now I've added another movie to my favorites list. It's only 13 minutes long, with only two actors--Ren and his videographer, Sam. It's called The Tale of Jenny and Screech. As with Casablanca, I've seen this movie at least 50 times and never get tired of it. Your great reaction to it helps drive home the reasons why I'm blown away by it every time. You also pointed out something I missed in all those viewings: Violet's name on the end of the bed. That little detail alone shows just how dedicated Ren and Sam were in making this serious work of art.
He's the consummate performer/artist personified - and in the broadest sense. No boundaries - he just does what he does without concern for classification, reference to others or self-imposed boundaries. I'm quite sure he's something special.
I understand he wrote Violets Tale a couple of years after the first two parts, when he had an idea how to complete the cycle.
His use of the natural acoustics around him and moving through it, especially in Violet’s Tale, is fckn amazing!!
In my opinion Ren is the Shakespeare of the 21st Century!
At 23:00. That wasn't a musical break. He was fast forwarding the time. As opposed to rewinding the time when sitting in the hospital bed.
so many people seem to miss that
@@gobkin123just came to say exactly that!
guys its both. the break is still there for a reason.
Ren's goal is to have a Netflix series! He is working on that !
I feel he will achieve this goal.
Years since I saw ren, he's moved up so much. To a different level.
You get it / I’ve been into music, novels, films for 40 plus years. He’s got Hendrix,Reinhardt guitar skills, Dickens, Steinback story telling and Welles, Scorcese (with Sam) cinematography - humbly admit that I thought I’d heard the best music - but this lad is amazing. Ta for a fantastic reaction vid.
Absolutely love this comment 👏👏❤️
Samuel Perry-Falvey is the genius behind the camera work in many of Ren's videos.
I'll always stop and watch a reactor watch this. No you wouldn't bump it in your car, but he has plenty of other songs that I certainly do.
So thankful I discovered Ren about a year ago…. He’s changed my vision on what’s possible with music and art… with epic beats and lyrical perfection! Great reaction!
I am so so happy that you hear and fully appreciate the story and pure talent. THANK you
Absolutely, Ren is a masterful storyteller, rapper, song writer, guitarist, pianist, and singer. The guy is just amazing!!!
He's a beautiful person - the kindest of men - a total hero thats had a hard time - brilliant to see respect x 🙏💝
"Bardcore" is what Ren calls his style of storytelling
As a DV survivor, bringing these stories out to the light and not flinching away from it, is so validating. Violet isn't made into a damsel or object; she's brutalized but still a PERSON. They (Ren and Sam) conveyed the horror and chaos of the experience very well without being overly explicit. Brilliant.
oh my gosh it makes my heart so happy to see you discovering this intense series from Ren. He is a modern marvel to me, He has brought something new, and something meaningful. Thank you for this ♡
Ren truly is a once in a lifetime artist and I’m so glad it was in my lifetime. Even if you don’t like what he’s doing, it’s not your thing, you have to respect his genius and talent. I think people connect with it because he’s not afraid to talk about taboo topics such as domestic violence, mental health etc He is genuine and shows his raw emotions. It’s not fake, I think people respect that openness and vulnerability of it. Also I agree his pieces make you think for a long time after viewing them. I found your channel because of Stray Kids reactions, and I’m so pleased you’re covering Ren.
Not just a multi-talented: musician, singer, actor, composer, lyricist, script-writer, set / lighting / acoustics director - & Masterful Story-Teller, but a very powerful Social Commentator.
Ren skips across and dips in and out of various genres and uses every tool, in his very considerable 'tool-kit', to bring us right into the scene to 'stand witness'. { One viewer said; "I felt like I should press pause & run to the phone and dial 911!"} He moves seamlessly between each character & flips in and out of Narrator. He blends multiple genre's, including medieval tunes and associated 'Olde World' Town Crier narration styles. He calls his work "BardCore", but if you look at UK's standard Bardcore, you will see he does Much MUCH More.
Ren IS the Modern Shakespeare
He spotlights the tough issues: domestic violence, incest, street violence, homeless kids, the falures of State 'Care' systems, the corruptions of our capitalistic system, where the socio-politico checks and balances have been subverted and profit ( at any cost) became 'king'.
In his Money Game series he highlights the huge discrepancies /gaps growing between the Have's & the Have Not's.
