The Nativity Story- DVD

The scene is set in ancient Nazareth, where the people live in poverty, oppressed by the heavy taxes and iron hand of King Herod.

The Nativity Story DVD: Told from the perspective of Mary, the story of the birth of Christ is told in this film with realism and humanity. With 16-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes (WHALE RIDER) delivering a performance indicative of her star potential.

The story is seen in ancient Nazareth, where the people live in poverty, oppressed by the heavy taxes and iron hand of King Herod. Herod himself lives in fear of a prophecy that foretells the coming of a great king, and is constantly tightening his grip on an already terrorized land. Mary is a young girl who has been arranged to be married to Joseph, a man she hardly knows but who promises to provide for her. Mary is unwilling, but her rebellion soon vanishes when the angel Gabriel appears to her and informs her of her destiny as the mother of Jesus. Having taken a vow to remain pure for a year, Mary is afraid of what the townspeople will do to her when they hear of her pregnancy.

After learning of her pregnancy, Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who also carries a child given to her by God, and who offers her support and comfort. When Mary returns to Nazareth, she is far along in her pregnancy and Joseph becomes consumed with jealousy and anger. It is only when he receives word from God in a dream does he agree to claim the child for his own. Eventually, Herod still disturbed by the prophecy that someone greater is to come, decides to take a census in order to find the Messiah foretold in the prophecy, and Joseph and Mary set off on the difficult journey to Bethlehem.

The way the couple's relationship progresses lends heart to the tale, and comic relief is provided by the three wise men (Nadim Sawalha, Eriq Ebouaney, and Stefan Kalipha), making this an effective, inspiring, and joyful rendition of the well-known tale.

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, and Shaun Toub

DVD Features:

• Rated: PG
• Region: Region 1 (USA, Canada)
• Languages: English
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Format: Full Screen
• Time: 101 minutes
• Release: 2007

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