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 (as Vondie Curtis Hall)
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.

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Plot Keywords:

christmas | nativity | f rated | color in title | based on the bible | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Music | Musical

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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

Budget:

$17,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,669,530, 1 December 2013, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$7,017,178, 10 January 2014

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bob Industries,Maven Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS Datasat

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Angela Bassett plays a preacher's wife in this film. In 1996, her "Waiting to Exhale" co-star Whitney Houston played the title role in "The Preacher's Wife". The preacher in that film was played by Courteney B. Vance, Bassett's real-life husband.

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Connections

Referenced in Saturday Night Live: Lady Gaga (2013)

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Soundtracks

Jesus Is On the Mainline
Traditional
Performed by Angela Bassett and Forest Whitaker
Arranged by Raphael Saadiq and Taura Stinson

User Reviews

Good

Great performances help to enhance this amazing story. After reading some of the negative reviews on here, I just have to say that some people really don't get it. I really wanted to like this film. 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. My only problem with the film was the supporting cast. This is not a great movie, but the cinematography is bare. The only thing that keeps it afloat is the sensitivity of the relationships. So at the end of the day, I give it 7 out of 10.