SnoopyStyle King Herod rules Judea for the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus. He is haunted by prophecy and orders the slaughter of newborn sons in Bethelehem. It's one year earlier Nazareth. Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is betrothed to Joseph (Oscar Isaac) in a world of cruel Roman taxation. She is visited by the Angel Gabriel. Her elder cousin Elizabeth and her priest husband Zachariah would give birth to John the Baptist. Meanwhile, three wise men follow astronomical signs to Judea.This is a functional solid telling of the familiar story. It doesn't add anything unique. Mary is a scared little girl. It's not earth-shattering or memorable. The three wise men get some screen time. It's all good for the kids in Sunday school.

ma-cortes This is a fine portrayal based on early existence of Mary (Keisha Castle Hughes), and Joseph(Oscar Isaac). A story well known and sacred that starts when birth of Jesus is announced to Mary by Angel Gabriel (Alexander Siddig). Meanwhile is also announced future birth of John the Baptist from the old couple Elizabeth (Shoreh) and Zechariah (Townsend). Mary learns from the angel Gabriel that she will conceive and bear a child called Jesus. When she asks how this can be, since she is a virgin, he tells her that the Holy Spirit would "come upon her" and that "nothing will be impossible with God". She responds: "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word".At the beginning Joseph is suspicious when Mary announces the blessed news but later is informed by an Angel.At the time that Mary is due to give birth, she and her husband Joseph travel from their home in Nazareth about 150 kilometres (90 miles) south to Joseph's ancestral home in Bethlehem to register in the census ordered by Herodes the Great (Ciaran Hinds). Meanwhile three Magician Kings Melchior(Nadim), Gaspar (Kalipha) and Bathasar (Eriq) are looking for Jesus, Son of God. Having found no place for themselves in the inn, Joseph and Mary meet a man who gives the couple a place in his stable. Mary gives birth to Jesus she places the newborn in a manger .Meantime an angel of the Lord visits the shepherds guarding their flocks in nearby fields and brings them "good news of great joy": "to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." The angel tells them they will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. The angel is joined by a "heavenly host" who say "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!".The shepherds hurry to the manger in Bethlehem where they find Jesus with Mary and Joseph. They repeat what they have been told by the angel, and then return to their flocks.This agreeable film focuses the Nativity story in a realist style but also accompanied with beautiful images, as there are shafts of lights, wonderful clouds and extraordinary landscapes. It packs marvelous cinematography by Elliot Davis who reflects splendidly the ancient scenarios filmed at Italy and Morocco. Atmospheric and emotive musical score adding oriental sounds by Mychael Danna. The motion picture is well directed Catherine Hardwicke who formerly directed 'Thirteen' and 'Lords of Dogtown' and subsequently would achieved a lot of success with 'Twilight'.

dbdumonteil The nativity story ,told by a woman with taste and sensitivity.Faithful to the gospels,while avoiding most of the Hollywood traps (except for the light that comes down from the sky,in the "Ben Hur" tradition) Much time is given over to the Magi ,but they were scientists after all,and their huge knowledge of astronomy makes sense.All the well-known episodes are featured: the angel telling Mary she would conceive the son of God,the way the Jews used to treat their supposedly unfaithful women,the visit to Mary's cousin Elizabeth who's expecting a baby too (Jesus ' cousin,John The Baptist ;Herode Antipas,featured in the movie ,will have him behead),and the crib.Traditionnaly,however, the Magi did not arrive before the Twelfth Night.It could be the first movie dealing with just the birth of Christ,the many others telling the whole story.You do not have to be a believer to appreciate it.

dbborroughs The nap time story.This is a heart felt TV movie of the week version of the birth of Jesus.Unfortunately its so bland that its sure to put most people to sleep. This isn't to say its bad, it's not but it is unengaging and paced in such away that the odds are you'll start to nod off before the film ends.In fairness I have to say that the film looks great and the performances are good. Had they managed to get a script that actually had some drama then this might have been a watchable movie instead of a sleeping potion. As it stands now its a good looking film who's real notoriety is based not on the quality of the film rather that the teenage actress playing Mary ended up pregnant on the set.Worth a look for those in need of sleep.