The Nativity Story Reviews and Ratings


  • 339z
    December 24, 2009
    339z
    wow umn just seen this movie 4 the 1st time n think that this is a good movie 2 watch......its got a good cast of actors/actressess throughout this movie....i think that ted russoff, shohreh aghdashloo, shaun toub, oscar isaac, matt patresi, keisha castle hughes, alexandra siddin...( read more)g, ciaran hunds, hiam abbass play good roles/parts throughout this movie...i think that the director of this drama/romance movie had done a good job of directing this movie because you never know what 2 expect throughout this movie.....i think that this is a really powerful drama movie 2 watch its a really sad movie 2 watch its got a good cast throughout this movie n this is a really well directed movie 2 watch with a good cast throughout this movie
  • serendipity91210
    December 23, 2009
    serendipity91210
    One of the greatest movies I have ever seen!
  • jgalea1
    December 21, 2009
    jgalea1
    Excellent I quite enjoyed it.
  • jbutel
    December 6, 2009
    jbutel
    The Nativity Story was composed of pretty familiar events. Mary had a marriage arranged by her father to Joseph under the pretenses of for her own good (because her family was so poor). Mary was visited by an angel who told her she would give birth to God's child, which prompte...( read more)d her to hide at her cousins because custom dictated she must remain pure for her first year of marriage. After her cousin gives birth she is prompted to return to Joseph who in the long run accepts her and God's child. The King calls for a census and this small family must travel over 100 miles on foot to Bethlehem. The king misses the messiah because he believe he was looking for a grown man until the three wise men told him that the messiah was just a baby. The three wise man make it to Mary and Joseph shortly after they give birth in a stable. They decide it is best to return to their country and not inform the King of their find which allowed Mary, Joseph and Jesus to escape to Egypt.

    Outside of the relationship that the movie shows Mary and Joesph to have and perhaps Mary's beginning I believe this is a good representation of the birth of Jesus as represented in the Bible. I think the producers did a very good job at portraying actual events with just enough Hollywood mixed in to keep the attention of the audience. This story is crucial to the understanding of Christianity because it shows how hard it can be to accept the divine but if only one can open their heart, the faithful will be rewarded. Jesus, the son of God, is the savior of the Christians and prophet to other religions. His birth is definitely something that should be known and celebrated.
  • bigdaddydaryl
    December 3, 2009
    bigdaddydaryl
    I really dont know what to say about this movie?You like it or hate it?To me it was more for a younger age.It told the story of one of the greatest stories ever told,but lacked in the wow factor.It was a good movie to follow,the acting was decent.Just didnt do it for me.And where...( read more) the hell was the Little Drummer boy?I didnt expect a box office wonder cause of who was directing it....
  • kogrone
    November 23, 2009
    kogrone
    One of my fav Christmas movies that I watch anytime of the year.






    One of my fav Christmas movies that I watch anytime of the year.






    Very well done. I loved it.
  • robertholloway
    November 16, 2009
    robertholloway
    The Nativity

