'Break Free' - A Film Student's Tear Jerking Advertisment for an Old Pair of Shoes

Flip on any TV right now, or go to your favorite YouTube Channel, and chances are you'll see a commercial for something tied to the sports or sports apparel world. It'll feature toned and muscular athletes doing extraordinary feats of skill, strength, or speed. In the advertisements, there will be lots of fancy CGI or advanced computer graphics, and other such stunning visuals used to help sell their products. However, one German film student, Eugen Merher, thought that maybe a simpler more heartfelt approach could sell the message even better.

I find in most cases it's a bit over the top and fails to really give me a reason to want to buy their product, at least not a reason better than, "Oh they had the best advert."

The above video, while simple in nature, is extremely well done and is well crafted. The video features an elderly gentleman in a retirement home, who seems to spend most of his days longing for something from days long gone; a sad tale. One day, he discovers an old pair of running shoes and as the video progresses you come to find out, that he is in fact a retired Marathon runner. He makes several attempts, to the amazement of staff at the retirement home as well as the other residents, to escape the home in order to run free again. Cutting back and forth from showing him running and exercising, to being held back by the staff of the home. In each segment of the video, he is getting stronger and faster until the supervisor strips him of his prized shoes, throwing him back into his depressive state. Only for a moment though, as his fellow residents get his sneakers back and help him break free from the home. With an ending that will inspire you, definitely check it out. The 26-year-old film student reportedly sent the film to the Adidas Communications and Marketing Department and as of yet has not heard a response.

[via Huffington Post]