For all the Christmas songs and nativity scenes in shopping malls and town halls - not to mention all the politicians that exploit their existence for "moral value" voters - the actual story of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus is scarcely told in the Bible. Only featured in two out of the four gospels, Matthew and Luke, the events that grace the plastic mangers throughout America (next to Santa's reindeer and 50% off store signs) don't get the detailed accounts of, say, the sermon on the mount or Jesus' death.
While directors as varied as Martin Scorsese and Mel Gibson tackled the crucifixion that started an entirely new religion and changed the course of history, relative newcomer Catherine Hardwicke (Lords Of Dogtown, Thirteen) attempts the arguably harder task of capturing Jesus' birth. Besides the smaller amount of source material, Hardwicke has to deal with all the baggage of a culture already out-caroled by accounts of the three wise men. Jesus' death has all the violence and drama that Hollywood longs for. Jesus' birth, if given to the wrong storyteller, could reek of Hallmark cards.
Thankfully, Hardwicke stays clear of melodrama territory, faithfully sticking close to the gospels. The Nativity Story moves along with an obvious reverence to its source and to, well, God, portraying Mary and Joseph as faithful servants to their creator. The power of Mary's firm resolve in doing God's bidding, represented through Keisha Castle-Hughes' (Whale Rider) subtle yet strong acting, won't be lost on more devoutly religious audience members, nor will Mary's washing of the feet of Joseph (Oscar Isaac), an allusion to Jesus' more famous sole-cleansing. Perhaps these subtleties will be lost on the less devout, but, because of the great performances, the passion and spiritual emotion can still resonate regardless.
The movie is strongest as an historical account, giving context to the Bible stories that occurred in a world far removed from our modern society. The film shows how the tax collectors that Jesus spent time with weren't, say, New Deal advocates pushing for an increase in social spending, but brutal oppressors that ransacked villages and pulled girls into slavery when the families couldn't pay. (I know what you're thinking, fiscal conservative - they're the same. Ha ha, very funny.)
The recreation of the dirty, poor stable that Jesus was born in is very well made, and important. Unfortunately, the "revisions" that are implemented are somewhat misguided. The three wise men become the biblical equivalent of Disney comic-relief sidekicks, providing half-hearted wisecracks throughout their epic journey.
Also, Mary, perhaps trying to connect her struggle with a more modern post-feminist society, is depicted as somewhat defiant initially at her arranged marriage with Joseph. Considering that both the women and the men are revered and praised for their obedience and humility - Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo) blessing Mary's womb, Joseph carrying Mary for hundreds of miles to Bethlehem - Mary's protest seems out of time and place.
For the most part, however, The Nativity Story is a humble, historical, reverent adaptation that steers clear of the controversy surrounding Gibson's The Passion Of The Christ. In some ways, that approach could be seen as safe and cautious - not the usual characteristics of a passionate religious piece. Still, perhaps its less confrontational style in some ways speaks volumes about its message of universal grace.
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