The Nativity Story - PG
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that most kids probably won't be clamoring to see this serious biblical drama. It includes references to stoning, rape, and the slaughter of innocent people. Mary endures whispers and looks from neighbors (she's pregnant but hasn't had sex -- they wonder how this can be). She and Joseph embark on a difficult trip to Bethlehem, enduring thieves, harsh weather, sandstorms, a perilous river crossing, and a run-in with a snake. The takeaway message (for Christians and non-believers alike) is that hope and faith go a long way toward getting you through life's rough patches.
Families can talk about how Mary and Joseph react to their extraordinary situation. Even though they had doubts, they didn't shy away from responsibility. Why do people call on faith and hope when times are rough? Also, when someone trustworthy tells you something that seems unbelievable, should you trust them? How realistic do you think the movie's portrayal of biblical times is? How do kids think the director did depicting this timeless story? How do they respond to seeing religion on the big screen? How do our modern values color the story of Mary and Joseph?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jane Boursaw
THE NATIVITY STORY tells the familiar biblical tale of Jesus' birth, but it's not just about that famous event. The movie takes us inside the characters' experience -- what they're thinking and how people react to their extraordinary situation. It's a good lesson in faith and hope, even when everything seems strange and confusing.
Filmed in Morocco and Matera -- the ancient Italian town where Mel Gibson shot The Passion of the Christ -- the movie opens with King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) plotting to kill all the male babies in Bethlehem. Then, in a flashback to the previous year, Zechariah (Stanley Townsend) is told by an angelic voice that his aging wife Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo) will bear a son.
In Nazareth, Elizabeth's young peasant cousin, Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) -- still practically a child and living under the daily uncertainties of Roman occupation -- is informed by her parents, Anna and Joaquim (Hiam Abbass and Shaun Toub), that she is to marry Joseph (Oscar Isaac), a carpenter a few years her senior. Troubled over this marriage to "a man I hardly know," Mary retreats to a nearby grove, where the angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig) reveals that she'll give birth to Jesus.
Meanwhile, in Persia, the three Magi set out to follow the star westward as Joseph and Mary begin their own difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, battling sandstorms, treacherous terrain, hunger, thieves, and, in one perilous river crossing, a snake Once they finally arrive, Jesus is born -- complete with wise men, shepherds, no room at the inn, and just a hint of Hallmark Cardish-ness.
With very little source material to go on, it's true that most of this movie is speculation. But thoughtful direction by Catherine Hardwicke and a strong screenplay by Mike Rich give viewers a glimpse into Mary and Joseph's emotions.
Castle-Hughes, who wowed audiences in Whale Rider, portrays Mary with all the angst you might expect from someone in her situation. It's heart-wrenching to see Mary endure disparaging looks from neighbors, the threat of stoning, and the doubts of her own parents (her mother hints that she believes the girl was raped). Mary and Joseph both feel woefully inadequate to be bringing the son of God into the world, yet they quietly shoulder their responsibilities with hope and faith.
This movie is a little slow in spots, and it's clearly religious. But its message of peace and goodwill will resonate with non-believers as well.
Fans might also like One Night With the King, The Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus, and The Ten Commandments.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThe story revolves around Mary's "immaculate conception." People react harshly to the idea that Mary may have had sex before marriage (her mother hints at rape). Mary and Elizabeth endure painful labor during childbirth. |
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ViolenceMary and Joseph endure a harsh trip to Bethlehem, battling sandstorms, treacherous terrain, hunger, thieves, and a snake during a river crossing. Brief scenes of innocents being slaughtered. Mention of Mary being stoned. |
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Social BehaviorNo one believes that Mary didn't have sex, so she has to endure their looks, whispers, and even the threat of stoning. In Bethlehem, the couple is turned away as she's ready to give birth. Mary and Joseph hold fast to their faith during difficult times. |
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