The Nativity Story (2006) User Reviews

Simple, beautiful, touching, and a little long

[Robert_duder · 8/10 · 26 December 2006]

The Nativity Story was the ideal Christmas film this year and really stunned me that it didn't do better for what it was worth. Part of that problem was it's release time so that it was gone from a lot of theaters before Christmas even approached. Nonetheless Nativity Story was brilliantly filmed and had some stunning cinematography and created an in-depth story into Mary, mother of Jesus and her struggle with the conception, birth and her promised husband. It was almost more of a love story about the two of them and the most brilliant thing the writer and director could have done for this film was that they managed to make it as non-religious as possible. I mean considering the story is about the birth of Christ which the Christian denomination relies on, they still managed to make this film watchable by anyone as a sort of beautiful story, or even a legend or a historical epic. You don't have to be of any school of belief to see this movie and enjoy it's romance and gritty story. Director Catherine Hardwicke is not exactly a seasoned director and yet she has had some real success with gritty real life stories like Lords of Dogtown and Thirteen under her belt. She transfers her ability to capture the human spirit into this story of Mary.

She also had the talent of the young and lovely Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary. She is only sixteen years old and captures the intelligence, deep spirituality of the young mother and all the turmoil surrounding her lifestyle. This is the only film I have ever seen that portrays what negative fall out would have came upon Mary for showing up pregnant, unwed and scared. Castle-Huges shows an incredible maturity in her performance and is the perfect casting for the role. Also fairly new to the screen is Oscar Isaac who plays her promised husband and carpenter Joseph. Issac is twenty six years old, and they show a deep bond and an incredible love unfolding as they journey to his home city of Bethleham. Issac creates an unconditionally loving husband and man, a strong man of virtue and you see in him what would make a great father for the Son of God. Talented character actor Ciarán Hinds is barely recognizable in the role as the evil King Herod. His part is fairly small save for a few appearances and speeches but his role is effective and he makes the role of King Herod quite apparent as an adversary and the villain of the film. Also a notable performance is by another actress who is making her way into a terrific character actor Shohreh Aghdashloo (most notably for me from 24--The TV Series.) She plays Mary's cousin Elizabeth who nurtures and guides her spiritually through her first months pregnant.

The film is less about the actual birth of Christ and more a deep emotional character journey revolving around Mary. How does this sudden pregnancy and prophecy effect her? How does her engagement to Joseph effect her and their trip that sees them falling in love and her realizing his strength and finally the scenes in the manger where the child is born which is both glorifying and yet anyone can love these scenes. Filmed almost entirely in Spain they utilize some truly breath taking spots to re-create the rough terrain and the trip they would have before them. In no other film has Mary and Joseph been captured in such a truly deep and spectacular way. Now the film does drag a little and there seems to be more than necessary when it comes to finite details about the traveling. Also I found the "Three" wise men a little stereotypical and often inappropriately funny. They were deliberately used as comic relief which I will say was amusing with their sarcastic anecdotes and banter among themselves but it felt very out of place for the film and broke the more emotional parts. Everything is in tact from the story though and the screen writer didn't stray too far from the original story. I insist no matter who you are or what your beliefs that you see this film because it's beautiful and touching and I think anyone can enjoy it's strong message of love. 8/10

Finally, a Christmas film without Santa Clause.

[bargen · 8/10 · 17 November 2006]

While in Hawaii recently, I had a chance to preview The Nativity Story, in its complete form, which, surprisingly, turned out to be quite a good film. I guess as a Christian, I am going to be seen as biased. And that's fair, however as a filmmaker as well, I will say that the majority of Christian or Christian based films I have seen are quite simply lower grade movies. That's why, this one in particular was very refreshing.

The story itself of course I was familiar with having grown up hearing it every Christmas time. And, surprisingly, I think it translates very well onto the screen. I was surprised at the humour they were able to bring out (mainly with the Three Kings storyline) and I was actually quite impressed with the movie in general. It was nice to see actors of the correct age and race. Jesus was not white, despite what some may say.

The movie was not perfect, few are. It was obviously PG friendly as there were a few things that were toned down (I guess babies in that day didn't have umbilical cords), but do we really need to see that? No, not really. All in all it was a very enjoyable film that hopefully makes its way as a holiday classic for years to come.

At last a great family movie.

[drtwo1 · 8/10 · 28 November 2006]

As a Catholic/Christian publisher I did not expect the integrity that the movie The Nativity Story presents. The story is produced with good taste and careful thought. At times the Scripture may be bent but it is never broken. The bends are simply to aid in the visual telling of the story and are not offensive.

I found it to be very good family viewing with minimal violence and the scenes were not graphic in nature. The lesson in family love alone is worth the price of a ticket. The bonus is the lesson in faith and trust in God. I would encourage you to take children of all ages.

The theology should be acceptable to all Christians. However, I did talk to one priest that had a problem with the childbirth scene. He subscribes to the theology that Mary's childbirth was not painful. I understand his theology but I disagree with it on the grounds of Jesus and Mary's humanity. Also the arrival of the Wise Men at the time of the birth though not correct does not hurt the story. Still I feel that these small problems would be a poor and unjust reason not to see, or tell others not to see this movie.