    I just purchased and watched The Nativity Story movie. While I understand its significance and its message, the movie it?s self leaves a lot to be desired. The dialog is somewhat monotonous, soft, and at times hard to understand. Each character recites his li...( read more)ne like it is the most important one in the move. The characters all seem to have a dirty film over them. There are a few bright spots. I love the image of Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph arrive. I can image that this might actually be the way it looked 2000 years ago. I also liked the image of the star (or three stars together, as the movie suggests) and the arrival of the three wise men. The actual birth of Christ is interesting too. It seems there is no umbilical cord, maybe suggesting his only need was the spiritual like to his Heavenly Father.
    I would have to think that this movie is historically accurate. And to some extent, it plays like a background documentary that you would see on the Discovery Channel. While this story is significant to Christianity, the last years of Christ are much more important that the first. I think this is a great holiday movie, even though the animated version is just as interesting, and a lot shorter. This is by no means a must see. If the birth and early life are of interest to you, this movie is certainly worthy of your attention.
  • aedorraugh
    November 15, 2009
    aedorraugh
    "The Nativity Story" chronicles the journey the is undertaken by Mary and Joseph. It defines the history-making, miracle birth of Jesus Christ. Keisha Castle-Hughes gives another wonderful performance as Mary. Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit....( read more) This was a difficult fact for people to accept. The locals are harsh and cold toward Mary. Adultery is assumed though Mary stands by her word that she is a virgin. She had to explain to her family and most importantly, her husband. She had to explain something that she herself did not understand. All that Mary could tell anyone was that she was told that she would give birth to the son of God. Fortunately, Mary's husband Joseph believes in her after he is visited in a dream by and angel who confirms Mary's story. The two must embark upon a long journey from Nazareth where they lived to Bethlehem, Joseph's birthplace where he must take part in a census. Joseph promised to care for Mary and her unborn child. By the end of the trip, Mary is very much near the end of her pregnancy. She goes into labor when they reach a town that can not offer an inn with any room. Mary is forced to give birth to her child in a stable. At the moment of his birth, a bright star shines bright in the sky inviting many to come pay respects to the child. This film relates strongly to world religions because it is the birth of a religion. The basis of Christianity is in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Without the virgin birth, Jesus would not have existed in the Christian faith. This film recognizes the beginning of a religion.
  • djessup8
    November 15, 2009
    djessup8
    The Nativity Story is a story of the birth of Christ. In the beginning the movie starts off quoting Jeremiah 23:5-6, how God promised David that his descendants would always rule Israel. A good king would replace the poor kings, who were to be the Messiah. A young Mary that?s to...( read more) marry Joseph was told by God one day that she was to have a child and to call his name Jesus. Mary requested to do the will of God, when she was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary went away to stay with Elizabeth the wife of Zachariah who was with child, although Elizabeth was past her child bearing years. Soon after Elizabeth gave birth to her child Mary returned home to be with Joseph. Joseph and Mary?s parents were amazed and disgraced to see a pregnant Mary return. Yet once Joseph was visited by an angle in a dream, the confirmation came to him that Mary had not conceived a child through fornication.

    Joseph was force to return to his birth place through the orders of the King. So he and Mary took to endure a lengthy trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Through the trip Joseph and Mary endured hunger, thieves, and people who set out to help along the way. However, upon their arrival to Bethlehem, Jesus was born. The star of Bethlehem led the three Wise Men to the birth place of the Messiah, where they lavished him with gifts and gold. The story ended with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus on a new journey to Egypt to escape the danger of the King who set forth his people to kill every young boy in Bethlehem.

