I had the opportunity yesterday to go to a special advanced screening of "The Nativity Story". I, personally, thought it was INCREDIBLE!!!!!
I plan to take my Jr. Highers to see it as a group when it is released, and I would highly recommend everyone to see it. It is not a low-budget, B-made, Christian movie. It had a 37.5 million dollar budget for the making of the movie, and the producer, writer and director are all strong Christians.
I really admired how they handled some of the "creative license" on scenes that we do not know about - such as how did Mary's parents respond when they found out she was pregnant; and how did she respond back to them. I felt it was well done.
It was biblically accurate and scripturally correct. Historically it was also very accurate other than one major area - the wise men coming to see Jesus in manger right after he was born. We had a chance to ask the producer about why he chose to err in that way and he said the because most people (especially non-believer) don't know that the wise men were not at the manger - because that is how all of our nativity scenes show it is with them there - he felt too many people would walk out of the move feeling confused and focusing on the question of "why weren't the wise men there" rather than focusing on the power of the story and the birth of Christ. So he decided that was a historical stretch that he felt was worth making for this movie because it does not communicate an theological or biblical errancy, but rather just a shifting of the historical timeline for these few individuals. I can see his point, and I didn't have a problem with it given the power and clearness of the rest of the movie.
The actress who played Mary is the girl who was in the movie "Whale Rider" and she did an amazing job. The actor who played Joseph is basically an "unknown" and was also incredible.
This movie will move you, bring you to tears, cause you to re-think some things, and definitely impact you. It is a GREAT movie to share with others who do not believe. I still feel moved 1 day later just thinking about the movie. I can't wait to see it again on Opening Weekend (Dec. 1-3).
Thanks Ryan. Can't wait to see it!
Posted by: Brian | November 16, 2006 at 05:03 PM
This movie could be a very good way of putting Christ back into Christmas. Here is some more info about the movie appearing at The preview of the movie Nativity Story is very promising. I am looking forward to it. By the way here is some more extra info from New Line Cinema appearing at http://www.huliq.com/recreation/108/the-nativity-story-world-premiere-will-be-hosted-in-vatican
Posted by: Healthy Man | November 16, 2006 at 08:17 PM
Thanks, this is awesome...i think it would be really fun to take kids to as well. Any idea if the movie has a website?
Peace!
Posted by: Jenna | November 17, 2006 at 12:38 PM
Yes, it is an awesome movie and a great outreach tool.
They do have a website. It is: http://www.thenativitystory.com
Posted by: Ryan Nielsen | November 17, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Everyone should go see it, if nothing else, to show that we want more movies like this.
By the way, the budget for the film is 65+ million, not 35, making this one of the most expensive Bible based movies ever. That's one reason why an 8 million dollar opening weekend will be seen by some as a flop.
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2006/nov/25/new-line-takes-up-bible-study-as-the-nativity/
Posted by: Film Guy | December 04, 2006 at 09:18 AM