 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Nativity Story
- Review Date: March 19, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
The Bible on the big screen: New take on old tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
THE NATIVITY STORY opens with King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) plotting to kill all the male babies in Bethlehem. 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, 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. 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.
Is it any good?
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. The movie takes us inside the characters' experience -- what they're thinking and how people react to their extraordinary situation.
Castle-Hughes 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. Mary and Joseph feel woefully inadequate for such enormous responsibility, 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.
What 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?
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AGE
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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AGE
Very good story on Mary and Josehp!
This is my favorite movie! It has some very disturbing content in it with men killing baby boys and having mothers grive over it...it is sad too. Mary is accused of sex before marrige and a brief glimpse of her being stoned, but it is only a dream. Her mother hints that she may have been raped. Mary and Joseph almost drown in a current and there is painful labor scenes before babys are born.
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dinner time talk
We wathed this movie and everybody wanted to talk about it at dinner. Wonderful Understanding al around!!!!
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What Christimas is really about.
Very good. Reminds us about what Christimas is really about. Great for the WHOLE family!
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AGE
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
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AGE
My family enjoyed it
It was a great movie to see right before Christmas. It reminds you why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.
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AGE
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!
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| Topics: | adventures, history |
| Studio: | New Line |
| Director: | Catherine Hardwicke |
| Cast: | Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shohreh Aghdashloo |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 30, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | March 20, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some violent content |
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