    This is a movie that shows of the beginning of Christian religion through the birth of Jesus who sent messages to his people and performed miracles.
  • subarnaarshi
    November 15, 2009
    subarnaarshi
    S. Das
    World Religion
    Ms.Quick
    Movie Review:
    In the movie named ?the Nativity story? , we got to see the mysterious birth of Jesus. The feature flim took us to many, many years back to the city of Nazareth, where an angelic messenger appears before a teenage girl who finds...( read more) the courage to believe with the strength of her husband and her along with her family. The little girl was nobody else but Mother Mary and Her husband Joseph, the father of Lord Jesus. The characters in the movie and the history of the people who lived through the miracles and mysteries surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The was very successful to have a good match with the text book, where it literally took its audience to the era of Jesus? birth and give it a look from the very real Jewish lens. The language of the movie was almost like a different spoken language although it was spoken in English. Mary?s innocent question was very touchy, when she asked her Mom that why did God chose her for the bearer of the child birth! It was such an era that the Messiah had to come anyway as the Savior. This a well researched movie based on the scriptural account.
  • SweetNWild
    November 13, 2009
    SweetNWild
    This story was something I?ve always had a very basic understanding of, but never quite as detailed as the movie portrays it. It took an interesting glance of the story in the eyes of Mary and Joseph. I believe they are sometimes lost when Jesus? birth is explained. I never knew ...( read more)Mary was ostracized from her own town of Nazareth. They believed she had cheated on her husband who was chosen for her. Her father couldn?t feed her anymore, so he practically sold her to another man to be his wife. I think this is outrageous. I know many cultures have pre-arranged marriages, but this one was just wrong. Mary is conceived by the Lord, even though she is a virgin. She is afraid that everyone will not understand, considering she is to stay pure for one year before entering the home of her husband. She decides to leave to go stay with her cousin Elizabeth, who also bore a child. Her husband, meanwhile, continues to build them a home in which to raise their family. She changes from a child to a woman very quickly as she realizes she must do so to become the mother of ?Jesus?. She no longer runs around with her friends and does frivolous things; she now does her household chores and watches her cousin during the birth of her own son, John. When she returns home, she must face the entire community and all of their vicious stares. Her husband, although shaken by the sight of her being pregnant, nonetheless stands by his wife. The King has set out to find the ?coming Messiah? everyone has been talking about. He tells everyone to return to their homeland, for he believes he will come across the Messiah who has to return to Bethlehem. They pass the registration point to go into the land of Bethlehem, but come across many obstacles to reach their final destination. Joseph, Mary?s husband, even has blisters all over his feet from walking Mary and the Donkey. He gives much of his own portion of bread to the donkey to keep him healthy and strong; this is one more thing Mary likes of her new husband. He also saved her when she fell into the river after the donkey was scared by a snake. She was at the end of her pregnancy, but still made the journey with her husband. The time had come to give birth, so Mary and Joseph stopped at a nearby manger. Meanwhile, the King has set forth to kill all boys under two years old to make sure the "Messiah" could not survive. The Messiah was a threat to the king's rule. Innocent children are killed, but baby Jesus has survived. When Jesus was born, it was beautiful. A light shown down from the bright star above to focus on the face of Jesus and Mary as the Sheppard?s and the Three Wise Men gathered around to watch in awe. The coming Messiah has lifted any worries from the people of Bethlehem; he is their savor in hard times. This was a beautiful love story: one with Mary and Joseph, and also one with God.
  • BestEvaGal
    September 26, 2009
    BestEvaGal
    The best version of the unforgettable story of Jesus's birth.
  • ChristmasHoliday
    September 5, 2009
    ChristmasHoliday
    I liked this film. If you like traditional biblical films faithful to the Bible, this movie is for you. My opinion is that Jesus should be portrayed with respect and truthfulness. In this movie he was portrayed as just as he should be.

    Very minor spoiler ahead The film also co...( read more)ntained many episodes not mentioned in the Bible, but these episodes most certainly occurred with the principals in the story (for instance Mary being afraid to marry a man she didn't know etc.). In this way, the film gives depth to this so familiar story. Catherine Hardwicke has done a great job.
  • revalismith
    August 9, 2009
    revalismith
    An interesting interpretation and re-imagining of the birth narratives. I liked how Joseph was portrayed very much. It shows how essential he was to the entire story, which I appreciated. I won't dock them too many points for historical and Biblical inaccuraciy. I'll chalk it...( read more) up to creative license since they have very few biblical verses to stretch into an hour and a half worth of movie.

    It felt only a small step above your typical Bible film. It still felt low quality, as far as films are concerned. The acting wasn't anything spectacular and the voice of the angels were downright campy.

    I guess if you were looking for a film of the nativity for a study or something like that, thiis is about the best there is, which is unfortunate.
  • Rosiieeee
    August 7, 2009
    Rosiieeee
    A decent version of the famous story. And baby Jesus is so cute :D
  • RiderOfTheStorms
    July 25, 2009
    RiderOfTheStorms
    A very good production, high quality stuff. Datz all i can say about this.
  • Jordan770
    May 21, 2009
    Jordan770
    NEED to see this movie! It looks amazing. Being a Catholic I should have seen it a long time ago.
  • ebchwill78
    May 6, 2009
    ebchwill78
    Best accurate story about the birth of Christ Jesus
  • BsMcDiva
    May 1, 2009
    BsMcDiva
    It's just beautiful and realistic.
  • ghettoqueen747
    April 3, 2009
    ghettoqueen747
    have watvhed this movie several times . I think the telling of Jesus' birth was done with class and that the "Whale Rider" girl did a great job i nthe role of Mary.
  • jannar85
    March 29, 2009
    jannar85
    Nice movie about Jesus.
  • susannans1971
    March 26, 2009
    susannans1971
    Beautiful telling of the story
  • amoonie1
    March 9, 2009
    amoonie1
    Wonderful story and wonderful movie.
  • sanjurosamurai
    March 8, 2009
    sanjurosamurai
    this film has not been well recieved, but it was powerful. there were a few small inaccuracies as far as consitency to Scripture, but the film was well made and well played. I'll watch this every Christmas from now on.
  • dolphinsandelves
    March 8, 2009
    dolphinsandelves
    the movie was well done,however theyh changed details and added things that really didn't need to be added to the story.
  • kater16123
    January 2, 2009
    kater16123
    very good adaptation
  • jfvirey
    December 24, 2008
    jfvirey
    "The Nativity Story" is the first full-fledged movie adaptation of the infancy narratives of the Gospels (if you discount the twenty-minute claymation short, "The First Christmas.")

