Following her depiction of youthful rebellion in the independent features THIRTEEN and LORDS OF DOGTOWN, Catherine Hardwicke takes an anomalous detour with THE NATIVITY STORY. A simple depiction of the Biblical tale told from Mary?s perspective, the film lends realism and humanity to a story that is mythical in its proportions, with 16-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes (WHALE RIDER) delivering a performance indicative of her star potential. The scene is set in ancient Nazareth, where the people live in poverty, oppressed by the heavy taxes and iron hand of King Herod. Herod himself lives in fear of a prophecy that foretells the coming of a great king, and is constantly tightening his grip on an already terrorized land. Mary is a young, virtuous, fun-loving girl whose family arranges her marriage to Joseph, a man she hardly knows but who promises to provide for her. Mary is unwilling, but her rebellion is soon eclipsed by a greater fear when the angel Gabriel appears to her and informs her of her destiny as the mother of Jesus. Having taken a vow to remain pure for a year, Mary is afraid of what the townspeople will do to her when they hear of her pregnancy. She goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who also carries a child given to her by God, and who offers her support and comfort. When Mary returns to Nazareth heavily pregnant, Joseph is consumed with jealousy and anger, and only when he receives word from God in a dream does he agree to claim the child for his own. Eventually, Herod decides to take a census in order to find the Messiah foretold in the prophecy, and Joseph and Mary set off on the difficult journey to Bethlehem. The way the couple?s relationship progresses lends heart to the tale, and comic relief is provided by the three wise men (Nadim Sawalha, Eriq Ebouaney, and Stefan Kalipha), making this an effective, inspiring, and joyful rendition of the well-known tale.
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This is a great version of the Nativity Story related in scriptures in the Bible Luke 2. The location it is filmed in is the most realistic to any other movie, book or painting I have seen. It does a very good job of depicting the experiences and customs of the times. The "Wise Men" do add a little humor-other than the British sounding accents it is top notch.
Perfect for my 11 year old granddaughter. Great film. She is loving it. It made a great Xmas present. Thanks Overstock for making it so affordable with no shopping hassle. Husband and I share a car.
How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
A wonderful film accurately depecting the story and the
history of the birth of the Christ Child.
Very insightful film into the culture and tradictions of the times.
The acting was excellent and the filming outstanding.
How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
My wife and I enjoyed this film. We recommend it to anyone who would like to have a family movie about the birth of our Lord.
It's simple and yet very well made. If only they made more wholesome family films about wonderful Biblical stories!
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