Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

As a Christian the birth of Jesus in "The Nativity Story" is one to celebrate. I went to see this film at a preview via our local newspaper, Newsday. I can announce that this low-key film is also beautiful and at times stunning in its presentation. It can also be quite emotional to Christians. I hope non-believers don't stop reading here as there is much more to tell. There is a no proselytizing in the upcoming paragraphs.

The film directed by Catherine Hardwicke is an adaptation of a story/screenplay written by Mike Rich. I might add that Mike Rich may have adapted his story from Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Plot

This is the account of Mary and Joseph, a young Jewish couple. Mary is pregnant and much of the story reveals the trials she went through as the one who was chosen to be the mother of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph goes through a trial of his own in reference to Mary's condition. How does a man who is to marry a woman react when he finds out she is "with child". He makes the decision to stay with Mary (most of us knew that)and the story continues as they journey to Bethlehem for a census. Jesus' birth takes place there. Much more is happening at the same time. Three wise men, the Magi, by the name of Melchior, Balthasar, and Gaspar are to be witness to Jesus and the story of their involvement and journey is told. Life and death decisions are made King Herod who feels threatened by the announcement that a "Messiah, a king of the Jews" was born.

Actors

Keisha Castle-Hughes is Mary. I remember and enjoyed her acting in Whale Rider. She has grown up and has the perfect face, and temperament to play Mary well. There were scenes where I felt she was the Mary I always envisioned from stories and in my minds eye.

Oscar Isaac as Joseph was also perfect as a young man who had strength of character and commitment as well as physical strength that he used to protect Mary on their journey.

Ciaran Hinds as King Herod was a good villain in an understated way. No emotion is given from this self serving man who felt threatened by the birth of a child. He simply plotted with his son at his side with cold demeanor.

The other side of that coin is given by the three Magi who at first almost gave a comic relief to the dread of the pounding hooves of the Roman horseman and Herod's heartless plotting.

Elizabeth, the infant John the Baptist's mother was familiar to me but played a very different role than when I saw her as a terrorist in the TV show 24. She was excellent and my eyes were drawn to her.

Personal Thoughts

The story of the birth of Jesus is an important one in the faith of Christians. It is the belief that one woman was truly chosen to be the Mother of God-the-Son who came into the world to free all men and woman from the original sin of Adam and Eve. It was through His death that Christians believe we can all be saved.

I believe my wife and I were both eager to see this film because we are practicing and believing Catholics and because we both have worked in presenting the nativity story to others through the arts. I do feel blessed that we received these free preview tickets.

Every year my wife leads our church community's children in a pageant depicting the nativity scene. Years back I directed a children's play that included the story of Mary and Joseph's plight, the curiosity and gift bearing of the three magi and the plot of King Herod to kill the infant. These pageants and the play told the story in a one-dimensional, superficial way, without much depth.

In all these events my wife and I directed we presented a simple "picture" story. This film is much different. It gives the human element of what Mary and Joseph must have gone through. What makes this so much more real is the involvement of their families. What did Mary's parents think or advise? What about Joseph supporting a woman "with child" that is not his and could not be his. How did the townspeople treat Mary? Much of this is addressed.

We always hear of the story of the Magi, the three wise men, but in this film so much more is brought to light (Pun intended) as they followed that star.

Closing Thoughts

In watching this film one may feel this is the joyful opening to Mel Gibson's dark The Passion of the Christ or perhaps a very descriptive opening to The Greatest Story Ever Told. Though the story certainly chronicles the birth of Jesus this film is much more about the trials and love shown between Mary and Joseph, their travel and their dedication to the child. If comparing the Mary of this film to the one portrayed by Gibson, I can see this being the very same Mary in both. (age difference apparent) There is a simple yet determined quality that Keisha Castle-Hughes portrays as Mary. Her love for the infant is clear.

The film does start with violence and then a flashback becomes the beginning of the story. The opening with a single cello playing "O Come, O Come Emanual" gave me immediate feel that this film was going to draw an emotional reaction from me. There was one time when tears were streaming from my eyes.

Much of the filming was done in Italy and Moroco. The actual places in Israel were said to be too modernized for this film. The cinematography was spectacular. The open desert scenes and the intimate views of families living and sleeping together in small quarters gave a feel of being there in time and place.

Much detail was taken in the Jewish culture of the time. Whether farming, building a castle, slaughtering animals, or weaving great care was taken to make it "real" and it was. Jewish customs of prayer and rites are also presented with utmost prudence.

For those who know the biblical story of Jesus they will be familiar with the Angel Gabriel, Ruth, Zechariah and others who are depicted in the film.

Though I look forward to reading the take of non-believers, I feel the film would be entertaining to all through its story telling, detail to custom and culture, acting, subtle yet beautiful music and dramatic cinematography. Director Catherine Hardwicke knows how to tell a story and pull emotional strings without being overdramatic.

The crowd that saw the film was mixed with young children to older folk. I noticed kids 4-6 fell asleep. All the others perhaps 7 and up were wide eyed throughout the film. I wasn't sure how the actual birth scenes, that of John and Jesus would be depicted. Though that of John was more fastidious, Mary giving birth to Jesus was Blessed. Though there is violence it is not graphic. I believe this PG rated film is quite suitable for youngsters 7 and up.

For those who do believe in Jesus Christ, this could be 'the greatest story ever told' of the Nativity Story.


Recommended: Yes