Yet despite its uniqueness, it can't quite decide what kind of bible film it wants to be. The title suggests a mythic retelling, perhaps aimed at the family, yet the early scenes have a gritty, realistic feel to them. Later on though the film morphs into a sort of road movie as Mary and Joseph get acquainted and start to appreciate one another. Then it changes gear yet again once the holy couple reaches Bethlehem. The last remaining vestiges of realism are swiftly ditched and out comes a touch of the Christmas magic. The light from the star shines through a hole in the roof and makes the coldest and dampest of caves seem warm and lovely. Finally, the film ends with the new family fleeing from Herod, ending the film as if it's the close of part 1 of an action trilogy.The whole review is here:
The Nativity Story Review
I am looking forward to going to see the film tomorrow. Meanwhile, it has a stinking 26% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, "a dull retelling of a well-worn tale". IMDb has it at 6.3 out of 10 so far.
For lots more, Pete Chattaway has gathered together his posts on The Nativity Story on FilmChat:
The Nativity Story Article Archive
The latest of these is on Canadian Christianity:
Nativity Story producers, writer look beyond the Christian "niche"
By Peter T. Chattaway
I don't think his review is out yet, nor is The Guardian's, where I always go for film, but it does have the following feature today:
The greatest teen drama ever told
Hannah Patterson
The film comes out today in the USA. In the UK, you have to wait until next Friday. (See release dates on IDMb).
I want to see it for myself. To make a full length movie from what we have in Matthew and Luke, they definately have to do some "filling in." It is always a matter of how to tell the story.
ReplyDeleteI loved The Nativity Story--went back twice and can't wait for the DVD! It is beautifully done, and tells the story of God's faithfulness to His promises and His love "for all mankind" with clarity and sensitivity. Awesome acting. To me, it is a precious gift to all of us, Christian or not....
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