The Nativity Story

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The Nativity Story

PG

Released Dec 1, 2006

1h 40m

Holiday

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

37%

Tomatometer

131 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Betrothed to much-older Joseph (Oscar Isaac), Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) must remain a maiden for one year, but she subsequently receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her of her destiny. When Joseph and now-heavily pregnant Mary journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census, they face a threat from King Herod, whose obsession with an ancient prophecy endangers soon-to-be-born Jesus.

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Critics Consensus

The Nativity Story is a dull retelling of a well-worn tale with the look and feel of a high-school production.

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Tom Charity

CNN.com

Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with preaching to the converted -- secular Hollywood does it all the time. But I confess I wish the movie had some of the passion of The Passion of the Christ.

Jul 9, 2007

Full Review

Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

We just haven't had too many films that concentrate on this story.

Dec 4, 2006

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Keith Phipps

AV Club

...a filmed Sunday-school lesson that favors a dry, by-the-Book approach over even a suggestion of dramatic interpretation. It's more Christmas pageant than movie.

Rated: C+

Dec 2, 2006

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

At a time where embarrassments like “Deck the Halls” and “Christmas with the Kranks” insult our intelligence, “The Nativity Story” comes along to give us a much-needed reality check and refresher course in why we celebrate the event in the first place.

Rated: 3.5/5

Feb 14, 2024

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

[It] was all really moving and beautiful.

Jun 18, 2019

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Mattie Lucas

The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)

There are times it comes across more like a Christmas pageant put on by the church down the street than a big-budget Hollywood production.

Rated: 2/4

Jun 6, 2019

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Lorrie B

It’s a simple, yet meaningful reminder of the story of the Nativity. There’s a beauty in the simplicity of the story in an age that focuses on violence, and the wow factor. This is an annual holiday tradition for our family.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

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Pete Q

I love this movie. Critics seem to have a downer on it, but I have no idea why. I believe it does a great job representing the confusion and fear that Mary and Joseph must have felt going through the experience of bringing the Son of God into the world. I recommend this movie - I believe most with an open mind and an open heart will appreciate it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

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Kirk D

No movie depicts Christmas more accurately and to the heart of God

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

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Koi P

This movie pays attention to detail and effectively portrays the era. This is the most accurate portrayal of the nativity story. You are transported back to B.C. The plot stays true to the Bible. Authentic. If you only watch one Christmas movie, make it this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Gwen J

Always loved this film. Never imderstood why mainstream tv never show it on Christmas day! Then again it would go against their narrative wouldn't it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/12/23

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Jordan T

One of the best Bible movies I have ever seen. As close to Biblical as any Bible based movie I have ever seen.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/23

Full Review

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Catherine Hardwicke

Director

Keisha Castle-Hughes

Mary

Oscar Isaac

Joseph

Hiam Abbass

Anna

Shaun Toub

Joaquim

Ciarán Hinds

King Herod

Noel

28%

48%

Noel

Watchlist

Lovely, Still

73%

75%

Lovely, Still

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Believe

33%

69%

Believe

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TRAILER

for Believe

Noëlle

50%

59%

Noëlle

Watchlist

Martian Child

35%

72%

Martian Child

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Synopsis

Betrothed to much-older Joseph (Oscar Isaac), Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) must remain a maiden for one year, but she subsequently receives a visit from the angel Gabriel, who tells her of her destiny. When Joseph and now-heavily pregnant Mary journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census, they face a threat from King Herod, whose obsession with an ancient prophecy endangers soon-to-be-born Jesus.

Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Producer: Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: New Line Cinema
Rating: PG (Some Violent Content)
Genre: Holiday, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 1, 2006, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $37.6M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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