Shard

Agree with this. Although I did find the ad creepy and somewhat insidious.

The melancholy music, the man at the graveside, responders at an accident, a sullen bishop, and somewhat bizarrely, veiled women in a crypt of some sort. The message was, life is hard, praying will help you, you need God. Some brazen emotional blackmail, but what's new.

I also found the scene of the young confused kids doing their prayers at school rather depressing. Young children being indoctrinated well before they have the critical abilities to realise the sham. It smacks of such desperation by the Church.

If the ad was perhaps more upbeat, a Harlem choir singing, climbers saying a prayer before a ascent or something positive, it would be less creepy IMO. It's the reliance on fear rather than celebration of joy that makes me despise this ad.

As for playing it in cinemas...no, definitely not. Captive audience, other faiths, non-faiths, the advertising company has a perfectly reasonable and sensible policy towards this type of advertising. It's nothing to do with Christmas and the fact that the Church is now trying to leverage that argument to rationalise its special privilege shows just how our of touch they are.

Pizzawheel

Agree with the cinemas. Next thing they'll be running al-quaida adverts in there...

Alan2005

It's not a ban you idiots. It's a private business acting in it's own self-interest.

Is everyone around here a ****ing commie now?

Novocastrian

You watched it? FFS, why I pray?

Tirytory

Alright... Keep calm

Paul_Shepherd

Politcal correctness at its most absurd.

Im not particualry religious, but I dont see how it would be offensive to anyone, if it is, then i think said individual needs to get a life, everyone has a free choice, its just an advert. Its no different to a party political broadcast! probably less offensive!

Its just the church trying to encourage more people into the church at the most religious time of year. (even though many people dont see Christmas as that nowadays) hence the reason for the advert from the church of England.

Very silly, and sadly just goes to show how absurd political correctness ultimately rules these days.

Pizzawheel

Dunno. I'd say it's political correctness when it's a public body, but when it's a commercial organisation turning down advertising revenue I think you can only call it a business decision.

Tirytory

It's not PC gone mad.. If you pay (exorbitant amounts of money) to go to the cinema, I for one do not want to watch that type of thing. I love trailers- more trailers but certainly nothing that I am a captive audience for. At least you can shut the doors on a Jehovah's Witness politely of course.

Was this for all ages? Because my level of feeling would go up quite significantly if I thought this would be aimed at my children...

withabix

All religions are bullshit in equal amounts.

JamesM

Trailers of new movies are my favourite part.

Although they've started shoving in VIP cinemas now in Toronto where it's over 19's only and there is booze served whilst you sit in an extra wide and comfy seat. A real taste of the high life.....and a nice break from Hooters.

JamesM

You could say that about all forms of commercial advertising.

Tirytory

Me too, although I always think Ooh I'm definitely going to see that, and never do!

BristolUK

Showings of Star Wars. Many adults like it of course but I think it probably a younger audience than, say, Bridge of Spies.

Shard

Twice.

Alan2005

They did them a favour really. Now the "PC gone mad" brigade will watch this in droves.