Movie Reviews for The Nativity Story

The Nativity Story

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Movie Reviews of The Nativity Story

Movie Review: More than a story
Summary: 5 Stars

I bought this for my daughter and her Pastor husband as a gift for the birth of their son. They watched it together after she got home from the hospital and THEY LOVED IT.

It is predominantly biblically accurate except that the script basically gives an account of the events occurring in 1 year which is why it is probably titled a "story". However, the acting and the production details are wonderful. It brings to mind the question, if you believe the account of Jesus' birth what are you doing about it in your life?

My daughter and I both fell in love with Joseph who appears always in the background in the Bible but you truly realize now how he would have been a great man. Kind, compassionate, a selfless giver, a strong leader and protector, loyal, filled with honor and integrity and a great teacher. Wow! You see he and Mary's relationship truly blossom while he and Mary are traveling that hundred miles over that rugged terrain. How many men would make that journey and take care of a girl who was not carrying his child? It's beautiful to see how these two people trusted God and are obedient to him.

With regard to children viewing, for those of you who actually monitor what your children see, the issues of Herod's slaughter of the Innocents can be bypassed (there are two). Herod and his son are played to perfection, as well as Elizabeth and Mary's parents.

And yes, I know all about the controversy over Keisha Castle-Hughes' out of wedlock pregnancy, but you know what ... I am not to judge.

Wish there were more movies like this!

Movie Review: A new Christmas tradition
Summary: 5 Stars

Each Christmas season, there are a few holiday movies that I must watch - "A Christmas Story", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", among others. I'm proud to finally find a great movie that portrays the real Christmas story to add to my yearly movie line-up. "The Nativity Story" is the only live-action movie I can think of off-hand that strictly deals with the birth of Jesus - instead of just alluding to it like some movies, or tacking it on in the beginning of the larger story of Jesus' life. What is particularly special about this film is the simple way the characters and their lives are portrayed. These were poor, humble people just trying to get by in hard times. In the midst of all that, God decides to send his son. It's a powerful statement on how God uses even the humblest and "lowest" of people to carry out his mission.

Mary and Joseph are perfectly cast, and I can't imagine anyone else in those roles. Kudos to the filmmakers for casting actors of appropriate ages. Keisha Castle-Hughes was 15 when she filmed this, and Mary wasn't much older than that (and was probably younger). And Joseph is a young man in his 20's who ends up being a perfect match for her. The way their relationship grows is subtle and touching.

Like most classic Christmas movies before it, this movie didn't do well during its initial theatrical run. But it's popularity is sure to grow as people discover it on DVD. Hopefully over time this will become the definitive Nativity movie everyone will watch when Christmas rolls around.

Movie Review: Enjoyable among any religion
Summary: 5 Stars

This movie in my opinion captures the original story quite well with some very minor liberties taken. A great watch for children and adults alike, this movie will move the heart as you watch the struggle of Mary and Joseph and the harsh journey to Bethlehem. It is nice to see their bond grow as they travel, two people who barely know each other. These two undergo mental and physical hardships that embody what it is to have faith.

In a religion class that I am taking we are currently discussing the Christian faith and this story from what I have read seems to stay close to the popular tale. Everyone is required to travel to their birthplace for a census so Joseph and a pregnant Mary must make the long journey. Upon their arrival there is no room left in the inn and are left to give birth in a stable among animals. Luke tells of poor shepherds who came to pay their respects while Mathew tells of the Magi from the East with the gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Though there is the discrepancy over the fact that it was in a house I do not see how this changes the tale that much.

All in all I feel like anyone who watches this movie will enjoy it just as much as I did. And as somebody who claims no religion if I can get enjoyment out of such a timeless tale and its wonderful acting with great and sometimes stunning environments then certainly others who watch this film will get at least something from it.

Movie Review: The Christmas Story on the Silver Screen
Summary: 5 Stars

This is a beautiful depiction of how the birth of the Son of God happened. We get to see Joseph and Mary as people of character who really want to live righteously for the Lord. We see the godly and discerning Elizabeth as she counsels Mary on how to handle these unique circumstances.

I have always wondered how Mary broke the news to Joseph and her family about her divine pregnancy. How do you explain something like that? This movie gives a very realistic picture of how that news would have been initially received.

After Joseph's dream reveals to him that Mary's pregnancy is from the Lord, he goes to her and says "I believe you! I believe you! You shall call His name Jesus!" It is a touching scene!

Next, you have the long 100 mile journey to Bethlehem to register for the census. The baby Jesus is born in a cave in Bethlehem, though a good case can be made that the manger he was placed in was in the part of a house occupied by animals than a cave per se.

Also, the Magi (who are the funniest people in the film) are portrayed as coming to the cave the same night the shepherds are there, though scholars have suggested that the visit of the Magi in Matthew 2 may have been a few months later.

But I found the movie to be deeply satisfying, and it made me worship Jesus again as our Savior and Newborn King! All praise and glory and honor be to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Movie Review: Must see!
Summary: 5 Stars

I went to see this with my 12 year old and was totally blown away with the realism and beauty of this movie.

Having been raised in a Christian home all my life and very familiar with the Nativity story, I didn't think this movie could add much to what I felt I already knew - BIG MISTAKE!

Although it followed the Bible account of Jesus' birth, what this movie did wonderfully was to "flesh out" aspects of the story omitted in the Biblical account in a believable way. In addition, I was amazed that a movie based on a story as old and well-known as this one could still manage to convey a sense of tension. I mean, I knew how the story was going to play out and end, but several scenes still had me on the edge of my seat! Crazy but true.

I think what I liked most about this movie was how it developed the character of Joseph. So many times, he's relegated so far back in the background of the event that people forget that he surely played a very large part in the raising of the Son of God. Joseph comes across very strongly in this movie, and the actor who played him was perfect for the role.

Kudos to everyone involved in the production of this movie. It was beautifully filmed, beautifully directed and beautifully acted.

I couldn't recommend it higher.
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