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The Nativity Story
2006 101 min United States of America PG 12+
★6.3
Drama
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
Mary and Joseph make the hard journey to Bethlehem for a blessed event in this retelling of the Nativity story. This meticulously researched and visually lush adaptation of the biblical tale follows the pair on their arduous path to their arrival in a small village, where they find shelter in a quiet manger and Jesus is born.
Budget:
$35M
US Gross:
$37.63M
Worldwide:
$46.4M
Starring
Keisha Castle-Hughes
Actor
Shohreh Aghdashloo
Actor
Oscar Isaac
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 3 nominations total
Key opinion
The film is generally viewed as a respectful and earnest retelling of the nativity narrative, though it struggles to distinguish its visual identity. Critics are divided over whether the production captures a genuine spiritual gravity or simply feels like a standard television drama.
| Theme | The film succeeds in maintaining a respectful and delicate tone that avoids offending the sensibilities of religious audiences. | |
| Screenplay | The depiction of the relationship between Mary and Joseph is grounded in authentic, thoughtful dialogue. | |
| Cinematography | The visual presentation is polarizing; some viewers appreciate the attempt at a period-authentic aesthetic, while others criticize the cinematography for looking unremarkable and resembling a low-budget television production. | |
| Production | The overall production design and imagery fail to leave a lasting impression, leading to a split between those who find the visual style appropriately understated and those who find it visually unmemorable. |