The Nativity Story Review
by Tim Voon (winklebeck AT hotmail DOT com)December 1st, 2006
The Nativity Story (2006)
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 2006 Timothy Voon
3.5 out of 5 stars
Cast - Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac; Director - Catherine Hardwicke
It is good to be reminded of why we celebrate the season known as 'Christmas'. There is a reason behind the present-giving, holiday-making, celebrations and Santa Clause. On this day, a Child was born. His name was Jesus and he would be the most precious gift given to all mankind.
This simple tale of Christ who was born in a manger, in the humblest of abodes surrounded by farm animals and shepherds, is one of the most beautiful stories ever told, whether or not you believe it. This film is presented with the same simplicity and honesty, holding true to the Biblical account of the tale.
Besides the central theme of the birth of Christ, this movie also touches on the madness of King Herod. This self-proclaimed King of the Jews was not a descendant of King David and was driven insane with fear that he would be overthrown by the Messiah (the true King of the Jews). This would lead to one of the greatest tragedies to occur in the history of man - the slaughter of all male babies in the little town of Bethlehem. 'The Nativity Story' begins and ends with this scene. This even is horrific enough to think about and fortunately, is not shown in any graphic detail.
Then there is the issue of the unwed, pregnant Mary who is portrayed earnestly by the beautiful actress Keisha Castle Hughes. Incidentally, she was also an unwed mother when cast in the role of Mary. I believe that her understanding of Mary is honestly shown through her own life experiences. In 'The Nativity Story', Mary is ostracized by her own people in Nazareth and could have been stoned for being pregnant and unwed, if Joseph (Oscar Isaac) had not stepped in to prevent this. Unfortunately, such prejudices still exist to this day. This was highlighted at the premiere of 'The Nativity Story' at the Vatican City where Keisha Castle Hughes was noticeably not invited to the screening (to avoid controversy). I was saddened by this because Christ was born to comfort the brokenhearted and Mary, we must not forget, was an unwed mother.
There is light comedy provided by the three wise Kings who present their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the newborn King. However, the highlight of the movie is when the Star shines down on Bethlehem, through the roof of a barn onto the baby Jesus lying in a crib. At that moment I sensed a great inner peace, as I felt the burdens of the day lift from me. This, for me, is the meaning of Christmas.
Timothy Voon
Email - [email protected]
Web - 'Movies in Melbourne'
http://home.iprimus.com.au/winklebeck/index.htm
Archives - http://us.imdb.com/ReviewsBy?Tim+Voon
More on 'The Nativity Story'...
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
