The Nativity Story - 6

While this film is a story that has been many times, it doesn't sink down to the level of cliche. Rather it does a nice job of setting the context of the birth of Jesus. The film has the feel of being in ancient Israel under Roman rule. While some of the story is fictionalized, none of it is too over the top to make the story trivial. The only unfortunate thing about the film is the ending when the filmmakers sort of force the nativity on you by having all the people show up and then taking position like it is your neighbor's front lawn. But like the film should be it is down to earth, not trying to play into some idea of spiritual transcendence, it is the incarnation after all. Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes of Whale Rider fame) and Joesph (Oscar Isaac) are two young and scared people who are not sure what is going to happen just that God will protect them. They do not come off as heroes, rather they realize that in humility they can be used for something greater than themselves. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) and written by Mike Rich (Finding Forrester) it is a well made film.