Ad of the Day: MetLife’s Doting Dad Is Also a Liar in This Ad With a Heartbreaking Twist

The tearjerking Asian insurance commercial has become something of a cliché after so many years of emotional Thai Life spots. But MetLife Hong Kong breathes new life into the form with this spot—a father-daughter story that digs deeper, and packs even more of an emotional wallop, than similar ads of late.

As usual, it would be obnoxious to spoil the plot, but here are the basics: A girl writes a letter about her father, portraying him as a kind of superhero. But he is also, she insists, a liar. Watch the rest below, including a truly heart-wrenching series of a scenes toward the end.

"You can't change your destiny, but you can create your own," says the brand. "MetLife values the dream of every parent to give their children a good education to pursue a better life. We understand every sacrifice you make for your children's future."

The ad was reportedly shot in Thailand; six versions were made for different Asian markets. It promotes MetLife's EduCare savings plan for children's higher education.