The Nativity Story

If you want flash, grand special effects, glitzy dance sequences, or a roller-coaster suspense movie, don't see this film. If, however, you are searching for a simple and fresh telling of an age-old story, this movie will pleasantly surprise you. The entire strength and power of this film relies heavily on the realistic portrayal of not only Joseph and Mary, but also of their friends, family, and community around them. Directors Catherine Hardwicke, Harvey Harrison (II), and Andy Lumsden put every effort into what could be called no less than a labor of love. It is a very new perspective on seeing what happened right before the birth of Jesus, which has not typically been done.

Every scene, every detail of each shot was done painstakingly to take the viewer into the world and what it must have been like to live 2000 years ago. No running water, no smooth highways, or McDonald's - basic survival was a great accomplishment in such harsh times. What softens the movie is the portrayal of the transformation of Mary. From a mischievous teenager into a young woman, she manages the pressure of being the mother of someone so important quite gracefully. Joseph also is believable with an understandable initial denial, feelings of betrayal, and finally acceptance into his destiny. The relationship development between these two into a loving, supportive and giving one is a wonderful process to watch. Despite very real emotions of any expectant parents, they struggle physically and spiritually to get by through the challenges that are forced upon them. You can identify with every feeling they encounter. And yet, you feel somehow comforted, knowing these two modest, fundamentally good people were selected for the job of a very special parenthood.

This is a definite must-see for this time of year. If you get caught up in the chaos and stress that can be Christmas during this holiday season, take a couple of hours and relax to remember what we are truly celebrating...the joy that is in the ultimate, priceless gift of love.

Rating: 8.5
by Red Rob, the Guest Critic