Sainsbury's advert Christmas 2014

[jdr]

http://youtu.be/NWF2JBb1bvM

One of the most offensive things I've seen on TV. I understand that Sainsbury's are selling the chocolate bar in the advert to raise funds for The British Legion, however, you can't tell me there isn't another underlying motive. I hate the commercialisation of anything never mind the Christmas truce of 1914

Maybe people will disagree...

I have just seen it the soldiers are wearing a Cheshire Regiment cap badge.
Did not know it was advertising chocolate though, thought it was trailer for a new drama or something.
I bet there getting something out of the deal though as well as free advertising.
Shame on them (Thank God Jamie Oliver wasn't in it)

[badger123]

I'm sorry, I can't agree. Commercialism-maybe. Offensive-definitely not.

In fact, one of the best portrayals of a WW1 event I've seen this year amongst all the dross! It even portrays a 'nice' Christmas story about sharing (chocolate in the pocket)

The insignia looked good (East Yorks or Cheshire and Middlesex)?

Its worth looking at the additional behind the scenes footage and the story behind the advert too at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annota...&v=2s1YvnfcFVs

As for commercialisation its no different to what the French have been doing for years on the WW1 battlefields and have gone into overdrive in the last year (I stayed at the Ibis hotel in Albert 2 years ago with a double room costing £42 per night. the price this year, £82).

At least they appeared to have made a very good effort to make it accurate.

The only downside is that it has that ugly bugger Taff Gillingham is in it (sorry Taff, only joking. If you were involved in the uniforms etc, good effort and nice to see).

And at least they involved the RBL in it. (Don't know if they made a contribution though).

Ivan

[ebro]

I can understand the sentiments in the first post and can't say that I disagree with them.
The only redeeming grace is that RBL is getting that bit of extra publicity and hopefully cash as a result.
Eddie

[Tommo]

To be honest chaps, a hell of a lot of work and effort went into this... I know as I was there. I can't see anything offensive about it, bloody good to see a big name supporting the RBL.

[Mike_2817]

Sainsbury's are also marketing a range of Poppy Goods in aid of the RBL

http://www.sainsburys-live-well-for-.../poppy-appeal/

https://metro.co.uk/2014/11/12/did-s...egion-4946519/

the advert is a joint venture with the Royal British Legion. The chocolate bar featured in the advert will be on sale for £1, with all profits going to the charity.

Either you like or dislike the advert - Either way the RBL is still a winner.....

[cga00]

Saw this advert in full for the first time last night and I thought that it was very well done. While I am in two minds about Sainsburys using this subject as a vehicle to flog christmas goodies to the punters, I was not in the least offended by it. It seems to be pretty much in tune with the centenary and although sanitised, left me with that 'feel good' feeling.
I'm off to watch the penguin advert now!

[REMEVMBEA1]

It's for and in conjunction with the RBL , all profits go to the RBL which means that Sainsburys not only pay for the advert , which isn't cheap, but also pay for the marketing and distribution of the chocolate which a lot of their customers will buy because it's for the RBL , I don't suppose many people will change their shopping habits and use Sainsburys simply because of the chocolate. If there is only 10p profit on a bar and only 10% od customers buy one it will raise thousands for the Legion. Well done Sainsburys.

[NEMO]

Originally Posted by REMEVMBEA1

It's for and in conjunction with the RBL , all profits go to the RBL which means that Sainsburys not only pay for the advert , which isn't cheap, but also pay for the marketing and distribution of the chocolate which a lot of their customers will buy because it's for the RBL , I don't suppose many people will change their shopping habits and use Sainsburys simply because of the chocolate. If there is only 10p profit on a bar and only 10% od customers buy one it will raise thousands
for the Legion. Well done Sainsburys.

Perfect points above , I understand your feeling Jack but got to disagree this had the full backing of the Legion and as stated above ANY money that they obtain from the selling of the chocolate will be great , theres still a side of me that is a `bit` niggled about the commercialisation of this advert but as its the hundreth aniversary I really think we can let this go ( The US having been doing this thing for years ) plus and my main point is this Ive not seen an actual bar so dont know if it carries any notes or message but if any child gets a bar as a present and it gets them thinking about what it represents ? now that has to be good?

[orasot]

Well I enjoyed it & have taken it in the spirit intended, I think it's very well done so congratulations to all involved, the best Xmas ad by far,
Wilf.

[Charliedog012012]

The centenary of the outbreak of World War 1 has been used effectively (but sensitively also) to help educate us of the horrors of war. People have been moved and it is heartening to see so many children who have become conscious of WW1 as a reality and not just a dusty page in their history books. A positive spin off has been a focus on raising money by the RBL a in order to continue their magnificent work. When I first saw the advert, I thought I was seeing a preview of a new drama......very well done and very professional. Initially, i wasn't too sure about it but now I know that the sale of the chocolate is raising money for the RBL, then I am quite happy that Sainsburys have made a genuine effort to help a worthy cause.....the advert focuses on the unexpected and unofficial Christmas truce....a moment of hope in an otherwise horrendous war...that is what the RBL are trying to do is it not?..to bring hope. The idea is clever, the strategy is effective....it is not a way to increase a companies profits on the backs of those who suffered horrendous losses....all in all, it is a brave effort on part of the RBL and I hope it does raise as much money as possible.

[Mercian]

The badges shown in the advert is that of the Cheshire Regiment with out doubt. Here's a interesting extract from a newspaper of the time.

The Dublin Evening Mail 2nd January 1915.
This friendly intercourse with the enemy is also referred to in an interview by a company sergeant major, Frank Naden, of the 6th Cheshire territorial’s who has returned to his home at Stockport for a week's leave. "On Christmas Eve," he said, "as each fireball went up from the German lines, our men shouted 'Hurrah' and 'Let's have another'. They also sang 'Christians, Awake!' and other Christmas hymns. On Christmas Day one of the Germans came out of the trenches and held his hands up. Our fellows immediately got out of their trenches and the Germans got out of theirs, and we met in the middle, and for the rest of the day we fraternised, exchange food, cigarettes and souvenirs. The Germans gave us some of their sausages, and we gave them some of our stuff. The Scotsmen started the bagpipes, and we had a rare old jollification, which included football, in which the Germans took part. The Germans expressed themselves as being tired of the war and wished it was over. They greatly admired our equipment and wanted to exchange jack-knives and other articles. Next day we got an order that all communication and friendly intercourse with the enemy must cease, but we did not fire at all that day, and the Germans did not fire at us."