This ad used Pathos like no other I've seen before -- I actually teared up by the end! Its portrayal of real people being reconnected after so many years was incredibly touching. It made me feel very emotional over an advertisement, something that I would never consider in an emotional sense. I also appreciated the ad's discreet way of showing off Google products. The grandchildren used Google search, weather forecasts, and maps, but the presence of these products throughout the video didn't appear excessive. The real focus was on the heartfelt aspects of the story. The ad also did a great job of remaining honest. I didn't catch any fallacies or common deceptive strategies that many ads use. It just paid attention to the details of the characters and the emotions they felt, while casually displaying their use of Google. It seemed to me that the main goal of the advertisers was simply to tell an amazing story.
I don't usually find so much praise to dole out when it comes to advertising. This ad was an unexpected and welcome exception. I hope Google will continue to put so much careful thought and emotion into their ads. Who knows? Maybe other advertisers will follow.
I totally agree with you! I think that as far as commercials and ads go, google did a great job with it. I really agree with what you were saying about the telling of a beautiful story as opposed to just a commercial. And I totally teared up at the end. I also totally agree with how you said you liked the subtle display of google products. I think that part was done really tastefully without just throwing the product right in your face. The only thing I have to say contrary to what you were saying is I question if the use of such an emotional story was used decisively to hide the fact that after all, it is just a search engine. Other than that, I totally agree with what you said.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree as well, in that Google did a magnificent job with this ad. I felt as if I were watching a movie, rather than a simple commercial. It was amazing how Google was able to both advertise its product, as well as tell such an amazing story in less than four minutes, while it takes directors the same number in hours to get their point across.
ReplyDeleteBut, like Jaclyn, I'll also have to disagree that Google does not an ulterior motive in mind. It seems that the search engine is trying to imply that they are about reuniting people with what and whom they love. In other words, the whole "Google is more than just a search engine" bit. A really clever and touching way of doing it, I'll admit, but still a bit deceptive in its method.