The Nativity Story [2006 film]

Much more than a basic nativity story, this re-telling has a full, broad setting and lots of background to the characters. A good version.

In a story of profound faith revered by much of humanity, one young woman struggles with the destiny for which she is chosen--to give birth to the Son of God and to become the object of salvation for billions of souls--a deeply moving journey told in A Nativity Story. The Academy Award-nominated star of Whale Rider, Keisha Castle-Hughes, portrays Mary, a young wife and soon-to-be mother upon whom a seemingly impossible burden will be placed. Over the two years before the birth of Jesus, as Mary realizes that she will bear a child fated to change the world, she discovers the inner strength, faith and grace that have earned her the veneration of billions of people for two thousand years.

The two-year period of Mary and Joseph's life, which culminates in their leaving Nazareth and journeying 100 miles to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Begins with the slaughter of Bethlehem's innocents under orders from a paranoid King Herod. Goes back a year to the prophecy that informs Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a child. Elizabeth's cousin, the adolescent Mary, struggles with her family to make ends meet and is promised to the carpenter Joseph. Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that she will carry, while still a virgin, the long-awaited Messiah who will liberate the Jews from Herod and his Roman benefactors. Friendship and trust emerges between Mary and Joseph after he is told in a dream that she speaks truthfully show more about her miraculous pregnancy. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem. Three Magi spend months crossing the desert trying to rendezvous with some point below the convergence of three heavenly bodies in the night sky. show less

This is a classic already in my mind. It is a must watch every year.

Good Will

The most magnificent portrayal of the nativity ever! Witness the struggles and joys of the Holy Family---and the Savior's birth at the turning point of history. Epic in scope yet intimate in detail, this major motion picture spared nothing to ensure historical accuracy and cinematic power. A film to be cherished for years to come! Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) and Oscar Isaac. Rated PG (some violence). Dove approved. Approx. 101 minutes.

DVD Features:
Widescreen and Fullscreen Versions
English and Spanish Subtitles
Closed Captions
Trailers
DVD-ROM Fetures (InterActual player)

A beautiful telling of the birth of Christ