The Nativity Story [DVD] (2006)

a bit of a funny story but enjoyable

I’m gowing to sound muching this dvd made me cry what good acting and I know the story has been told so many times people know it from back to front but it never gets boring thanks amazon good dvd

As we approach yet another Christmas, I dust off my collection of the films I play to celebrate it. The story of Christ has been told in copious productions that have sought to capture the humility and humble atmosphere that surrounded His birth. Watching the lavish Hollywood spectaculars, they follow Christ's life through to His crucifixion, and I have been touched by the inherent character portrayals in them. But, this DVD, The Nativity Story, is a must for those who celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. For me, few of the past magnificent productions have focused so completely on the lead up to, and moment of Christ's birth. This film takes us on a humble journey that portrays lives that embraced poverty under Herod and the oppressive Roman Empire. Keisha Castle-Hughes' and Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Mary and Joseph is nothing short of stunning, capturing the meagre existence and struggle Mary and Joseph suffered while dodging the impending tyranny during those times. The appearances of the angel envoy as a bird is intriguing, blending in with the spectacular scenery in the film. For me, this adaptation, of the familiar story of the Nativity, stands alone by the way it leads us through simple lifestyles up to Christ's birth. Finally, accompanied by the angelic music of Mychael Danna the film reaches a moving, emotional climax, bringing together the wealthy Kings and the humble shepherds in a moment of true humility. I can whole-heartedly recommend this film to those of us who desire to afford a little time to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

It's the best film I've ever seen about the nativity, before I saw it I had read a review that said the film lacked drama, it's true there are no epic battle scenes or anything of that kind but what you will find is a warm and moving film about the lives of two ordinary people caught up in something extraordinary. The casting is excellent and the standard of acting superb. The film fills in the gaps of the story without really straying from the biblical account. It makes you realise the implications of an unmarried young woman being pregnant in those times and how Joseph and their friends and family would have reacted. The film firmly puts the story in the context of the times and the Roman occupation by showing the hardships and difficulties they would have to face. It is very easy to empathise with the characters of Mary and Joseph and I like the sensitive way they were portrayed. The whole film has a really good sense of realism, the costumes and the locations are excellent. It may not be a big budget film but there is no sense that the movie suffered because of this. Only one small criticism, I did miss was the "multitude" of angels appearing to the shepherds.

Got it to watch come up to Christmas and watch over Christmas brilliant film

This 2006 film is a wonderful re-telling of the story of the birth of Christ, detailing how Mary's (played by Keisha Castle-Hughes) faith is put to the test and that of her future husband Joseph (played by Oscar Issac); thus portraying a journey of faith, hope and love during these turbulent times by her acceptance to be the mother of Christ. There is a special feature on the making of the film, trailers and it also comes with a DVD version of the film.

looking at the story of Jesus, Josef and Mary from a spiritual perspective, I find this film VERY good, beautiful, authentic, jewish and encouraging. The jewish culture, dressing, praying and life are shown in a very authentic way, I think, better than in any other film I have seen about this culture. Many things that came together on the occasion of Jesus birth were not self evident (like the three wise men coming there, like Josef not divorcing from pregnant Mary, like Mary not fraking out by becoming pregnant without a man,...) and in this film you might start to understand that this all were ..."miracles" . I find the supernatural events, like e. g. the angel visiting Mary, are portrayed very well in this film, very authentic, just as they really might have happened. This film touched my heart. I cried a lot because the story - or shall I say: the reality - is just so beautiful and powerful.

All good