This was the first feature film ever to premiere at the Vatican; an indication of its uncontroversial take on the Christmas story. It is the tale of Mary and Joseph's arduous journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus. Keisha Castle-Hughes, star of Whale Rider and youngest ever nominee for a Best Actress Oscar, plays the Virgin Mary and stalwart Brit actor Ciarán Hinds is a suitably harsh Herod. Director Catherine Hardwicke, known for her previous work on Lords Of Dogtown and Thirteen, changes pace for a very different take on teenage angst. Faithfully told and beautifully filmed, this is a welcome break from the usual tinselly fare of Christmas films.
The Nativity Story is a Film programme that first aired in 2006 and has been classified a PG certificate.