Of all the versions of this story that have been done I found it to be the most inspiring and visually the most tastefully done. At last we have a great family movie that puts Christ back into Christmas.

Executive Director Contemplation Corner Press

Come,they told us.....

[dbdumonteil · 13 June 2009]

The nativity story ,told by a woman with taste and sensitivity.Faithful to the gospels,while avoiding most of the Hollywood traps (except for the light that comes down from the sky,in the "Ben Hur" tradition) Much time is given over to the Magi ,but they were scientists after all,and their huge knowledge of astronomy makes sense.

All the well-known episodes are featured: the angel telling Mary she would conceive the son of God,the way the Jews used to treat their supposedly unfaithful women,the visit to Mary's cousin Elizabeth who's expecting a baby too (Jesus ' cousin,John The Baptist ;Herode Antipas,featured in the movie ,will have him behead),and the crib.Traditionnaly,however, the Magi did not arrive before the Twelfth Night.

It could be the first movie dealing with just the birth of Christ,the many others telling the whole story.You do not have to be a believer to appreciate it.

Sensitive and enjoyable retelling about the story greatest ever told

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 3 April 2010]

This is a fine portrayal based on early existence of Mary (Keisha Castle Hughes), and Joseph (Oscar Isaac). A story well known and sacred that starts when birth of Jesus is announced to Mary by Angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig). Meanwhile is also announced future birth of John the Baptist from the old couple Elizabeth (Shoreh) and Zechariah (Townsend). Mary learns from the angel Gabriel that she will conceive and bear a child called Jesus. When she asks how this can be, since she is a virgin, he tells her that the Holy Spirit would "come upon her" and that "nothing will be impossible with God". She responds: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word".At the beginning Joseph is suspicious when Mary announces the blessed news but later is informed by an Angel.At the time that Mary is due to give birth, she and her husband Joseph travel from their home in Nazareth about 150 kilometres (90 miles) south to Joseph's ancestral home in Bethlehem to register in the census ordered by Herodes the Great (Ciaran Hinds). Meanwhile three Magician Kings Melchior(Nadim), Gaspar (Kalipha) and Bathasar (Eriq) are looking for Jesus, Son of God. Having found no place for themselves in the inn, Joseph and Mary meet a man who gives the couple a place in his stable. Mary gives birth to Jesus she places the newborn in a manger .Meantime an angel of the Lord visits the shepherds guarding their flocks in nearby fields and brings them "good news of great joy": "to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." The angel tells them they will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. The angel is joined by a "heavenly host" who say "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!".The shepherds hurry to the manger in Bethlehem where they find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. They repeat what they have been told by the angel, and then return to their flocks.

This agreeable film focuses the Nativity story in a realist style , but also accompanied with beautiful images, as there are shafts of lights , wonderful clouds and extraordinary landscapes. It packs marvelous cinematography by Elliot Davis who reflects splendidly the ancient scenarios filmed at Italy and Morocco. Atmospheric and emotive musical score adding oriental sounds by Mychael Danna. The motion picture was well directed Catherine Hardwicke who formerly directed 'Thirteen' and 'Lords of Dogtown' and subsequently would achieved a lot of success with 'Twilight'.

Something To Be Said For Simple

[zkonedog · 7/10 · 4 March 2017]

Recently, Hollywood has put out a number of movies ("Noah" & "Exodus: Gods and Kings") that essentially remove the presence of God from religious stories. This, obviously, causes those films to fail on both a religious and storytelling front. "The Nativity Story" is not an incredible movie, by any stretch of the imagination (nowhere near, say, "The Passion of the Christ"). Yet, after witnessing those previously mentioned failures, there is something to be said for a simple film telling the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

"The Nativity Story" recounts the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. Mary (Keisha Castle- Hughes) is given as wife to Joseph (Oscar Isaac), after which she becomes pregnant with the Lord's child. This doesn't go over so well in the community, for obvious reasons. But, the two commit to each other and must travel to Bethlehem for a census proclaimed by King Herod (Ciaran Hinds). The rest, as they say, is history!

This is a very simple film. It's only about an hour and a half long, so it "gets to the point" in short order. I wish some of the acting performances would have had a bit more "oomph" behind them, but this was clearly a film where the tone was going to be somber and serious all the way through. Hence, a lot of far away stares and wide eyes. The parts with Herod seem a bit rushed and out of place, while there really isn't any high drama until the very end. Like I said, simple.

If I had to guess (and I honestly do not know this for sure whatsoever), I would bet that "The Nativity Story" was made (just two years after "Passion of the Christ") to capitalize on the popularity of Mel Gibson's smashing success. I remember it being a big deal when this came to theaters, hailed as the first true-to-form, serious re-telling of the Christmas Story (which it actually pretty much is). Over the years, that "hype" has obviously died down, but this is still a film that can be thoroughly enjoyed during its season because it made the decision to stick to what it did best: just tell the story.

