Film Student’s Touching Commercial Rejected by Adidas Goes Viral

A heartwarming student-directed Adidas spec commercial is really giving the pros a run for their money.

A film student from Germany created an emotional Adidas commercial entitled “Break Free.” The commercial, filmed by Eugen Merher, tells the story of a former marathon runner who is stuck living in a strict retirement home.

The older man is clearly fed up with his life and wants to return to the outside world. After several attempts to break out of the home, he has his sneakers confiscated and believes his chances of leaving are ruined.

Luckily, his fellow residents at the retirement home were able to come up with a plan. Together they were able to get his sneakers back, giving the man a chance to run outside once again.

Check out the full video below.

Merher was inspired to make this film after an elderly family member passed away.

“He was an old man with a very young spirit who used to walk two kilometers every day and bring his wife flowers, was very up on the news and loved to watch basketball,” Merher told Adweek. “I combined him with the idea that running or playing sports makes you feel free, because that’s what I’ve always thought.”

Merher wanted to sell the commercial to the sportswear company, yet they turned him down.

“We tried sending it to [Adidas’] communications department but they didn’t really react,” Merher told The Huffington Post.

Adidas might want to rethink its marketing strategy as the video has gone viral. On YouTube alone, the short clip has received over 9 million views and counting. It has also been liked over 96,000 times.

Your loss, Adidas!

Your Daily Dish has reached out to Eugen Merher for a comment. 

(H/T Huffington Post)