John Lewis launch their Christmas 2013 advert in a 2D animated tale, 'The Bear & The Hare'.



It was the eve before Thursday and all was calm when Magic & Sparkle took over the town television sets across the nation with the latest Christmas campaign for Marks & Spencer. The festive promotion engaged its audience both young and old with familiar stories which included Alice In Wonderland, Aladdin and The Wizard of Oz; starring actress Helena Bonham Carter, and models Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and David Gandy.

Today, rival retailer John Lewis are set to unleash their own Christmas tale in the form of a 2D classic Dsiney styled hand-drawn animation. Last year's ad tugged at out heartstrings when we followed a snowman on his journey to buy winter garments from his snowlady. This year, the emotions are heightened with the story of 'The Bear & The Hare' (based on the children's book Don't Wake the Bear, Hare) and the soft vocals of Lily Allen singing a cover of Keane's 'Somewhere Only We Know'.
The oh-so-cute clip sees the unlikely pair making their way to the woodland animal hang out where the animals are decorating a tree, but a sad Bear turns around when he realises it's almost him to hibernate and he won't be awake for the festivities. Hare, the lovely floppy-eared chap feels bad for his best friend and wants to give him a Christmas he'll never forget. Luckily for Bear, Hare has a brilliant gift idea!

The advert is beautifully compiled, and if you don't even utter a small "awww" you're dead inside. I'm loving the festive adverts so far. One thing though, the start Christmas doesn't officially start until that Coca-Cola truck makes its appearance!

Taglined, "give someone a Christmas they'll never forget", the advert which cost a staggering £7 million is set to premiere during Saturday's X Factor. If you can wait until then watch the emotive clip below.