A tender telling of the Christmas Story

[maryk-6 · 9/10 · 17 December 2006]

I really liked this movie! I thought all of the acting was very Very good-- and I loved the fact that all of the actors looked and acted very much like you would expect the people of that region to look and act... this was not a Hollywood whitewash - but a genuine, tenderly done telling of the birth of Christ... a real Christmas gift to the movie-going public.

I also appreciate very much the efforts the filmmakers have gone to tell the story accurately-- aside from the fact the wise men most likely really showed up a year or so after Jesus was born..

Get some real Christmas spirit - go see this movie.

So-So

[mcsf1005 · 6/10 · 21 November 2006]

A nice visualization of the journey to Bethlehem. They did an excellent job with the character of Joseph. Unfortunately, it was not the case regarding the portrayal of Mary.

Their attempt to capture her humility came off as self abasement and disdain. There was almost no transcendent joy in her character which is is probably because they overlook the chronology of the Luke's Gospel account in which Mary visits Elizabeth and exclaims:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to his promise to our fathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Why would they put most lengthly dialog of Mary in Scripture at the end of the movie? Almost as an after thought rather than a tone which could have set the rest of the movie. It seemed the writer and director did not know what make of Mary, which resulted in the film being "okay" rather than fantastic.

This is no low budget attempt at portraying the Biblical account

[carl-stubblefield · 9/10 · 15 November 2006]

This is no low budget made for TV, direct to DVD, or "preaching to the choir" type film. Quite the contrary. Like Mel Gibson's The Passion, The Nativity Story delivers the quality acting, cinematography, musical score, special effects, direction, sound, production, etc. we've grown accustomed to receiving from the most skillful members of the Motion Picture industry.

I was particularly appreciative of the way phrases in the Bible which can often be overlooked like, "Joseph...not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly." came to life on film. We see just how they would have very likely played out in the very personal lives and communities this all took place in. I found the scene riveting when Joseph labors to come up with that initial plan to send her away, and then announces it to Mary and her parents who are there with him. Also, the courage and faith needed by Joseph and Mary to believe God took on a whole new understanding when seeing how the culture they likely lived in brought intense pressures which would have very well been cause to shrink away in fear in the face of had not they obeyed the angel's charges to "do not be afraid."

A real strength of the film, I believe, was in how scenes that were straight from the Bible either used the words of the Bible practically verbatim, or at least there was just unspoken acting out the heart of the scene, with little to no unnecessary additions to the Biblical account. This, I believe, let's the Bible speak for itself for the most part and for that I send a big thank you to Mike Rich as the screenplay writer in getting to the heart of the personal lives of those involved in Jesus' conception and birth while seeking to be true to the text's original meaning. And to Catherine Hardwicke and all others involved in getting the Biblical account onto this media with all their professional skills, I say thanks as well. I'd love to see many more "Accounts" (the connotation of the word "Story" weakens the impact in my mind...but that's just me) from the Bible put to film by this great team assembled to produce The Nativity (Story).

Sincere, reverent, but fairly routine

[MartianOctocretr5 · 7/10 · 7 December 2006]

The movie is simply a rendering of the Luke and Matthew Gospel accounts of the events leading up to the birth of Christ. It's a familiar story, and the movie shows great reverence and faithfulness to the subject matter. Although told in a very genuine manner, the movie doesn't delve very deeply into any of the events being depicted.

The film takes a straightforward approach, hardly ever deviating from biblical scriptures. The sets and costumes are realistic, the time period represented well. The central characters, Mary and Joseph, are very real and human. Not too much is given in the scriptures about Joseph, and the movie is very kind to him, depicting him as a virtuous, loyal, and courageous man. The plight of the teenage Mary ventures a little beyond scripture as well: a girl suddenly betrothed to a man she barely knows, then confronted by an angel, and ultimately the pregnancy of the unmarried young woman. Mary's power of faith in the face of these events is well depicted.

Some problems exist. The efforts to make the Magi amiable are well intentioned, but they come off campy. The gizmos they use in their star gazing are comical and out of place in this film. Herod's character isn't developed well enough; he was a complex politician, and more insight into his actions would have been useful for the context of the story. Although Herod is generally believed to have been ruthless and barbaric in his efforts to maintain his sovereignty; the film goes overboard, making him a typical psycho stereotype. A few events at the end are compressed in their chronology, although that may be a plus, by showing all the visitors to the newborn Jesus simultaneously.

All in all, the movie gives a pretty much standard rendering of the Nativity, one that has been presented in many plays and other movies. Still, it's pleasant and sincere, and is worth one viewing during the Christmas season.

The Nativity Story

[caelkriss · 5/10 · 30 November 2006]

Christmas is nearly here, and soon the lights of the season will be put up in celebration of the most festive holiday of the year.

But what is the meaning of the season? Writer Mike Rich and director Catherine Hardwicke try to remind the world of the purpose of Christmas in The Nativity Story.

