While some may love the Nativity Story they have seen in church or school plays, don't be fooled by this one - it is designed to be as "biblically accurate" as possible. That means plenty of poverty, despair, and stories about Mary being sold into slavery, etc. We sat down to watch this with our 8-and-12-year-old daughters, and given that my wife is a minister, we thought all would be OK...until we hit the completely unnecessary circumcision scene. After that, we turned it off - and I had a traumatized 8-and-12-year-old to calm down! Bottom line, I don't think this is for kids. Adults, yes, and Teens who can take it - but not for kids.
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The Nativity Story
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
The Bible on the big screen: New take on old tale.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Nativity Story
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.
Read our full review by Jane Boursaw
Families Can Talk About
- 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?
Our Members Say
See all 21 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Jesus bein' born
I saw it X-Mas and fell asleep hakf way through it because it was getting dull towards the middle. I woke up a little later, and the portion of that which I saw was excellent.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Inspiring.
This film is wonderful. It should be watched by everyone, especilly on Christmas.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
loved it
it waas the best move i've ever seen.it was fantastic
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
dinner time talk
We wathed this movie and everybody wanted to talk about it at dinner. Wonderful Understanding al around!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This is one of the best movies I've ever seen!
I absolutely loved this movie. I was deeply touched throughout the whole film and would recommend it to anyone. If you've read any other reviews many people don't like it. It is a simple story and very humble and beautiful the way it is and people want to make a huge epic out of it. I am a Christian and this movie gave my faith a boost in a simply beautiful way that everyone should experience. I highly recommend this film to anyone!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great film!
This is a beautiful film and is good for everyone, just as long as they don't find out how old the actor who played Mary was.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Certainly a movie with good intentions...but it still bored me to death. The story of Jesus's birth is amazing, but somehow it doesn't make an interesting movie. Good for kids 5+
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
Very Boring!!!
Some of the movie was really good, but other times I was trying to picture ANCHORMAN on the screen!
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Much better than I expected
After reading the common sense media review about rape and violence, I decided to preview it first. This movie is fine for kids - some of the younger kids might get bored because it is not animated but there is nothing bad in this movie. Common Sense Media has lost some credibility with our family because of their review of this movie. I get the sense that their are some Democrats in their midst.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Story
I loved this story. I thought it held extremely close to biblical account and yet it made you feel like you could step in and be a part of the story. The characters were extremely believable and I cried though it realizing how the savior of the world came in such a humble way. Great Movie, I would recommend it highly
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Must see movie this Holiday Season
Visually beautiful! I highly recommend it for the family this Holiday season whether you are of the Christian faith or not.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
What Christimas is really about.
Very good. Reminds us about what Christimas is really about. Great for the WHOLE family!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I think IT is A very good movie,but I must say... If your kids get scared if they hear people in pain. then I would say you should see the movie before the little kids see it, you see I took 3 kids to see it and after the movie on of the kids was really upset, but if you kid is over 10 they should not get to upset! other then that it was a great movie that shows us what christmas is really about!!!
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