    Catholic opinion on its value varies widely. The often unperceptive USCB describes it as "artf...( read more)ul, reverent and affecting [... and] faithful to Scripture" and the more discriminating Decent Films Guide gives it a +3 spiritual value (on a scale of -4 to +4), while acknowledging that « the driving religious sensibility ... is more Protestant than Catholic." Only the more rigorous reviewers at Tradition in Action really speak against it : "The movie is a Protestant rendition of the birth of Christ, and should be strongly rejected by Catholics. Once we could have expected the Vatican to alert the faithful not to view this heretical display. ... Instead, the Vatican held its first-ever hosting of a movie for The Nativity Story."

    The film is far from being as blatantly blasphemous and hateful as BBC's 2007 "The Passion", which portrayed Mary as an overweight, disshevelled old hag who seem about to headbutt the Roman soldiers and rip their hearts from their ribcages. But even though I grew to like its Mary (as a first century Palestinian girl with issues, not as the Mother of God I revere), I was rather disappointed by her lack of grace and her almost constant sulky mood, as if she were some sort of headstrong and not too engaging peasant girl in the throes of puberty.

    The wise men also were a bit of a letdown. Treated as rather farcical and exotic figures, they failed to blend in with the naturalistic, almost tarkovskian tone of the film. Just like the Christmas carols integrated into the soundtrack, they felt a little bit out of place, like some kitsch and colourful Christmas card in a pauper's hovel.

    St Anne and St Joachim reminded me of the Thenardiers in Victor Hugo's « Les Miserables », Shoreh Aghdashloo's St Elizabeth was a bit too casual and lighthearted, and I missed the strong family atmosphere depicted in Anne Rice's "Christ the Lord" series. Even the Temple rituals were presented more or less as slaughterhouse scenes, with no real spiritual dimension. The only aspect of the movie that did not make me regret Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth" was Ciaran Hinds as Herod.