In his Sick Boi, and Hi Ren, pieces etc., he highlights his own devastating experiences and consequences of the deficits in the generic health and mental health systems, when misdiagnosis leads to life limiting, even life threatening deterioration, chronic illness and chronic pain.
This Trilogy?
Ren was disgusted at how quickly the deaths of an under-age prostitute and a street kid disappeared in the 24 hour ever-churning News Cycle. People look away from uncomfortable truths, they murmur vague platitudes like; "Oh what a shame..." and then click away to the next item. To something more palatable, more 'entertaining'. (If it were the daughter of a 'prominent citizen' knifed to death in an alley returing from a night out would it only warrant a 90 second 'news bite'? )
Ren says; "No! Wait. Stop! Look here! These lives - these deaths - are important!" He lays out the pathways that lead innocents like Jenny, Violet and 'poor boy' Screech also, into becoming victms and/ or perpetrators, and then he leaves the big question hanging for us to ponder. "If we KNOW why these tragedies keep happening - and we DO - then WHY are we not doing more to stop this?" He does the same in Murderer. He lays out, (one of) the pathways that created a psychopathic killer. And all to a super catchy beat!
WHERE does all this Creativity and 'Key Messaging' originate?
[ * Ren has said his father was a Psychotherapist and his Mother involved in running Psycho-Therapeutic Drama Worshops for a time. They were 'Hippy-Dippies' for a while and in his childhood he was taken to multiple Folk and other Music Festivals where he was exposed to many cultures, many musical styles, much of these of course; 'story-telling' with social messages and inevitably absorbing many socio-politico debates of the day.]
He ( much like Dimash in fact - although utilising a very different tool-kit ) feels social-injustice keenly, and believes if you have 'a voice' you also have a responsibility to use it for 'the greater good'. Again, and much like Dimash, he's skipping over and beyond the narrow genre specific lanes of the current music industry and, very effectively and powerfully, reaching millions. I think he's doing Great!
There's so many layers of amazing to this trilogy. The performance musically, acting, camera work, co-ordination, writing, etc etc.
I've seen this series many many times and just yesterday picked up on something new to me. When he sings about Jenny he never looks at the camera, non-confrontational. Screech stares dead at it.
Your reaction to REN’s “Tales” is a delight to watch. I really enjoyed your professionalism and content on storytelling/production. This is my second most favorite REN music performance. Thanks!
Your reaction is your explanation of this text is extraordinary
It makes us realise how important this artist is globally and socially❤
Masterfully executed art form.
Ren being around theater from a young age and performing music live in the streets (aka busking) means he has a natural affinity to stage acting in that his stage is wherever he chooses to perform and his ability to show so much with so little is right out of a live play. The fans joke about it by calling it Bardcore or comparing him to a minstrel or troubadour but thats exactly what this sort of storytelling is and its simply amazing. I love good theater for this very reason because when the story, even the macabre, latches on, it takes you for a ride with the most minimal or non-existent of sets and thats exactly what Ren did with the tales trilogy.
Ren is such an amazing storyteller. The way he tied these stories together is masterful. Great reaction! ❤❤
❤Roscoe the reluctant RENagade lol. REN got him in the end.❤ Blessed Be❤
Great commentary and breakdown of Ren and his artistry. He is one unique & humble individual that we are blessed with in these turbulent times. Excellent reaction sir. Kia kaha from NZ
My man. He is not just an talented entertainer or artist, he is an once in a generation prodigy; just like Shakespeare centuries before, he is an bard.
The way he seamlessly bounces between various characters and the narrator, just blows my mind. EPIC storytelling and vision. Writing, singing, performance... top shelf. Thanks.
Theres a reason his fans, the RENegades, gifted him with his OWN genre name!
And it Fits... Perfectly!!!
Roscoe, you don't need to worry that what you say may not make for a good reaction. Your instincts are golden. I'm always here for whatever you react to from Ren or from Dimash. I recognize monumental, generational talent, and I understand that you do too. That's a lot of what makes you a compelling reactor.
The symmetry of Jenny & Screech lying one street apart and lying side by side in Violet is powerful to me. And when he sings "The Devil comes to dance" he ends the word with a hiss like a serpent. Chef's kiss.
Violet was Jenny and Screech's mother (the two twins). The twins grew up separately, not knowing each other. Ren writes all his own stories (lyrics), writes and produces all his own music, is a phenomenal (self-taught, btw) guitar, and piano player. Ren is a literal genius! And Samuel's camera work is amazing! Ren's real emotions explode in one of his older song's he wrote at the height of his illness, called "Crutch". The cinematography is breathtaking and the song is hauntingly beautiful. Also, "For Joe" is an emotional masterpiece! Ren is our modern day musical anomaly!