The film follows Mary and Joseph through the moments before the birth of Christ. We see the characters as they were before their betrothal and the fateful visit from the angel Gabriel. Mary, played by Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), is portrayed as an innocent girl who catches the eye of a young carpenter, Joseph, played by Oscar Isaac (Guerrilla). She shows no immediate attraction to him, and when told that she is to be his wife, she isn't all too happy. However, though the course of the film, their relationship grows stronger with the child she carries at the center.

The film is very touching in some parts. But aside from the liberties taken for drama's sake, there were several things that I found distracting, and at times annoying. One of the major things was that Mary lacked any sort of emotion through most of the film making her seem shallow and aloof. In moments when I thought she should be beaming with excitement or happy to the point of tears, she remained expressionless. The character, though meant to be portrayed as holy and meek, came across as bland and uninteresting.

Overall, the characters weren't very exciting. Joseph was definitely the best out of them. He seemed to have a very deep personality, and I liked his character a lot. The other characters were unique, but didn't come across very strong. I see it as a flaw in directing. With the same script, the film could have been much more powerful, but everything turned out rather monotone.

The effects were pretty well done. The cityscapes of Jerusalem are most impressive. I enjoyed seeing the shots of the Temple sitting on the top of the hill. I did have some minor issues with the color palette. I don't know if it was because it was a pre-screening, but everything was very cold. The blue and green tones were accentuated, taking out all of the warmth of the oranges and reds. When the angel Gabriel appears, the light that he emits is bright, but in an almost cruel way.

I liked the score. There was some great use of traditional chant hymns such as O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Of the Father's Love Begotten, and some other well loved carols. Mychael Danna did an excellent job of working those into the film, and using them as motifs throughout the score. The main theme itself seemed appropriate as well. However, like the characters and the overall feel of the film, the score lacked impact. There was nothing there that had my heart pounding, or brought tears to my eyes. I've listened to Danna's music since I was eleven, and he's capable of delivering a much more moving score.

Overall, I would say that most of the flaws are a result of weak directing. At times it felt fragmented and in-cohesive as a story. I felt like I was watching a moving picture book rather than a movie. The film should have had much more impact than it did. As it is, it feels more of a sentimental story for those who know and love it. But as an evangelical tool that shows the world a glimpse of wondrous news, I believe it falls far short of its potential power.

I rate the film 3 out of 5. It's the Christmas story told as a classic legend, leaving out some major theological and historical points, but keeping the message clear: that Christ is the only begotten Son of God. I would say that it's worth seeing it once.

Rated PG for some briefly violent sequences and long drawn-out traveling.

Release: December 2006

What Inspirational Christmas Movies Should Be

[iluvhellokitty · 10/10 · 3 January 2007]

The Nativity Story is by no means a commercial portrayal of the Biblical story. I'll admit this. The power of the film and what, in my view, makes it far and away the best thing to happen to Christmas films in a long time is that it is indeed a realistic portrayal of human emotions.

When I say the previews for the release I knew that this was going to be something interesting. Since the movie is based on the lovable retelling of Jesus' birth, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed. And after leaving the theaters, to say the least, I was pleased.

The acting was phenomenal. To say that I completely fell in love with the character of Mary, whom was brilliantly played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, would be a complete understatement. Someone who was so pure, obedient, and virtuous is in my mind what all of us should attempt to become. As Mary stated "I have broken no vow." It is clear that Castle-Huhghes has acquired the maturity and intellect that was essential in playing such a prestigious role.I loved how the film acknowledges that Mary was only a child when she became the mother of Jesus, and the movie shows the emotional transformation of Mary. During her pregnancy Mary had experienced the power of bravery, the depth of kindness, the miracle of life and the profoundness of love. As a result she had grown from a frightened and unaccepted child to a woman.

I appreciated the portrayal of Joseph in the film. In the Catholic Church Joseph is rarely though of however in this film he was incredibly realistic and acted exactly as I have always imagined Joseph. Though Joseph was frightened he was humble. As Mary stated, "he is a man that puts others needs before his." He protected, cared and loved Mary, despite what others thought of her. Congrats to Oscar Isaac for doing an amazing job as portraying Josephs character.

What I find to be the most brilliant about the film is that it is as nonreligious as possible. The movie is in many ways a gritty love story about a couple and their growing relationship through times of tragedy. Catherine Hardwicke has a reputation for directing films that portray the gritty teenage essence, and she takes her talent of amazing depictions of the teenage nature to the story of the beloved Virgin Mary. This is an excellent Christmas film and I encourage everyone to see it!

Good Storytelling

[lndc98 · 7/10 · 27 December 2006]

I liked this movie because of the humanity of the main two characters --- Joseph and Mary. One has to imagine what they might have been like, and this film does a nice version of it. One sees Joseph's difficulties and anguish and his love for Mary. One sees her courage and the growth of her love for Joseph. One sees the two of them unite in their love for each other and in the task/blessing they've been given. The Herod is an extremely well-done evil guy. The Magi are good as a trio --- whether funny, affectionate with each other, or serious and transformed. I was not bothered by their appearance along with the shepherds at the same time because one of the message's is "for the high and the low".

