The Nativity Story (2006)
The Nativity Story (2006)
The Nativity Story Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Mary
as Joseph
as Anna
as Joaquim
as King Herod
as Elizabeth
as Archangel Gabriel
as Melchior
as Balthasar
as Tero
as Gaspar
as Tero
as Zecharia
as Antipas
as Mary's Friend
as Mary's Friend
as Eldest Priest
as Benjamin
as Tax Collector
as Tax Collector
as Herod's Assistant
as Elizabeth's Aunt
as Elizabeth's Cousin
as Midwife
as Palm Reader
as Street Preacher
as Girl Taken By Soldier
as Girl's Father
as Girl's Mother
as Soldier At Collection
as Sentry Soldier
as Old Shepherd
as Thief
as Thief's Accomplice
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as Bethlehem Townsperson
as The Donkey
News & Interviews for The Nativity Story
Critic Reviews for The Nativity Story
All Critics (130) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (49) | Rotten (81) | DVD (8)
Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with preaching to the converted -- secular Hollywood does it all the time. But I confess I wish the movie had some of the passion of The Passion of the Christ.
We just haven't had too many films that concentrate on this story.
...a filmed Sunday-school lesson that favors a dry, by-the-Book approach over even a suggestion of dramatic interpretation. It's more Christmas pageant than movie.
I have to hand it to Hardwicke: I was a lot less bored by The Nativity Story than I feared I'd be.
It's not exactly the dullest story ever told, but it's certainly not the greatest.
The Nativity Story may prove just idiosyncratic enough to alienate the doctrinaire believers but not quite weird enough to appeal to revisionists, cultists or regular holiday moviegoers.
Audience Reviews for The Nativity Story
I wasn't sure what to really expect from this, especially given how I was hesitant to ever see it...and that was before I knew who Catherine Hardwicke was, and way before Twilight. I finally sat down and watched it (not much better to do when one can't sleep a day or two after Christmas)..truth is...this actually isn't too bad. It's not a great movie, but it's decent enough, and worth a watch once in a while. Tjis is actually a quite faithful and thoughtful take on the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It's powerful, and moving, and all of that sentimental stuff, but that doesn'ty take away from the fact that even then, it's got some good camera work (although I wish the film didn't look so washed out), okay performances, and is very accessible. Also, there's a lot of great anthropological/cultural/historical type stuff on display, and not only is it done well, I was surprised it was there (in a good way). This is no masterpiece, but it does the story justice.
Super Reviewer
Christmas Move Review Mania Episode #1: The Nativity Story It's the last day of November and people around the world are preparing for the Christmas season. I am to and welcome to Christmas Movie Review Mania! I will be writing reviews of Christmas movies up until the big day. This won't be a daily thing. To start off, I will review a film that promotes the true meaning of Christmas: The Nativity Story. The film is a retelling of Mary and Joseph story. Despite the fact that Mary is a virgin, God makes her the mother of Jesus Christ. Her and her arranged husband, Joseph travel to Bethlehem in order to pay their taxes and give birth to the child as well. Meanwhile, the Wise Men are on their way to meet the child and King Herod make a plan to massacre baby boys and the Son of God himself. The cinematography is amazing and realistic and Catherine Hardwickes's direction (she also helmed Twilight) is wonderful. The acting is good. I don't see why many critics hated it. Mary's actress added much emotion into her character. Oscar Isaac was awesome as Joseph. The supporting cast delivers as well. A beautiful film that everyone needs to see this season. I mean it! "I wonder if I will even be able to teach him anything."
Super Reviewer
this film has not been well recieved, but it was powerful. there were a few small inaccuracies as far as consitency to Scripture, but the film was well made and well played. I'll watch this every Christmas from now on.
Super Reviewer
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