This one makes you sweat. It's interesting that by the end of Violets Tale, like a magician he has caused you to forget it's supposed to tie back somehow to Jenny and Screech. A sleight of hand and then wham, there it is and you remember. And your brain explodes.
From what I’ve heard thus far-
1. Violet for years was assaulted by her dad and wound up pregnant
2. Violet meets Stevie who’s a complete ass hat and abuses her like her dad and probably beats her for being pregnant so of course he’s gonna play the “you cheated so I get to beat you” bs card.
3. In 2005 Violet gets beaten severely goes to hospital where she has her twins Jenny and James aka Screech then she dies.
4. Being that Violets gone, Stevie’s probably going to do some time and I wouldn’t leave a stuffed animal with Violets parents they twins go into the foster care system.
5. 14 years pass of which we know nothing about but can figure if a 14 yr old girl is walking the streets of London in high heels her life probably wasn’t so great (and Ren verified that in an insta story) and we heard more about James being a “kid of the street”
6. James attempts to rob Jenny, she freezes in fear he loses his mind and cuts her up killing her.
7. James now freaking out goes to his “best friend” Patrick (more like the guy who found him and other kids on the street and “helps them out” and usually turns them in to addicts and sex workers) but he’s either not home or just not answering
8. Then our villian calls his girlfriend but alas she is busy too (gee I wonder who with??? Yeah it’s Patrick).
9. Then we have our poor officer Dick who was probably hoping for a nice mellow night when he ends up with some psycho kid who he has to fatally shoot which lets face it if you’re a good person that shits gonna stick with you forever.
10. Telling the story they way he does I noticed a couple of things
(A)Both Violet and Jenny were silent as was Violets mother who stayed silent while her husband sexually assaulted her daughter. (B)Everything we learn about Jenny and Violet is from the narrator or minstrel (cuz that’s what Ren is, a very old soul who has seen some shit). They never speak except for the desperate pleas from Violet to save her Babies.
11. James, Stevie and Violets dad were all violent abusive assholes. We were so surprised on that one right.
12. The “It’s such a shame” line in Jenny and Screeches tale is kinda like what we all sorta do when we hear tales like this on the news. We say oh what a shame and then go about our days.
13. Also telling Violets story last allows for that amazing gut punch that brings most of us to tears.
*Edited side note*
In Violets tale he was heavily the minstrel/narrator. In Shakespeare plays as well as Greek comedies and tragedy they’d interact with the audience (break the 4th wall) as they explained what we were watching or what was implied in a certain scene so it makes sense for him to break character during the beating scene.
If you’ve read this far THANK YOU so very much and please let me know what you feel it was. Also Happy Saturday y’all.
Oh and yeah don’t know if you can tell but I never shut up thanks ADHD)
Ren is so much like Cillian Murphy in looks ( Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer ) , who is very likely to win an Oscar this year, maybe the Oscar should really go to Ren! Love your reaction to this amazing story of awareness to the society we actually live in!
The detail of Voilets tale being released in 2019, the song happened in 2005 and the twins were 14 💜
I love the way you can draw so much meaningful commentary from the very artistry at play here, delving into the complexities of the actual story is a whole other set of layers on top! It's just a masterful piece of work on every level 🤯 thank you for a great reaction!
Ren never disappoints. He is one of my favorites and is indeed a master storyteller. He's a modern day bard; or minstrel. Apologies in advance for my long comment. This is why I don't comment often. I think you'd really appreciate some of Nightwish's other songs. I know you've done one of theirs in Phantom of the Opera with their original singer. But I think you'd appreciate the storytelling in their many other works and live shows. There are only a handful of official videos they've done. They are always best live. One of the tightest bands and one of the most amazing vocalists of our day, in my opinion. Noise is an amazing video they shot. I think it's right up your alley. And any of their live stuff from Wacken 2013, Wembley 2015, or Tampere live, and their live from Buenos Aires. You won't go wrong choosing a song from any of those shows. Also, they recently released a compilation live for one of their newer songs called Tribal. It's amazing as well. I believe the shots were taken from a show in Finland and one in Greece, but I could be mistaken. Their current lead vocalist, Floor, tells the stories and pulls you in, emotionally, masterfully. I really hope you dive in to a few more from them. I would start with Noise official video, and another great one for storytelling is one called Dead Boys Poem live from Buenos Aires. It's deep, but wonderful. There are too many to mention. Song of Myself live from Wacken 2013 is another - titled and inspired by the poem of the same name by Walt Whitman. Elan is another offical video they did that I think you'd really like with the visuals and meaning of the song itself. Hopefully you see this and dive into some of their stuff! Keep on with your Ren journey! Love your reactions! I'm here for all of it! Blessings to you and yours from Alabama!
