So, what do you folks think of the John Lewis Christmas ad then?

The Groke isn't terrifying, she's just sad I think. I feel sorry for her.

The Lady of the Cold is quite scary though.

midnight

I thought exactly the same about the Groke! it's the moving-without-actually-moving thing, isn't it

Loved it. Made me actually tear up.

Beautiful music, beautiful scenes, perfect recessionista message

• "buy what you need, buy what you love, buy for someone you love". Very, very clever. Hits exactly the right note.

And I blardy love Snowmen.

I thought it was rather good.

Seems there is a small message in there about the homeless at Xmas, as the snowman was seen by a busy bridge, an hiding behind some bins too!

Anyone else get that?

I would love it and think it was very sweet and endearing had I not watched too much bastard Doctor Who and now see fecking 'Weeping Angels' everywhere. Bloody snowmen that move around when you're not watching... just ruined my winter.

I don't like it. It creeps me out. I think it's because the snowman 'moves' a bit like The Groke in the old Moomins cartoons, and The Groke is of course the most terrifying creature in all children's literature.

Well I am blubbing.

I nudged DH and asked him "Why can't you be more like that, hmm?"

He replied "What? A fecking snowman? "

Bastard

While the snowman is off on his "journey" to to JL, the snowwoman has been to Asda (twice), peeled the spuds, done the sprouts, wrapped the presents, cooked the turkey and washed up. And all she gets for her efforts is a poxy matching hat, scarves 'n' gloves set?

Sorry, but she needs to leave the bastard.

I quite like it (had the sound off, which I gather may have helped).

It's inspired me to be a bit more creative with my snowmen this year, maybe along Calvin & Hobbes style.

I'd be happy to write next years for them, Helen

You can tell 'em from me, it's not as bad as those creepy fucker elves in the DFS ad.

So cute. Why am I crying about a bloody snowman (again)? Though it would have been kind of better had she whipped out a guitar and starting singing "Can't buy me looove!" at the end. :)

Also the snowman looks like Mr Woozley

Like Narked I wondered why the snowman didn't order online. Easiest way to shop when you've got no feet and no visible means of transport.
Maybe the next ad will be based on Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Two Tribes. Then we could see an Asda and a JL shopper going head to head in a boxing ring.

Chocolate coins? Surely you mean wine?

Are they paying you for this Helen? Can we be paid in chocolate coins?

So - debrief back to John Lewis, Helen:

Some people like it and some people don't

There's a thread about it.

I actually almost wept.

How many of use watched it and are now inspired to go to John Lewis? I don't fancy that glove, hat and scarf set. Asda ad may be sexist and not as dreary but at least I've an idea of their Christmas product range.

Pretentious wank.

JL did a really good Christmas ad a few years ago then, due to good reaction, convinced themselves that the haunting/moving/tragic/uplifting Xmas ad was what defined them.

Can just imagine the team load of 'creatives' this involved. The endless 'brain storming' and 'blue sky thinking'.

it's shit.

Very sweet.
Great song.
Like last years better though.
John Lewis rarely gets it wrong IMO.

The feminist interpretation to this would be 'bollocks to that, why does she need a man to go and buy her gloves when she's capable of doing this herself? You should dump any man who chooses clothes for you, it won't end well. He'll be distancing you from your family and friends next.'

I liked that they didn't do a cheesy reveal of the JL store sign when he is looking up at it. Nice and subtle.

But yes, the Weeping Angel snowman, and the usual depressing JL music. Very distinctively JL sound and look.

Better than the Asda ad x 1 million though.