There's a fine line between awe-some and aw-ful....

[polyprufrock · 1/10 · 20 November 2006]

.... and depending on your religious persuasion (or lack thereof), this film will surely line up people on either side of the fence. So OK, it's a faithful rendering of a very brief New Testament narrative, with additional dialog that attempts to portray the Judeans of that time -- but beyond that, from a critical standpoint it's so god-awful even God would agree.

I wanted to leave during the opening cheeseball villainy of Herod, but remained to the bitter end -- putting up with the swelling (make that sweltering) violin score replete with multiple interwoven Christmas carol themes, to the painfully uncomfortable comic relief of the three wise guys (sort of a weird astrological minstrel-show), to the climactic creche scene straight out of a bedecked mantelpiece from the 50's.

As Mary, Keisha Castle-Hughes looks properly worried throughout (her upturned brows frequently reminded me of Olivia Hussey's similar turn at bat). Maybe it's because she's put into the family way via a family-film "conception" of the event, thereby robbing her (and the viewer) of any deep gnosis via an ecstatic experience. Instead her "overshadowing" by the Almighty is a perplexing non-event attended by a lone kestrel understudy for the Holy Spirit. The only visible miracle occurs later without explanation, when her suddenly-blue robe as labor draws nigh brings a welcome diversion from the generally flat and nearly monochromatic cinematography.

The film attempts a juxtaposition of realism and the supernatural, and instead fails at both. It panders to the Nativity mythos and renders it banal. Indeed, it infused any attempts at historical authenticity with such a thick layer of treacle that it left me gasping for the exit when the Holy Threesome likewise beat a hasty retreat into Egypt. At least then I could finally identify with the characters....

A simple but truly great movie...

[RameshKhanna · 17 September 2011]

A deeply moving movie experience. Slow yes, but then this is not our usual brain numbing mindless action flick. It's about human emotions and inner conflicts, and what a fine way to portray the same on screen.

A vastly underrated film that is sure to touch your heart the same way Shawshank Redemption did. A must watch for every serious movie lover and a definite must watch for a devout Christian.

Note: I am not a Christian and I still find this movie worthy of a repeat viewing. This movie, like Shawshank Redemption is all about Faith, Hope and Love. ...and believing.

I was watching this movie just a little after MIDNIGHT and it was raining heavily with heavy flashes of Lightning and huge/loud rolls of Thunder. This effect enhanced the overall "atmosphere" of my movie watching experience, ...and hard to believe, but the whole rain, lightning & thunder thing stopped as the movie wound to an end :-)

Tell Me the Old, Old Story

[JamesHitchcock · 7/10 · 18 January 2016]

In the Bible there are, of course, two nativity stories, one told by Matthew and one by Luke. (Neither Mark nor John mentions the nativity). Matthew gives us the story of Joseph's dream, of the visit of the Magi, of King Herod and the Massacre of the Innocents and of the Flight into Egypt. Luke tells us about the birth of John the Baptist, the visit of the angel to Mary, the census, the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the birth in the stable "because there was no room at the inn" and the Adoration of the Shepherds. What we today think of as the "nativity story" is a conflation of these two accounts, together with a few details added by later writers, such as the ox and ass in the stable. On one point, in fact, the two evangelists appear to disagree; Matthew implies, even if he does not state in so many words, that Joseph and Mary were originally from Bethlehem and only settled in Nazareth after their return from Egypt for political reasons. The traditional story, however, has always preferred Luke's explicit statement that they were natives of Nazareth.

"The Nativity Story" is the only film I am aware of based specifically on these events, although they are of course touched upon in films dealing more generally with the life of Jesus. The film opens with a violent recreation of the Massacre of the Innocents and then tells the rest of the familiar story in flashback, starting with the angel's annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zechariah. Besides the tyranny of Herod, one theme much dwelt upon in the film is the idea that Mary's unexplained pregnancy might have put her in considerable physical danger, given that unchastity was punishable with stoning to death under the Mosaic Law.

A lot of nonsense has been talked about how the film has tried to get away from the Eurocentric idea of a blonde, blue-eyed Mary and Jesus. In the first place, blonde hair and blue eyes are by no means unknown in the Levant, not only in Israel but also in Syria and Jordan and among Palestinian Arabs, so such depictions of Biblical characters are not necessarily inaccurate. In the second place, there have been plenty of brunette Marys and dark-haired Christs in European art. And in the third place, most of the major characters in this film are not actually from that part of the world. Keisha Castle-Hughes (Mary) is of Maori descent. Oscar Isaac (Joseph) is a native of Guatemala. Shohreh Aghdashloo (Elizabeth) is Iranian, Ciarán Hinds (Herod) is Irish and Alessandro Giuggioli (Herod's son) Italian. If there was any theological point behind this casting of actors from all round the world it was to emphasise the universality of Christianity, not to give a racially accurate picture of first-century Palestine. Similarly, Balthasar is played as a black African not because of any belief that there was a significant black African community in ancient Persia but out of respect to an earlier tradition which saw the Magi not as Persian astronomers but as three kings from different regions of the world.

