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Dave's Nativity Story Review

December 1, 2006
by Dave Minkus

The Nativity Story

Many people around my age (and younger) will choose the unforgettable scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas as their favorite telling of the Christmas story. The Nativity Story builds on that portion of the story that many people are familiar with by delving into the back-story of Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac).

Having grown up listening to and reading the Christmas story every year for 25 or more years, this film did something that is unexpected in the movie industry: The Nativity Story brings something new to the table. Instead of just portraying that Joseph decides to take Mary as his wife and go to Bethlehem, this film delves (admittedly, not very deeply) into what the couple faced in their society and how they were treated. Yes, there are artistic liberties taken with this film such as interactions they had on their journey, but they were very faithful to the story and weren't necessarily out of place.

The most pleasant surprise was that they didn't cast the film with a bunch of Anglo-Saxon white people who speak with British accents. The actors used in this film all spoke English with an appropriate accent, which I really appreciated. The biggest names in this film are Keisha Castle-Hughes (of Whale Rider) and Alexander Siddig, best known as Dr. Bashir on "Deep Space Nine." Where this lack of big names may hurt some films, all the actors turned in solid performances in this one.

The direction from Catherine Hardwicke wasn't spectacular, but it was very solid. While the implications of the story are grand and vast, Hardwicke manages to keep a very intimate feel in the film. While there are great landscapes used, the lack of grand, sweeping shots of the countryside was appreciated. The grace that the Nativity scene was filmed with was outright beautiful and worth the price of admission itself.

Last Word:
When it comes down to it, your interest in this story should gauge whether you see it or not. If you enjoy the Christmas story, this is a film worthy of your money. I can easily see The Nativity Story becoming a Christmas tradition in many homes across the country in the near future. If your interest is passing at best, this film won't change your life. It quite possibly might, however, get you into the Christmas spirit a little quicker.

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Reader Feedback - 3 Comments »

1

Very well put.
It's like you're in my head. >.

tzarinna on Dec 1, 2006

2

Not that I don't disagree… but one reviewer certainly does.

"Far from a magical version of the story of Christ's birth, it is unlikely to inspire the ardent following among Christians that The Passion of the Christ did. And while there is unquestionably an audience for this film, Nativity is not bound to become a holiday classic."

Are they that wrong Dave or?

Alex Billington on Dec 3, 2006

3

Yeah, they're wrong. Sory, it really is that simple. I'm debating if I really want to even respond to this review, especially considering this "review" doesn't have a name on it. Simply put, your opinion shouldn't count unless you're willing to put your name with it and be willing to take whatever flack you may over it. I'll respond, but only briefly.
Since when can wise men not have a sense of humor? They weren't represented as bumbling dolts who belong in the Life of Brian. They're portrayed as wise men with a sense of humor. I had absolutely no problem with that.
As for the film moving at a glacial pace, that's purely subjective. I enjoyed the fact that the director actually attempted to tell the whole story.
I also take issue with the thought that they made Mary react to the arranged marriage like a moern girl. I think that Hardwicke dispelled that very easily in the simple scene of Mary looking at her friends still playing and living a free life while she's been married off. Who's to say that isn't an adjustment?
I think I've said enough. I look forward to reading what other people think. Also, thanks to tzarinna for the comment. That's the nicest thing I could ever hear about a review I write.

Dave on Dec 3, 2006

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