    Though less awkward and cheap than Delannoy's "Mary of Nazareth", "The Nativity Story" is not a much better movie. I wouldn't condemn it as strongly as Tradition in Action does, however, but this may well be due to an insufficient mariological instruction or, worse, Marian devotion, which I strongly intend to remedy over the next few years.
  • LuvCSIMIAMI
    December 12, 2008
    LuvCSIMIAMI
    Wow, that go good movie..
  • kcchiefs56
    December 12, 2008
    kcchiefs56
    was a good movie. showed the human side of Joseph and Mary.
  • friskyflugette
    December 7, 2008
    friskyflugette
    This was a very nice film. The acting was very good along with the nice period touches which made the film very believable. We all know the ending to the story but it takes an interesting turn on the original and if you're feeling in the Christmas mood then this is the film for you.
  • bluegirleri
    December 5, 2008
    bluegirleri
    This was cast beautifully and it kept my attention throughout the whole movie. It really depicts the true meaning of Christmas
  • lilace162002
    November 16, 2008
    lilace162002
    The Nativity Story, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, tells the story of two of the most famous people every written about, Mary and Joseph. The dramatic and compelling film traces the perilous journey of a young couple who must travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, Jo...( read more)seph's ancestral home, to register for a census ordered by King Herod.
    Everyone has been told the emotional and amazing story of the birth of Jesus. But to actually see it on film is an amazing sight. Keisha Castle-Hughes, who plays Mary in the movie, conveys maturity well. She plays the part of Mary with all the anxieties that anyone would have in her astonishing situation while having to deal with the disapproving looks of neighbors. She also faces being stoned and the disappointment of her family, her mother even hints at rape. The most touching scene in the movie was when Mary sits alone in a room and asks God why he chose her, and just like her you sit and wonder the same thing. Just like everyone else I expected this movie to be another corny attempt to cinematize the birth of Jesus, but this film actually brings to life one of the most well known bible stories. I have always wondered what Mary and Joseph were thinking about knowing that they had in their presence a savior. This movie brings to life some of those wonders.
    The way that this movie relates to this class is that it tells the story of the savior, Jesus, that is so significant in the Christian religion. It helps explains his significance and how he came about. Christianity is one of the largest religions in the world and we have studied it quite a bit in this class and each time we talk about any other religion Christianity pops up as well.
  • Staley3186
    November 16, 2008
    Staley3186
    The Nativity story is the story of Joseph, Mary, and the birth of Jesus. Mary, her family, and Joseph lived in Nazareth. Herod was the appalling man who was ruling this country. He was very bad to the people. Mary was a hard working young woman who helped provide for her moth...( read more)er and father. Joseph was very fond of Mary from a far; he was also a hard working man. Mary?s father lost his mule and almost lost his farm land when he could not pay his taxes to Herod. Joseph bought the mule back and gave it to Mary. This is when Mary?s father told her that she would be marrying Joseph. Mary not knowing Joseph or loving him, she was very displeased with this news. Mary was then visited by an angel who told her that she would bare a child and to name him Jesus. But first she must go and visit her cousin Elizabeth who was with child. Elizabeth was carrying John, in which an angel said that he is the Holy Spirit. So Mary agreed to marry Joseph and stay celibate for one year. Mary then went to visit Elizabeth. When Mary arrived Elizabeth knew that she would be the carrier of Jesus. When Mary returned to Joseph she looked six months pregnant, with Joseph and her father confused, they wanted to disown her. Joseph was then visited by the angel and he accepted her and Jesus, while the people of the town did not. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, Joseph?s home town, in order to get the information that Herod needed. As soon as they arrived Mary went into labor. With no place to stay he took her to a stable, where she gave birth to Jesus. Shortly after giving birth to Jesus there were many visitors including the three wise men. Herod found out where Jesus was born; with the fear that he was going to take over his country he sent his men to kill all kids two and under in Bethlehem. With another visit from an angel, Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus fled to Egypt. This was a beautiful and enlightening story of the birth of Jesus.
    This movie relates to living religions in so many ways. After reading this story in the textbook it was just like the movie. That Mary was the Virgin Mary married to Joseph who conceived Jesus. Elizabeth was the carrier of John whom was the Holy Spirit. Angels kept appearing to Joseph and Mary in order to explain things and keep them safe. All of this was in textbook as well as the movie. They both were similar and they are also similar to the bible.
  • nmebane77
    November 14, 2008
    nmebane77
    The Nativity Story is a story about the journey of a young couple Mary and Joseph and their faith to believe God despite what they believed. King Herod was the villan king that heard of the coming of a Prophetic King that would rule over him and all people. Back in Nazareth, Ma...( read more)ry and Joseph unioned in a arranged marriage. Arranged marriages were common in that day in time. An angel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear a child and his name would be Jesus, the son of God. She at first questioned the angel, because she was still a virgin, she had not even shared intimacy with her husband, Joseph. Mary said "let it be done according to your word." The angel also told her that her cousin and wife of Zachariah, Elizabeth, was pregnant too. Mary departed south with Jacob and Sara to visit her cousin and found the prophesy to be true. I loved the connected between the two cousins as they embraced their blessings from God. Mary pregnant with Jesus and Elizabeth, old in age pregnant with John the Baptist. Mary returned home and Joseph accepted her and made no accusation against her. In this story this is one of the amazing parts of the story becuase just think of how a man in this day in time would have reacted if he found out that his wife were pregnant and he knew he had never had intimacy with her? Most men I believe would have left her or had her stoned to death. John believe the angel of the Lord that appeared to him in a dream and he believed his wife, Mary. The Wise men were studying this prophetic occurence, Balthasar and Gaspar decide to follow the star to find the coming Messiah. Wise man, Melchair intitially said no to the journey but agree later to go. King Herod asserted his authority as king and ordered a census and that all males in Betheleham under the age of two be killed. Mary and Jospeh travel back to Bethelhem, his birthplace and where Jesus would be born. Mary went into labor and when Jesus was born a big shining light from heaven appeared in the sky, this light lead the wise men to Jesus. Townspeople began to arrive and celebrate his birth as well. Watching this moment in the movie was a very serene moment for me, because looking at the innoncence and peace of this child that I know would soon be hated by the world was very humbling. The Wise Men who were asked by Herod to let him know when the Messiah was born, finally reached Mary and Joseph in the inn where they were sharing with other animals. They brought gifts to Jesus like frankencense and muhr. They called him the Prince of Peace, King of Kings these gifts were to honor the scarafice. Today many Christians are still celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A man that showed so much compassion and peace. Of course in the end King Herod heard of the birth of Jesus, but would not be able to destroyed him because Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt. I loved this movie, it was great from start to finish. I read this story in the Bible, but when it was brought to life in this film it was awesome. Great directing by Catherine Hardwicke and the actors protrayed the Biblical characters very well.
  • MajesticRose3
    November 9, 2008
    MajesticRose3
    A wonderful movie, giving insight on the Biblical story, leading up to Jesus' Birth.
  • haelle
    November 2, 2008
    haelle
    As much as it sounds bad and everything..I found this one quite boring.
  • nasgdgjmj
    October 25, 2008
    nasgdgjmj
    Beautiful story of God's love for all humanity. He sent His "Only Son" to be born, suffered, crucified, and died for our sins. May we be born with Him in the Sacrament of baptism, unite our suffering to His, and die to ourselves, so that we may be able to experience His ressure...( read more)ction now and at the end of our life on earth.













