Black Nativity (2013)

A street-wise teen from Baltimore who has been raised by a single mother travels to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives, where he embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey.

Director:

Kasi Lemmons

Writers:

Langston Hughes (based on the play by), Kasi Lemmons (written for the screen by)

Stars:

Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Forest Whitaker	...	Reverend Cornell Cobbs
Angela Bassett	...	Aretha Cobbs
Jennifer Hudson	...	Naima
Tyrese Gibson	...	Loot / Tyson
Jacob Latimore	...	Langston
Mary J. Blige	...	Angel
Nas	...	Street Prophet (Isaiah) (as Nasir Jones)
Vondie Curtis-Hall	...	Pawnbroker
Luke James	...	Jo-Jo / Joseph
Grace Gibson	...	Maria / Mary
Rotimi	...	Officer Butch McDaniels
J. Mallory McCree	...	Kyle
Henry Hunter Hall	...	Snoopy (as H. Hunter Hall)
Michael Dale	...	Innkeeper
Doug Willen	...	Chic Man

Storyline

In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes' celebrated play, the holiday musical drama BLACK NATIVITY follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs' rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with his new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.

---

Plot Keywords:

christmas | nativity | color in title | based on the bible | based on stage musical | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Family | Music | Musical

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material, language and a menacing situation.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Black Nativity - Um Espectáculo de Natal

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$3,669,530 (USA) (29 November 2013)

Gross:

$7,017,178 (USA) (10 January 2014)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Maven Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS Datasat

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is one of the rare occasions when Forest Whitaker lends his tenor voice for a film.

---

Connections

Featured in Chelsea Lately: Episode #7.179 (2013)

---

Soundtracks

Test Of Faith
Written by Raphael Saadiq and Taura Stinson
Performed by Jennifer Hudson
Vocal Production Harvey Mason Jr.

User Reviews

Very Happy With This Production

I really would have given it a higher rating but I wasn't 100% crazy about all of the singing. I loved the story line and the cast was phenomenal. Overall everyone did a really good job with the acting and singing. So many of my favorites in one film is really a treat. I will be telling everyone I know about this movie.It should be watched by all who value family and faith. This situation plagues many minority homes. Holding on to the anger, hurt of misunderstandings for years when it can be fixed with communication, respect, honesty and forgiveness.I wasn't sure about whether it would be good in the beginning but very pleased I stuck it out and even got my hubby-to-be to watch it with me and he liked it also.