BBC Christmas short about a teen and his mum leaves viewers in tears
BBC Christmas short featuring a lonely teen waiting for his mother to leave the office moves viewers to tears – but some call it a ‘guilt trip’ for working mums
- BBC festive advert tells the story of a teenager and his busy working mother
- Some parents claim the two-minute spot heaps guilt on working mothers
- Supporters argue the emotional film celebrates the true meaning of Christmas
The BBC has faced a backlash over a new Christmas advert that shows a lonely teenage boy waiting for his mother to finish work so they can spend time together.
The two-minute spot, titled Wonderland, shows a mother who is faced with missing out on time with her son because of a frantic day at the office.
She ultimately decides to leave work early, and heads to a seaside amusement arcade for an evening of festive fun.
Fans were left ‘sobbing’ over the heart-wrenching short film and praised the BBC for reminding viewers of the true meaning of Christmas.
However others claimed it simply heaped guilt on working parents who are already acutely aware of the time they spend away from their families.
The BBC’s Christmas advert features a working mother, pictured, who is faced with missing out on time with her teenage son because of a busy day in the office
Some parents argue the short festive film heaps guilt on working mother who are already acutely aware of the time they spend away from their families
But its fans claim that the short film simply reminds viewers of the true meaning of Christmas
The ident, which will screen on BBC One over the festive season, opens with the mother speaking on her mobile as her son tries desperately to speak to her.
She continues to talk as she squeezes him affectionately on the shoulder and makes her way out the door.
How to be upper class in 2019 according to Tatler – and…
Piers Morgan clashes with columnist Liz Jones as she argues…
Memories of King George: The Queen meets a 102-year-old…
Kate steals Meghan’s style! Duchess of Cambridge wears suit…
Share this article
In a bid to grab her attention, he texts her saying: ‘You still coming tonight, Mum?’ To which she regretfully replies: ‘I don’t know love, if I’ve got time.’
The cameras follow the mother as she embarks on a hectic day in a fast-paced corporate office, while her son ends up at the seaside arcade.
The ident, which will screen on BBC One over the festive season, starts with the mother telling her son that she might not be able to make their planned evening together after work, pictured
The cameras follow the mother as she embarks on a hectic day in a fast-paced corporate office, while her son ends up at the seaside arcade, pictured
After her computer breaks down part way through the day the mother looks at her desktop background – a photo of her with her son – and makes the decision to leave early. She heads to the seaside and spends the evening enjoying quality time with her son, pictured
The short film ends with mother and son cuddling on a bench, pictured, candy floss in hand. The message at the end reads: ‘Christmas Time Together’.
After her computer breaks down part way through the day the mother looks at her desktop background – a photo of her with her son – and makes the decision to leave early.
Time freezes for mother and son as she rushes to join him at the seaside before they spend the evening enjoying the amusements of the arcade.
It ends with mother and son cuddling on a bench, candy floss in hand.
The message at the end reads: ‘Christmas Time Together’.
A number of viewers criticised the broadcaster for apparently guilt tripping working mothers who spend time away from their children
The majority of viewers were touched by the sentimental advert, with one writing: ‘Love this … nothing so important or precious in life as #family Work shouldn’t ever come 2nd to the ones you love #christmas #togetherness #memories #family.’
Another agreed: ‘This made me cry. Wonderful video. Christmas is making time for those we love. Well done BBC.’
However a number of others criticised the broadcaster for apparently guilt tripping working mothers who spend time away from their children.
However the majority of viewers were touched by the sentimental advert, pictured
One posted: ‘Working parents don’t need extra guilt about the time away from our kids. We don’t do it for the fun of it, we do it to feed them, clothes them, and protect them. Awful advert.’
Another tweeted: ‘More guilt laid on women. As if working, raising children, doing all the christmas shopping and cooking isn’t enough, she also has to waste money on fruit machines and eat vast amounts of sugar!!! Christmas pressure is enough to make me cry, we don’t need this pap.’
A third added: ‘So #sexist! Undervaluing the woman’s paid work, depicting the man as barely present, and not asking him to drop everything to be with his son! What century is this?!’
A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline:
‘We have had an extraordinarily positive response to the film from audiences. Everyone is busy at this time of year and the film is simply about people cherishing the time they spend with loved ones.’
Source: Read Full Article