This slightly over 1 minute ad spot is spectacular ~ I did get goosebumps ~ there are a few "live links" to more/corroborating info in the original ~ Sooz

Guinness ad becomes touching sensation
The spot is winning praise for its surprising twist and compassionate message. Warning: It might just give you goosebumps.
By Kim Peterson 6 hours ago

A new commercial by Guinness doesn't need flashy graphics or hot women to get your attention. All it needs are a surprising twist and a heartwarming message about friendship and love.

The ad, which the Copyranter website says was developed by BBDO New York, has become a viral hit, with millions of views online. It starts off simply enough, with six men in wheelchairs playing an intense game of basketball at the gym.


After the game ends, one player says, "I'm getting better at this." He and four other players get up from their wheelchairs and walk away, but one player remains in the wheelchair. "Next week, buddy," one of the players says.

Next, we see the men at a pub sharing beers after their game, and one of them is still in his wheelchair. The narrator says: "Dedication. Loyalty. Friendship. The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."

The ad appears to be a blatant rip-off of this commercial from Indian company Mother Daily, but that isn't slowing the praise it's receiving. Guinness is owned by Diageo (DEO +0.75%).

"Guinness distinguishes itself from its competitors by aligning its product with a brand of masculinity that has long been absent from beer advertising," Business Insider writes. Copyranter says the spot "will give you the chills."

Adweek notes that Guinness is able to capture the true essence of friendship in fewer than 20 words. "The bond among true friends is one forged of iron -- hardened, powerful and time-tested," John Tejada writes. "Nothing strengthens that bond more than friendly competition -- testing your physical abilities, challenging and pushing each other despite your disadvantage."

http://money.msn.com/now/post--this-guinness-ad-has-become-a-sensation