I had a completely different reaction to this film than a previous reviewer who thought it lacked impact and was bland. I was drawn into it from the beginning and left surprised at how strongly it affected me. I felt that the Director was trying to not only "tell the story" that so many of us know and take for granted, but was trying to convey it as it probably was, especially culturally and emotionally.
As a viewer familiar with both the standard story and the historical and theological debates and sticking points, what really mattered to me is exactly what Catherine Hardwicke, the director, apparently favored - Herod's obsession with not losing his power (he had to be obsessed in order to order babies murdered) and how that obsession caused him to completely miss the entire point.
He was not wise. The Magi gave him the answer concerning the prophecy that he feared and, in doing so, realized by his hypocritical reaction that he feared the prophecy. Hardwicke also gave us, I believe, a strong Mary. But, she reminded us that Mary was YOUNG. She also did not present a romanticized view of Mary's and Joseph's betrothal, but what is probably a more realistic one.
Theirs was an arranged marriage. Joseph could have accused Mary of adultery and she may have been stoned. I thought that both Mary and Joseph were well cast. What young girl wouldn't have been confused and perhaps resentful of her arranged marriage when she still wanted to play and have fun? Yet, she grew throughout the film to love her child, her husband, and humankind. ("He is for all of mankind.") I also appreciated the reminders of what reality must have been like for Joseph. A beautiful young couple to watch together and the baby chosen for Jesus was stunning. Loved the story, loved the film. Extremely worthy effort. It will go in my permanent collection.
As a viewer familiar with both the standard story and the historical and theological debates and sticking points, what really mattered to me is exactly what Catherine Hardwicke, the director, apparently favored - Herod's obsession with not losing his power (he had to be obsessed in order to order babies murdered) and how that obsession caused him to completely miss the entire point.
He was not wise. The Magi gave him the answer concerning the prophecy that he feared and, in doing so, realized by his hypocritical reaction that he feared the prophecy. Hardwicke also gave us, I believe, a strong Mary. But, she reminded us that Mary was YOUNG. She also did not present a romanticized view of Mary's and Joseph's betrothal, but what is probably a more realistic one.
Theirs was an arranged marriage. Joseph could have accused Mary of adultery and she may have been stoned. I thought that both Mary and Joseph were well cast. What young girl wouldn't have been confused and perhaps resentful of her arranged marriage when she still wanted to play and have fun? Yet, she grew throughout the film to love her child, her husband, and humankind. ("He is for all of mankind.") I also appreciated the reminders of what reality must have been like for Joseph. A beautiful young couple to watch together and the baby chosen for Jesus was stunning. Loved the story, loved the film. Extremely worthy effort. It will go in my permanent collection.