The film may have been inspired by the success of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" which had come out two years before. Although that film was controversial because of its levels of violence, it was successful at the box office and indicated that there was still a market for movies with a Christian theme. "The Nativity Story", however, was no more than a modest box-office success; it was nowhere near as controversial as "The Passion", but garnered no more than a lukewarm critical response.

I think that the difference is that "The Passion", precisely because of the level of violence depicted, shocked cinema audiences, including Christian ones, out of a certain complacency about the Easter message. We all knew that the Easter story involves a death, but in recent years the holiday has been sentimentalised into a celebration of bunny rabbits, chocolate eggs, fluffy chicks and spring flowers. Gibson, by concentrating on the shocking violence at its heart, succeeds in de- sentimentalising the whole affair.

"The Nativity Story", by contrast, does little more than tell the old, old story the way it has always been told. It is a low-key production, with few if any bright colours and an emphasis on the hardships of life in the Holy Land under Roman occupation. Even Herod is not so much a mighty ruler as a minor provincial princeling, dependent upon the goodwill of an occupying power, and his court is a correspondingly modest affair. This focus upon Christ's poverty and humble origins, however, is no more than the standard subject-matter of the sermons preached from a million pulpits every 25th December. Perhaps Christmas has become so over-familiar that it is difficult to say something new about it even when we concentrate upon its religious meaning rather than upon flying reindeer and an elderly gentleman in a red suit. 7/10

A well done Christian movie? I thought that was unpossible

[tastyhotdogs · 6/10 · 25 April 2008]

"The Nativity Story" is, surprisingly, the story of the birth of Jesus. Normally when you think a Christian film, you think bad acting, cheap sets and average directing. This was refreshingly different. The cast did well with what they had, except maybe the Three Wise Men, generally the sets were good and the directing was solid. The main thing separating this and the many previous versions of this classic story was that the cast was generally Middle Eastern (except the Kiwi playing Mary) and the movie had a much more authentic feel about it.

It was obviously not as ground breaking as "The Passion Of The Christ", but this movie did cast a new light on several of the events surrounding Jesus' birth and therefore gave a new perspective eg the engagement of Joseph and Mary and the turmoil the pregnancy would have caused, the revelations given and most of all to me, the awesomeness of Jesus coming to earth in the form of a baby.

Not a Hollywood Blockbuster, but not too bad at all.

Lovely film contains spoilers

[pjh0704 · 10/10 · 5 December 2006]

I had a completely different reaction to this film than a previous reviewer who thought it lacked impact and was bland. I was drawn into it from the beginning and left surprised at how strongly it affected me. I felt that the Director was trying to not only "tell the story" that so many of us know and take for granted, but was trying to convey it as it probably was, especially culturally and emotionally.

As a viewer familiar with both the standard story and the historical and theological debates and sticking points, what really mattered to me is exactly what Catherine Hardwicke, the director, apparently favored - Herod's obsession with not losing his power (he had to be obsessed in order to order babies murdered) and how that obsession caused him to completely miss the entire point.

He was not wise. The Magi gave him the answer concerning the prophecy that he feared and, in doing so, realized by his hypocritical reaction that he feared the prophecy. Hardwicke also gave us, I believe, a strong Mary. But, she reminded us that Mary was YOUNG. She also did not present a romanticized view of Mary's and Joseph's betrothal, but what is probably a more realistic one.

Theirs was an arranged marriage. Joseph could have accused Mary of adultery and she may have been stoned. I thought that both Mary and Joseph were well cast. What young girl wouldn't have been confused and perhaps resentful of her arranged marriage when she still wanted to play and have fun? Yet, she grew throughout the film to love her child, her husband, and humankind. ("He is for all of mankind.") I also appreciated the reminders of what reality must have been like for Joseph. A beautiful young couple to watch together and the baby chosen for Jesus was stunning. Loved the story, loved the film. Extremely worthy effort. It will go in my permanent collection.

Christian/Family movie

[ken-654 · 6/10 · 28 March 2007]

I don't normally suggest any movies to Christians because of the varied beliefs among them regarding whether or not it is a condescension to worldly things. You will have to decide this for yourself. I have never seen anything from Hollywood that comes close to glorifying God--I've seen my share (10 Commandments with Charlton Heston, "The Resurrection," George Steven's "The Greatest Story Ever Told" , the animated "Prince of Egypt," Mel Gibson's "The Passion" and a recent one, "The Nativity Story.") The latest one I saw was "The Nativity Story" from New Line Cinema based on Jeremiah 23:5-6 (see http://www.thenativitystory.com/.) which chronicles the two-year period of Mary and Joseph's life and culminates in their leaving Nazareth and journeying 100 miles to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

It was actually very close to the Bible account. Of course, to turn a few chapters of the Bible into a full-length film, takes playwriting techniques. I must say, though, that these scenes do not detract from the message. They actually conjured up questions that we have no answers for, like how did Mary's parents react when the found out Mary was pregnant? I think it was very historical and Biblically accurate.

