The Nativity Story

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The Nativity Story

PG,

2006,

1h 40m,

Holiday/

Drama

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Watchlist

Watchlist

38%

129 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

50,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

38%

Tomatometer

129 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Betrothed to much-older Joseph (Oscar Isaac), Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) must remain a maiden for one year, but she subsequently receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her of her destiny. When Joseph and now-heavily pregnant Mary journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census, they face a threat from King Herod, whose obsession with an ancient prophecy endangers soon-to-be-born Jesus.

Critics Consensus

The Nativity Story is a dull retelling of a well-worn tale with the look and feel of a high-school production.

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Tom Charity

CNN.com

Jul 9, 2007

Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with preaching to the converted -- secular Hollywood does it all the time. But I confess I wish the movie had some of the passion of The Passion of the Christ.

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

Dec 4, 2006

We just haven't had too many films that concentrate on this story.

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Keith Phipps

AV Club

Dec 2, 2006

C+

...a filmed Sunday-school lesson that favors a dry, by-the-Book approach over even a suggestion of dramatic interpretation. It's more Christmas pageant than movie.

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

Feb 14, 2024

3.5/5

At a time where embarrassments like “Deck the Halls” and “Christmas with the Kranks” insult our intelligence, “The Nativity Story” comes along to give us a much-needed reality check and refresher course in why we celebrate the event in the first place.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Jun 18, 2019

[It] was all really moving and beautiful.

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Ellie Lucas

The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)

Jun 6, 2019

2/4

There are times it comes across more like a Christmas pageant put on by the church down the street than a big-budget Hollywood production.

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Hagrid S

Dec 26, 2018

Just watched this again this evening. Not sure why the critics disliked it so but I guess it has to do with the subject matter. Of course, no critic will admit to that. Instead they will whack it for lack of dramatic license and lack of sensationalism which Hollywood is usually known for. It is a very relevant story for a large population (even if secularists do not with to think so) and the movie portrayed it simply and sincerely. Thank you!

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Albus S

Dec 26, 2018

While no one will argue this was any sort of cinematic achievement, it's a faithful telling of the birth of Christ, at least from the traditional sense. I take issue with the way the story was put together because there are some liberties taken with the timeline. The wise men did not appear on the night of Christ's birth, and Herod did not issue his order for several years after Jesus was born. However, for a movie to show the story of the nativity it serves its purpose.

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Ron M

Dec 23, 2018

This depiction of the Christians story of the birth of Jesus was the best I have ever seen. The realistic clothing, living conditions, how olives were harvested, the actors nationalities were perfectly done. There was proper respect for the traditions of the Jews and of their rulers. The actress who portrayed Mary performed extremely well. The actors of the 3 kings were portrayed as humans with all faults, the Shepard's clothing and mannerisms were excellent. This was the best depiction of the events as written in ancient texts, great job !!

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Poe S

Mar 26, 2018

"The Nativity Story" offers a nice rendition of a timeless story. But it lacks depth and the acting is ok at best.

Ron S

Dec 26, 2017

A wonderful story, beautifully told with good direction, photography and acting.

Leia M

May 29, 2007

This movie was beautiful. Joseph was so in love with Mary. Adorable. But it totally has put me off childbirth.

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Catherine Hardwicke

Director

Keisha Castle-Hughes

Mary

Oscar Isaac

Joseph

Hiam Abbass

Anna

Shaun Toub

Joaquim

Ciarán Hinds

King Herod

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Synopsis

Betrothed to much-older Joseph (Oscar Isaac), Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) must remain a maiden for one year, but she subsequently receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her of her destiny. When Joseph and now-heavily pregnant Mary journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census, they face a threat from King Herod, whose obsession with an ancient prophecy endangers soon-to-be-born Jesus.

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Producer: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema
Rating: PG (Some Violent Content)
Genre: Holiday, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 2006, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.6M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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