finally a reactor talks about being pulled into the story. Great reaction. I think the part where he pinches her eyelids and folds them up... the way he works with the camera at that moment, that's when you get dragged into the story. But the build up with him knocking on the door, all leads up to that moment. If you have ever had to hold your door shut at night while someone full of drink and intent on violence is on the other side, you are already beginning to empathise with those knocks, and pretending to sleep and hoping he'll go away, but the folding the eyelids up, suddenly you are no longer just empathising with Violet, you are in the story, for a moment, you are Violet. It's scarily well done. The way he circles, actually makes me fearful of Ren were I ever to meet him. He seems like a really genuine good bloke to know but watching Violet's tale makes you feel that there is a darkness in him which I hope is just incredibly good acting and storytelling. Violet's tale remains my favourite of all his work.
As dark as these stories are and can be painful for some, i can't help re watching it over and over. I even know all the words. it's mad, but we renagades keep pushing Ren further because he is so genuinely a great guy. Masterful at his trade, and i will forever follow him whatever he may do
THE Bard. I love this piece, as horrifying as it is. So beautiful, rich, disturbing...shakespearean tragedy. His guitar work, his wordsmithing....all of it. I notice new things every time I watch it. The one-shot, visceral style....we are there, intimately, terrifyingly.....PRESENT in real time.
Well said, friend.
This is a whole a$$ movie. He is so good at this.
Violet's tale is a song withing a song. It's a totally different harmony, melody and rhythm between the rewinding and forwarding of the "hands of time".
I think the sheer brutality of Violet's tale sort of knocks the previous tales out of your head, so by the time he finally drops that final bombshell you've almost forgotten about Jenny and Screech; it just makes it hit that much harder
Sorry I'm late to the party, but I wanna just say thank you for your masterful reaction to his masterful storytelling!
I truly enjoyed the explanation from a Director's perspektive at the end. I now know more about why I love Ren's work so much.
Great reaction, pal. Well put about the fact that it is us as viewers / listeners that are imagining all the violence, fear, intimidation without there being anything other than Ren's descriptive power. You definitely have a great eye for detail. Keep up the good work, pal.
Seriously, he’s got this way of… when Ren speaks, you don’t have a choice but to listen.
His language, the words he uses, the camerawork… listening to these makes me feel like I just watched an hour-long film.
i just want to say you have such a great and respectful chat!
I love the little detail of his use of the reverse of the 'rewinding the hands of time' guitar riff from the start of Jenny's Tale to let you know when we are coming back to 'now' in the story. Bardcore was coined by Ren to describe this style. Things to think about... the twins were 14 years old (The trilogy came out in 2019 and Violet's tale was in two zero zero five) Jenny froze when confronted by Screech as 'still as a statue in high heel shoes' while she was walking home at night on a street she had walked a 'thousand times before'. Screech pounds on his best friends door and he's not at home and when he calls his GF, obviously upset and asks to see her, she tells him she's 'busy'. OK, that could be a coincidence, but... The whole thing is just a masterful statement on the cycle of crime and violence and how dysfunction perpetuates itself. Money Game 3 will kick your a*** as well.
Did you notice that his surroundings were completely silent? He fills that space with his narration and story. The lack of distraction lends to the focus and immersion of the viewers experience.
My first watch I was so worked up after violet getting beat to an inch of her life when said “a tragedy or miracle” I stopped the video and turned off my phone. I was like what fucking miracle? Dudes just glorifying violence. But then I decided to turn it back on and finish it and I was in shock and awe.
It was the 'miracle' which revealed the twist to me.
People would say that the babies living was a miracle. He’s saying, “are you viewing this news as a tragedy that the mother died, or a miracle that her babies survived?”
Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction. Such a great analysis. Thank you.
I love the one take and also how he doesn’t edit out the ambient sounds. You hear everything
You are a great director based upon your entire verbal collection of approval.