I rented my DVD from the Redbox (vending machine at McDonald's) but I'm sure you can get it anywhere. Perhaps you are looking for a DVD to rent that is wholesome--this would be it. You do have to be careful with little kids though--the scenes of Jewish animal sacrifice can be pretty graphic! Also, the some of the treatment of the Hebrews by the Romans can be considered graphic.

Far Deeper and far more realistic than previous renditions

[skotoparavich · 9/10 · 2 December 2006]

When it comes to biblical movies, I always look for accurate biblical and theological rendering first and foremost. But accuracy is not necessarily enjoyable. You can easily tell if a movie is low-budget or not. You can easily tell if the acting is superficial or not.

This movie is different. It combines biblical accuracy with excellent acting. Each character was portrayed very correctly. I have studied the biblical characters immensely; and from what we have in the synoptic gospels, the actors brought to live those beloved characters of the bible.

This is a Christian movie filled with biblical themes and messages. If you are looking for different interpretation than the biblical one, you might not like it. But if you are looking for good acting or accurate biblical rendering, you will not be disappointed.

Treat yourself this Christmas to one of the most beautiful movies.

A decent portrayal of Mary and Joseph

[ChristerThor · 6/10 · 19 December 2007]

This is a decent portrayal of the Virgin Birth story, showing a young Mary and Joseph in a light that is believable for the most part. This story is so universally familiar that there are few, if any, surprises in the plot. The film is best judged for how it portrays life at the time and the possible ways in which Mary and Joseph would have related to each other at this stage of their relationship.

The film almost had the feeling that it was shot on a side-lot of the HBO "ROME" series. I almost imagined the major plot of that series taking place just over the hills, since the Roman soldiers and tax-collectors that ride into town look very much like the cast from that series, and it's filmed in a similar style.

The portrayals of the angels visiting Mary and Joseph were well-done, avoiding a lot of the glowing, winged stereotypes of earlier films. The shots of Jerusalem looked computer-generated (since the hills of Jerusalem aren't quite as large as portrayed) but the recreated temple looked pretty accurate.

My only complaint/observation is the reaction of Mary's parents when they learn she's pregnant. Their response is a bit too muted to be believable. The culture of the time would likely have seen the father, at least, enraged and threatening to kill a daughter who disgraced the family. But her father in this film reacts with disappointment, but never even raises his voice. Perhaps Mary's father was this accommodating, but it would have been unusual.

Overall, this is a good portrayal of this familiar story put to film. I give it a score of 6 out of 10.

Ugh! Boring and Poorly Told Story. Just read the Bible.

[pkuras · 2/10 · 3 December 2006]

Well, the scenery was nice, but I felt like I was watching a Christmas card. This movie un-self-consciously puts every Christmas Card and black velvet painting cliché right there on the screen (so as not to upset those who expect nothing less, I'm sure).

Herod, as awful a guy as I'm sure he was, was given far too much screen time, and the Magi - don't get me started on the Magi.

For characters whose number, names and exact professions are not offered in any Gospel, the Magi are way, way overplayed. These guys were bit players in the original Christmas story. In this version, they are not only stars with almost equal billing as the real main characters, they are put in the Disneyesque role of comic relief. And their lab looks like Dumbledore's office in Harry Potter.

And not only do we get the "correct" number of Magi (three), we are offered their traditional names and conventional costumes. Presumably, the production designer didn't want to work too hard to put these guys on the screen - others have spent centuries figuring out what they should look like - why mess with success? Just crib the look from any nearby painting, Christmas card or Christmas story cartoon, and you're done.

Overall, this thing seems to be trying too hard to satisfy a presumed expectation of visual fidelity with the conventional Nativity story imagery, and to avoid offending anyone. The result is a slow, plodding story, with one-dimensional characters and no drama, even the drama we expect.

Don't bother. Read the Gospel version of the story. Spend a few minutes imagining what Mary and Joseph must have *really* gone through, and tell your own story. It'll be far better.

Perhaps the most authentic and accurate version you'll ever see

[jhammell-2 · 9/10 · 17 December 2006]

If you believe that Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and everyone else in the actual events were white, Anglo-Saxon Europeans living in Central Park in New York or in California, you will be disappointed with this movie. If you want to see how people really appeared, lived and responded to the actual culture in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ, this is a work of art.

"The Nativity" is an excellent depiction of the actual events as we know them from the Bible. While it has very minor "flaws", these are buried under the number of things that make this film accurate and authentic.

Mary does not wear her piety on her sleeve and get hysterical and dramatic at every turn in the story. Instead she is accurately portrayed and played as a simple peasant girl in a very traditional culture with strict rules of behavior. She responds hesitantly but with faith to the events that focus on her.

Joseph is equally realistic as a young peasant just beginning life, and any man who has ever faced marriage for the first time will appreciate the dilemmas facing Joseph and his reactions to them.

Herod is an historically-accurate and ruthless jerk, but the movie does not overdo his part. The balance is just right; he's on camera enough to convey his wickedness and his part in the plot, but not enough to distract from the message.

