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Movie Review:
The Nativity Story

Production Company :  New Line Cinema
Director :  Catherine Hardwicke
Cast : Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac, Ciaran Hinds, Shaun Toub
Rating : G, suitable for the whole family

By Gregg Tubbs

(UMC.org)—The life of Jesus is often referred to as "The Greatest Story Ever Told." There has never been such a life—filled with majesty, wisdom and redeeming power over death. Given all that would come, it's easy to forget that this story also has a great beginning and that the initial focus of the story is on Jesus' earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. The inspiring new film, The Nativity Story, puts special emphasis on their story, helping us rediscover the faith, love and courage it took for two unprepared, unassuming people to take up the mantle of divine service and safely bring the one who would later be called "King of Kings" into a dangerous, politically charged world.


The Nativity Story tells the story of Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac), helping us rediscover the faith, love and courage it took to take up the mantle of divine service. Copyright © 2006 New Line Cinema

Although Christmas movies are a Hollywood staple, the story of the birth of Christ has rarely been the subject of a major motion picture. The Nativity Story comes as a bit of a surprise—even if it shouldn't. Love it or loathe it, you can credit The Passion of the Christ for opening Hollywood's eyes to the box office potential of Christian-themed films like The Nativity Story and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Because of this, Nativity boasts some impressive, mainstream talent. Screenwriter Mike Rich previously penned The Rookie, and director Catherine Hardwicke's earlier credits include The Lords of Dogtown and Thirteen. And in the critical role of Mary is young Keisha Castle-Hughes, the Oscar nominated actress for Whale Rider.

To their credit, the team resisted the urge to give this story—which is so familiar and so beloved-the Hollywood "epic" treatment. Writer Rich stays close to the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and director Hardwicke chooses realism over glitz. As a result, the film succeeds in immersing us in a believable and atmospheric recreation of what first century Israel may have been like. Retelling such a well-known story presents a challenge, but rather than toying with the essential elements of story, the film distinguishes itself through character development and deeper explorations of the political and societal tensions of the time.


Castle-Hughes gives Mary a surprising gutsiness, and Oscar Isaac brings the often neglected character of Joseph to the forefront as a man of courage, piety and great compassion. Copyright © 2006 New Line Cinema
We see, for example, how Mary's family—like the rest of Nazareth—labors under the heavy yoke of both Roman oppression and the greed and cruelty of Herod, the Empire's Jewish puppet king. Details like these add a sense of dramatic immediacy to the peoples' prayers for the prophesied Messiah, and Herod's obsession with securing his rule.

The film's greatest gift is the new life it breathes into the portrayals of Mary and Joseph, making them less iconic and more flesh and blood. By giving them distinct personalities and believable emotions, we can better relate to them and the questions and struggles they faced. What would it be like to risk ostracism and possible stoning to bear God's child out of wedlock? Could I, like Joseph, obey the angel's command not to divorce Mary? What does it mean to be chosen by God? How would you face the challenge of parenting the son of God? What could you teach him? How could you set a high enough example?

Castle-Hughes gives Mary a surprising gutsiness, and Oscar Isaac brings the often neglected Joseph to the forefront as a man of courage, piety and great compassion. Christians need not worry that this film is in any way revisionist or diminishes the divine for the human.

 
The Nativity Story is joyful and uplifting, proclaiming the real spirit of the season. Copyright © 2006 New Line Cinema

Instead, the film strikes a perfect balance, openly quoting Scripture and revealing the hand of God in all that occurs. It even does a nice job of foreshadowing Christ's future life and teaching, such as when Joseph complains about the moneychangers in the Temple by declaring, "This is supposed to be a house of prayer!" Even Christ's death is alluded to when one of the Magi presents his gift of myrrh (which was used in embalming and associated with death), "in honor of the sacrifice." The film's score also touches the heart, weaving in motifs from many of the sacred carols of Christmas.

Mainstream critics have been unimpressed, which is understandable. This film openly aims for an audience of believers and succeeds admirably. While other recent Christmas flicks have been somewhat mean-spirited (Deck the Halls being one), The Nativity Story is joyful and uplifting, proclaiming the real spirit of the season. The Nativity Story truly brings "good tidings of great joy" that you can share with your church group, family or friends.
 
 Gregg Tubbs is a freelance writer living in Columbia, Md.

This review was developed by UMC.org, the official online ministry of The United Methodist Church.


Study Questions

  • In the Bible, the nativity story only appears in Matthew 1:18—2:18 and Luke 1:5—2:20. Read both accounts. How are they different? How are they the similar? Which version means the most to you?
  • The filmmakers made certain choices about which elements in the Gospel accounts to include in this retelling. Which Gospel account do you think they relied on the most? Do you agree with their choices?
  • Mary is portrayed as young and even a little rebellious. What did you think of this interpretation? Does this conflict with your own impression of Mary, and if so, how do you think of her?
  • What did you think of Joseph? Did this film give you a better appreciation of his role?
  • Both Joseph and Mary are portrayed as having doubts about what they were being asked by God to do. Does this make them too human or easier to relate to?
  • In what scenes were there allusions to Jesus' life and teaching?
  • Where was Scripture quoted? How was it used?
  • One passage of Scripture found in the film is Jeremiah 23:1-8. Read this passage. How does it relate to Christmas?
  • How did Mary and Joseph display courage in addition to faith? What dangers did they face? What possible consequences did Mary, who was pregnant but unwed, face?
  • How do you think you would do if you had been in the place of Mary or Joseph? Would it have been difficult to forego your own plans and serve God? Could you do what they did?

Resources
Official The Nativity Story Web site

Theatrical Trailer
QuickTime