Parents' Guide to

The Nativity Story

By Jane Boursaw, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

The Bible on the big screen: New take on old tale.

Movie PG 2006 102 minutes
The Nativity Story Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
April 30, 2016
age 10+

the original Christmas story

This isn't for young children. If they enjoy hearing the story of Jesus's birth they should see, hear or read a sanitized version. That said, this provides details, some of which are speculative, that you don't usually hear. Viewers will get new insight into the story of Mary and Joseph. The playful way in which they interacted at the beginning of the movie will tell viewers, especially adolescents, that couples back then were in many ways no different from modern couples. While most people who watch are no doubt religious, nonbelievers will enjoy this movie too, as it has messages that resonate with believers and nonbelievers alike, such as generosity, goodwill and weathering life's difficulties.
caring_non_mom
caring_non_mom Adult
December 19, 2011
age 13+

Childbirth scenes

The birth scenes (Elizabeth of John the Baptist and Mary of Jesus) are intense but not graphic. Kids (I think) need a grasp of what childbirth is. If they do it is a great opportunity to show that though these women are in intense pain the outcome is a miracle!
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE NATIVITY STORY opens with King Herod (Ciaran Hinds) plotting to kill all the male babies in Bethlehem. In a flashback to the previous year, Zechariah (Stanley Townsend) is told by an angelic voice that his aging wife Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo) will bear a son. In Nazareth, Elizabeth's young peasant cousin, Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) -- still practically a child and living under the daily uncertainties of Roman occupation -- is informed by her parents, Anna and Joaquim (Hiam Abbass and Shaun Toub), that she is to marry Joseph (Oscar Isaac), a carpenter a few years her senior. Troubled, Mary retreats to a nearby grove, where the angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig) reveals that she'll give birth to Jesus. Meanwhile, in Persia, the three Magi set out to follow the star westward as Joseph and Mary begin their own difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Once they finally arrive, Jesus is born -- complete with wise men, shepherds, no room at the inn, and just a hint of Hallmark Cardish-ness.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (12 ):

The movie''s notable in that it takes us inside the biblical characters' experience -- what they're thinking and how people react to their extraordinary situation. With very little source material to go on, it's true that most of this movie is speculation. But thoughtful direction by Catherine Hardwicke and a strong screenplay by Mike Rich give viewers a glimpse into Mary and Joseph's emotions.

Castle-Hughes portrays Mary with all the angst you might expect from someone in her situation. It's heart-wrenching to see Mary endure disparaging looks from neighbors, the threat of stoning, and the doubts of her own parents. Mary and Joseph feel woefully inadequate for such enormous responsibility, yet they quietly shoulder their responsibilities with hope and faith. This movie is a little slow in spots, and it's clearly religious. But its message of peace and goodwill will resonate with non-believers as well.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Mary and Joseph react to their extraordinary situation. Even though they had doubts, they didn't shy away from responsibility. Why do people call on faith and hope when times are rough? Also, when someone trustworthy tells you something that seems unbelievable, should you trust them? How realistic do you think the movie's portrayal of biblical times is? How do kids think the director did depicting this timeless story? How do they respond to seeing religion on the big screen? How do our modern values color the story of Mary and Joseph?

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