The wise men are great! Instead of being simple plastic figures in a nativity scene on your mantle, they really come to life, add a lot of context to the movie, and provide a lot of information about how and why things happened as they did. The timing of the wise men's arrival may be off - but no one is 100% certain when they did arrive so this is not a big deal.

When the shepherds are visited by an angel to announce the birth of Christ, the angel is not followed visibly by "a heavenly host praising God" - but you can hear them.

I could go on and on and on, but the point is that this is an excellent depiction of events that occurred in Israel 2,000 years ago. If you want to learn about and marvel at what life was really like at that time, see the movie. It will bolster your faith. If you want to see Adam Sandler playing a Jewish Santa Claus to celebrate Christimas, this is probably not the movie for you.

Scroll to the Screen

[moviemanMA · 7/10 · 10 December 2006]

I knew to some degree the story of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem prior to seeing this film. Mary's Immaculate Conception and Joseph needing to go back to his ancestral beginnings for the census was my knowledge of what happened leading up to the birth of Jesus. What I didn't know was how I would like the movie.

Released on the first day of the Advent season, Catherine Hardwicke's The Nativity Story hit theatres with no intention of trying to convert audiences into Christianity or to make waves in the media. The film is simply a visual retelling of the story of the days leading up to the birth of Jesus. Nothing over the top or too outrageous, but a tasteful presentation.

The film opens with the "Killing of the Innocence", an order given out by King Herod to his soldiers to kill all children in Bethlehem of age two and under, so to snuff out the prophecy of "the king of all kings". No worries, this film has a PG rating.

Now rewind one year to Nazareth where Mary and her family live, unsuspecting of the events that are about to unfold. Keisha Castle-Hughes plays the teenage girl that will give birth to her people's savior. While working in the village, Mary is visited by an angel and is told that she will give birth to her people's savior, Mary's Immaculate Conception, and to go to her cousin Elizabeth who is also with child.

Soon after, Mary goes to visit her cousin who knows about Mary's baby. Even though Elizabeth is too old to have child, her husband Zechariah was told by God that she will and to name it John.

When Mary returns to Nazareth, the townspeople are in shock and disgust, not aware of what had happened to her. Joseph too is reluctant to believe her until one night the angel comes to him in a dream telling him that she her conception was divine.

Meanwhile King Herod is trying to keep order over his kingdom and ensure the safety of his crown by any means necessary. Far away, the Three Wise Men, Balthasar, Gaspar, and Melchior, begin their journey across the desert to Judea, following the star that will hopefully lead them to "the king".

What is most appealing about the film is that just about everyone knows how the story goes, yet when the moment of birth draws closer and closer, its as if you are hearing it for the first time. I didn't know what to expect from the birth, but everything came together perfectly.

The most unexpected parts of the film certainly involve the two birth scenes. Both Elizabeth and Mary suffer from the pains of childbirth and although it might seem unsettling, it is a birth and is not meant to offend or displease audiences.

The film doesn't have a scintillating script or new and inventive filming techniques. What is so profound about the film is that it doesn't make waves with anyone. Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ certainly stirred up some controversy with the scourging and alleged "anti-semantic" context. The biggest difference between this film and The Passion is definitely the rating.

The Nativity Story is a heart warming tale that proves anything can be accomplished if you never give up and have faith. That is the message conveyed; faith. Mary's faith, Joseph's faith, and even the three wise men's faith in finding something they all weren't sure about, but were ready to believe it.

Just a blasphemous attempt to empty our pockets ...

[wmyers-8 · 1/10 · 4 December 2006]

Sadly this movie is being mistakenly promoted by many denominations including some Catholic dioceses - obviously for the simple reason it is a movie about Christ. Many of the faithful might be lured into seeing this film which is subtle blasphemy - mostly attacking the Blessed Virgin Mary and especially her Immaculate Conception.

This is readily seen in the trailer so you can confirm it for yourselves instead of wasting your money and seeing it in the theatre.

-St. Gabriel does not say "Hail Mary, full of Grace" but instead says to Our Lady that she has "found favour with God"

• Our Lady is depicted suffering labour pains (Mary was born without original sin) - One scene shows St. Joachim and St. Anne reproaching Our Lady for bringing shame on the family

• Our Lady is portrayed as being very ordinary throughout the film; nothing special about her at all

• St. Joseph delivers the baby Jesus (perhaps not heretical but banalises the birth of Our Lord)

• When on her way to visit St. Elizabeth, Our Lady is shown thinking about her situation, and thinking back to when the angel told her that Elizabeth was in her 6th month. Then she said (thought) to herself, "God, please let Elizabeth really be with child", as if she was not sure she believed it and was going there to find out for herself.

• St. Joseph was very angry when he found out Mary was pregnant as he obviously believed she had been with another man. He even was dreaming that an angry mob was about to stone her, and he, himself, picked up a rock and was about to throw it at her when the angel spoke to him in the dream.

Also, the woman who was hired to play the Blessed Virgin Mary is a 16 year old who is proudly pregnant outside of wedlock.