WoW Moviewatch: Divided Soul
by Adam Holisky 
Jul 30th 2009 at 12:00PM
One of the mainstays at BlizzCon is the machinima contest – talented artists submit their movie ahead of the convention in hopes of winning fame and prizes. This year's BlizzCon is no different, and we're sure to see some great videos during the largest gathering of WoW players outside of Azeroth. Over the next few days let's take a look back at some of the winners and runner ups of last year's movie competition.
Continuing from yesterday's Rumpus, today we'll look at the winner of last year's drama category - Divided Soul by Martin Falch. The movie definitely lives up to its title, and is a good choice from the winner in this category.
The tale is of one of friendship across the life span of two Orcs. Their tale moves from being best friends to bitter enemies. Context of love and lust, and of the role of a child's upbringing also come into play. It's a good and short yarn.
The animation is pretty good as well. The characters move in a fluid and lifelike fashion. There are very few jagged movements that look out of context – something that I appreciate. The voice acting done throughout the film is also pretty good. Whereas yesterday I criticized Rumpus for not having enough inflection and variation in some of their voice acting, here in Divided Soul I think they do it just right.
Worth a watch!
Filed under: WoW Moviewatch, Machinima
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan Jul 30th 2009 12:35PM
That was terribad,
Acting = crap
Storyline = crap
Oh orc obsessed with strength again, cool, nice to see somebody has imagination
well disappointment, where's some good machinima?
off to watch rogue crit videos
SIRIUS Jul 30th 2009 1:00PM
Not every machinima has to have a ground breaking storyline and deep characters. Hell, NO Machinima needs to.
Personally, I loved Divided Soul.
Boombaclot Jul 30th 2009 12:51PM
Dude that was actually one of the best videos I have seen. You sound like one of those d-bag critics who have nothing better to do then talk down on an obviously well put together wow vid. Animation was great and even if its "same old story" it was still a good one. Try yanking your head out of your wrecked-em and you might be able to actually see what good machinima is.
And seriously rogue crit videos???
Agony Jul 30th 2009 1:23PM
It was crap?
Gee, THAT must be why Blizzard chose it over the numerous other entries as the winner, huh?
Stick to posting "yawnimus reximus" for contest posts. You suck at trolling.
schwonga Jul 30th 2009 1:46PM
The thing that stuck out the most was the combat. Taking the time to actually have metal sparking off of metal, having convincing collision happening more than twice the how movie all the while not using the seizure inducing shaky cam the *whole* damn time (I'm looking at you Bourne Identity) was a nice thing to see.
The story line did leave a big gaping whole of "uhh, why?" but besides that an entertaining movie for sure.
schwonga Jul 30th 2009 1:49PM
Going to go ahead and add that the only way the plot *could* make sense if that it was trying to pull a split personality type idea, in that its really just one orc and this represented the inner turmoil of the two personalities, hence the name "divided soul."
I hesitated to put this out there, if only because I find it to be an over done idea, but it still works pretty well, if that's indeed the case.
Skarlette Jul 30th 2009 1:53PM
I don't quite understand the plot, but the movie was very well done.
Luke Jul 30th 2009 2:01PM
That guy was using Jang'thraze the Protector! Why didn't it bubble him? :3
Urza Jul 30th 2009 2:00PM
The ending was a bit abrupt and I didn't get the fight's outcome but I thought it was very good.
Rich Smith Jul 30th 2009 2:41PM
First time I've seen this video. I absolutely loved it.
Kudos to those who made it.
BladedDingo Jul 30th 2009 5:06PM
Have you ever seen fight club? this movie was the same idea. There was never two orcs, it was only the one with the blue eyes, he was alone and weak, so he invented a stronger version of himself to get him through life, and his alto ego saved him thats why HE got all the credit for the battles he fought, not because his friend saved him and was ignored, but becuse he actually DID save himself.
When he was a war hero and had friends and a family he no longer needed his alter ego, his life was how he wanted it, then when he suspected his wife of cheating, his "friend" came back to deal with the problem that he was too weak to handle.
The entire battle took place in his head really and it was just a dramatic suicide, he couldn't handle it anymore. The aggressive orc was a manifestation of all that he ever wanted and couldn't be it left when there was no need for it.
skreeran Aug 1st 2009 6:45PM
Finally, someone gets it!
Thanks for explaining to everyone. :P
freeway8989 Jul 31st 2009 2:04AM
Well, if that's the case, then the movie didn't really make that clear. But it does make the plot make a little more sense.
But, I dunno, it's not quite as poignant as Fight Club. Now, it doesn't have to be, but I don't think any self respecting film-maker wouldn't aim for that--which is why we should judge the movie in regards to how successfully it achieved that.
I think the author simply got too ahead of himself trying to establish drama between the characters and forgot to develop them further.
Badger Jul 30th 2009 7:54PM
That was really well-done, especially the visuals during combat.
I definitely did *not* see the split personality thing, though. That wasn't made clear at all.
BladedDingo Jul 30th 2009 8:38PM
watch it again, if you watch it with the idea that it's a split personality, then all the scenes will make THAT much more sense.
al30024 Jul 30th 2009 11:36PM
not bad, awesome video.
Torren Jul 31st 2009 1:30AM
After I realized the name of the movie was "Divided Soul" I realized it was only one Orc. Very, very awesome movie. The first time through I was wondering why Sarlek died from an unseen chest injury. Again, awesome movie.
Kitzy Jul 31st 2009 8:15AM
Sooo old, at least in Kitzy years lol, But it was great back then, compared to now maybe not as super kewl, but every craft has it's roots somewhere.
totemdeath Jul 31st 2009 8:48AM
This is by no means Martin's best work. For that honor, look up 'Tales of the Past 3'