Wednesday, December 06, 2006

The Nativity Story - Quick Movie Review

Yes. I went to a movie theater. I watched The Nativity Story. If you are expecting a Charleton Heston, voice-of-god-like, narrated reading of the Christmas story from Luke, you will be disapointed. What you will see, however, is a wonderfully engaging project that gives a real feeling of what day-to-day life must have been like in Roman occupied territories where Jesus was born. You will be transported into the sights, the sounds, the customs, and community of Nazareth and the surrounding coutryside. There is a villianous Herod. There are shepherds whose faces show the wrinkles and roughness of a life lived outdoors. There are Mary's family and friends who struggle with Mary's announcement and react in ways that are believable. Mary and Joseph are not shiny and glossy people, but are portrayed in a manner that lets you know that they had real faith, hopes, fears, and questions... I'll not give away the ending. Just leave it to say that I don't think you will be disapointed. Take the family and friends. It is a beautifully portrayed story and a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

2 comments:

Sonia said...

It's good to see a nice review for this movie. I was worried after hearing how "horrible" it is from Hollywood...but what the heck do they know.

Will said...

Sonia,
I read a couple of reviews that pointed out Biblical and historical discrepancies... something about a scene with a field of Maize, the names of the the wise men, and speculation regarding Joseph's life. I just thought that it was well done (particularly coming out of Hollywood).