    Beautiful story of God's unconditional love for His people. He sent His only Son to be born, suffer, and die for them. Following Jesus' example, may we die to sin and to ourselves for only then will we be able to rise with Him as well.



    He entered the world in humility and poverty (as a poor babe) to draw both the poor (represented in the poor shepherds) and the rich (the three wise men) to Himself. In the same way, He left the world weak, humble, and empty-handed (in His nakedness) teaching us that we must enter heaven through the narrow gate-through humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love which stripped us off all sins and earthly passions and desires! What a love! What a love! My very own heart can't grasp and fathom such a love!



    Come Lord Jesus, help me to experience a glimpse of the heavenly Jerusalem through Your love. Give me peace, the peace that the world can't give. The peace that is found in you and you alone! The peace, strength, and wisdom to cope with and understand the meaning of life as well as my own life. The peace and wisdom to see life through the eyes of heaven and know that I am cherished and loved for who I am, a child of yours, the fruit of your Fatherly love, and that I don't have to be someone else, but just be myself-the very child you created in my mother's womb for great things-to serve You, love You and be loved by You and someday be with you and my loved ones in heaven for ever and ever, amen.
  • AngelCake2911
    September 11, 2008
    AngelCake2911
    I found this to be a great movie. I really enjoyed it. I can't find the words to describe how much I enjoyed it.
  • kronkles
    September 9, 2008
    kronkles
    please if your gonna make a movie like this one don't you think that the people in it shouldn't be sluts!
  • ObsessiveOne
    August 29, 2008
    ObsessiveOne
    i thought it was a pretty accurate portrayal of Jesus's birth, though i did pick out a few discrepincies where they deviated from the Bible account. overall, though, i thought it was good
  • jpbj86
    August 25, 2008
    jpbj86
    have heard that it is really good
  • xabbu
    August 24, 2008
    xabbu
    I enjoyed this version of the biblical x-mas story. The characters had a realism, easy to relate to. At times, it seemed more historical than biblical.

Summary

The Nativity Story Summary