The Nativity Story (2006)

A drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

Director:

Catherine Hardwicke

Writer:

Mike Rich

Stars:

Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Oscar Isaac

3 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Keisha Castle-Hughes	...	Mary
Oscar Isaac	...	Joseph
Hiam Abbass	...	Anna
Shaun Toub	...	Joaquim
Ciarán Hinds	...	Herod
Shohreh Aghdashloo	...	Elizabeth
Stanley Townsend	...	Zechariah
Alexander Siddig	...	The Angel Gabriel
Nadim Sawalha	...	Melchior
Eriq Ebouaney	...	Balthasar
Stefan Kalipha	...	Gaspar
Alessandro Giuggioli	...	Antipas
Farida Ouchani	...	Ruth
Saïd Amadis	...	Tero
Maria Giovanna Donzelli	...	Mary's Friend

Storyline

In Nazareth, teenager Mary is betrothed to the local carpenter, Joseph. Mary is visited by an angel and told that she will fulfill a prophecy and as a virgin give birth to God's son, the savior of the world. Mary's pregnancy brings her the scorn of the community and Joseph struggles to believe her seemingly outlandish story. Meanwhile, a census forces every man and his family to return to his place of birth. Joseph and Mary set out on a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem. This story is based on the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Plot Keywords:

palestine | nazareth israel | star | f rated | bethlehem | 

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Taglines:

One family . One journey. One child...who would change the world forever.

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Genres:

Drama | Family | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some violent content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Because it isn't specifically stated in the Bible itself, various sources have given different theories regarding which wise man gave Jesus which gift. In this case, Melchior is shown giving the gold, Balthasar the frankincense, and Gaspar the myrrh.

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Goofs

Numerous Roman soldiers are shown with beards or shabby facial hair. At this time, the Romans considered body hair to be barbaric and therefore it was forbidden.

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Quotes

Mary: [places hand over stomach for a moment and then runs over to Elizabeth] He's moving!
Elizabeth: [smiles] Mine too.

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Connections

Referenced in Nostalgia Critic: Pound Puppies and the Legend of Big Paw (2010)

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Soundtracks

In Rosa Vernat Lilium
(The Rose and the Lily)
Music by Mychael Danna
Lyrics by Elizabeth Danna
Performed by Azam Ali
Azam Ali appears courtesy of Six Degrees Records

User Reviews

What Inspirational Christmas Movies Should Be

The Nativity Story is by no means a commercial portrayal of the Biblical story. I'll admit this. The power of the film and what, in my view, makes it far and away the best thing to happen to Christmas films in a long time is that it is indeed a realistic portrayal of human emotions.

When I say the previews for the release I knew that this was going to be something interesting. Since the movie is based on the lovable retelling of Jesus' birth, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed. And after leaving the theaters, to say the least, I was pleased.

The acting was phenomenal. To say that I completely fell in love with the character of Mary, whom was brilliantly played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, would be a complete understatement. Someone who was so pure, obedient, and virtuous is in my mind what all of us should attempt to become. As Mary stated "I have broken no vow." It is clear that Castle-Huhghes has acquired the maturity and intellect that was essential in playing such a prestigious role.I loved how the film acknowledges that Mary was only a child when she became the mother of Jesus, and the movie shows the emotional transformation of Mary. During her pregnancy Mary had experienced the power of bravery, the depth of kindness, the miracle of life and the profoundness of love. As a result she had grown from a frightened and unaccepted child to a woman.

I appreciated the portrayal of Joseph in the film. In the Catholic Church Joseph is rarely though of however in this film he was incredibly realistic and acted exactly as I have always imagined Joseph. Though Joseph was frightened he was humble. As Mary stated, "he is a man that puts others needs before his." He protected, cared and loved Mary, despite what others thought of her. Congrats to Oscar Isaac for doing an amazing job as portraying Josephs character.

What I find to be the most brilliant about the film is that it is as nonreligious as possible. The movie is in many ways a gritty love story about a couple and their growing relationship through times of tragedy. Catherine Hardwicke has a reputation for directing films that portray the gritty teenage essence, and she takes her talent of amazing depictions of the teenage nature to the story of the beloved Virgin Mary. This is an excellent Christmas film and I encourage everyone to see it!

Details

Official Sites:

Metropolitan Films [France] Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 December 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nativity

Filming Locations:

Cinecittà Studios, Cinecittà, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$8,025,000, 3 December 2006

Gross USA:

$37,629,831

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$46,432,264

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Sound for Film, Temple Hill Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

DTS SDDS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1