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

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

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Connections

Referenced in Midnight Screenings: Out of the Furnace/Black Nativity (2013)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

BLACK Nativity

For one I can't believe such racial titles and movies are even allowed these days. Secondly - the same cast/crew that did this movies past movies have bombed beyond belief so - WHY is everyone shocked?

This is certainly no surprise.

Let's actually take a moment to analyze this...

1) The obviously unnecessary racist title - REALLY guys? The very ones always stating "let the past go", etc is the ones who keep bringing it up and even throwing into the title of a movie - major shock there. Where's Asian Nativity, Caucasian Nativity? Oh that's right, that would be a law suit.

2)Casting - Jennifer Hudson? PUKE!!!! she can't even sing much less act. Mary J? SAME THING hahahaha she has what 2 good songs and trying to act? PUKE AGAIN!!!! and yeah the list goes on and on.

Just reason after reason for disaster on this abomination of a wannabe movie.