The Nativity Story (2006)
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Focusing on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, this film makes some surprising choices, such as portraying the Annunciation taking place in an olive grove and giving the Magi their own, somewhat humorous, story line. While the very young Mary, played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, remains a fairly one-dimensional character, this film does a remarkable job at fleshing out the normally-relegated-to-the-background Joseph, played as a young man (as opposed to traditional representations of him as an older husband) by Oscar Isaac. Christians will recognize the eerie foreshadowing of the Christ Child's ultimate sacrifice, occasionally employed throughout the movie. Beautiful scenes of nature underscore the scope and toil of their 129-km (80-mile) journey from Nazareth to Joseph's home town, but the most profound take-away from the film will be a greater appreciation for Joseph as the patron saint of fathers and protector of virgins. |
