The Nativity Story is an interesting, modern treatment of the events surrounding the birth of the Saviour Jesus Christ. It shows in an engaging way how, since Christ came into the world as a little child, there have been those who glorified Jesus, but also those who hated Him and sought His life.

The story is set in the time before and shortly after the birth of Christ. The rough contours of the film follow the Gospels, but the individual scenes stem mainly from the filmmakers’ loose themes.

The film shows Zechariah’s disablement, Mary and Joseph’s life in Nazareth, or scenes that alternate between displays of cruel Roman tax collectors.

Nor does it bypass the power- and wealth-seeking King Herod, here the antithesis of the learning and grandeur of the three kings of the East.

The film also depicts the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, the angel’s announcement to Mary that the Son of God will be born to her, or Mary’s meeting with Elizabeth. This is followed by the birth of John the Baptist, the difficulties of the pregnant Mary when she was not yet married and the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem and Egypt.

Parents Guide: The killing of children by Herod’s soldiers. The stealing of the girls by Roman soldiers. Joseph and Mary allowing a fortune teller to read their hands.

Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Shaun Toub, Eriq Ebouaney, Ciarán Hinds, Alexander Siddig, Nadim Sawalha, Kais Nashif, Tomer Sisley, Yvonne Sciò

Crew: Catherine Hardwicke

USA, 2006

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