Controversy has always drawn crowds to the movies. Certainly a major reason why Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ made over 300 million dollars was the anti- Semitism attached to it. In contrast, The Nativity Story may or may not suffer from a lack of religious storms. The show I attended was not exactly packed to capacity. It’s more Hallmark, family friendly than an issue for debate.

 The Vatican helped to give this fine adaptation of the birth of Jesus Christ a boost by premiering the film before 7000 invited guests, a first in cinematic history.

Those in attendance included director Catherine Hardwicke and Shoreh Aghdashloo. 

New Line president Rolf Mitweg and Italy based Eagle Pictures ceo Stefano Dammicco joined forces to make the film quite a big event.

 Based upon the only two gospels to record the story, Matthew and Luke, it is decidedly more character driven than probably any other adaptation I’ve seen. Of course there is plenty of room for dramatic interpretation. Director Catherine Hardwicke takes full advantage of this, yet stays true to the Bible.

 Appropriately, Jeremiah’s prophetic chapter 23, verses 5 and 6 opens the film heralding the birth of the Messiah. Centuries later, it has not been forgotten. King Herod the Great is naturally disturbed, not to mention fearful,that this so called mythical prophecy could become reality and end his rule. Consequently, he, encouraged by his son Antipas, sanctions the mass killing of male infants  throughout Bethlehem. If this sounds vaguely familiar, watch Cecile B. De Mille’s The Ten Commandments again.  

Many actresses could have been selected to play the Virgin Mary, but Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider) appears ideal for the role here. Her perfect innocence (despite her real life pregnancy out of wedlock) works well with the trials she must endureonce she is visited by the angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig) who proclaims that she will be the mother of the promised saviour. She conveys that steadfast faith needed to overcome that expected fear and ridicule from family and friends. 

Likewise, Guatamalan born actor Oscar Isaac furnishes Joseph with normal human qualities and emotions we are all subject to.You can’t help but to laugh at his facial expressions when Mary, the woman promised to him in marriage returns with child after a brief stay with her cousin Elizabeth. Consequently, he’s naturally angered by this development and, faithful to scripture, wants to put her way privily. He repents of course when Gabriel appears to him in a dream telling him not to be afraid to take Mary for thy wife.

When Caesar commands all people to return to their native land for a census, Joseph must travel to Bethlehem. Despite general misgivings from nearly everyone they know, they set off on a journey that will pave the way for the salvation of the world.

After a teen angst flick like Thirteen and a docudrama titled Lords of Dogtown one would probably think Catherine Hardwike as a last choice to direct a biblical story. Notwithstanding, she handles the subject matter quite well, focusing on the all important virgin birth. Working with her Dogtown cinematographer Elliot Davis and writer Mike Rich (Finding Forrester),  The Nativity Story will, most likely, position her into a whole new class of Hollywood helmers.

 As a Christian for going on 27 years now, I admit I may be a little subjective since this story deals with the most important decision I’ve ever made in my life. But Christians and non - Christians should enjoy this magnificent biblical tale of the birth of our Messiah, who ultimately, undeniably, changed the entire world forever through his teachings, miracles and especially, His greatest sacrifice of all. His life for the sins of all mankind.