(MILD spoilers) This movie works on so many levels I just loved it. Although some things were added to the Biblical story, and some parts of the Biblical story were molded to fit popular misconception, the overall effect was truly glorious.
Added to the story were logical extensions of the story, such as the legal reality of a betrothed woman pregnant prior to officially moving in with her husband, and the reciprocal situation of a husband claiming to be the father of a child prior to his official time to be a father.
A bird (not a dove) was ever present near angelic visitation scenes, presumably to insure understanding (think: Touched by an Angel). The angelic visitor was well done - seemed real yet other-worldly.
The acting was splendid - especially Joseph & Harod. I also enjoyed Mary, her parents, Elizabeth and the quirky wise men.
The Magi, though not appearing at the birth according to the Bible, were interestingly portrayed and added comic relief (mildly) and depth to the story.
I was sad by the lack of dramatic portrayal of two scenes. The first was the meeting of Mary & Elizabeth; it seemed less than powerfully portrayed, although Elizabeth's enthusiastic delivery of her lines was excellent. The scene simply lacked the majesty and umph I get from the Biblical account.
The other disappointment was the annunciation to the shepherds by the angel. In the Bible we read that the angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts singing "Glory to God in the Highest." No choir of angels in this movie; I longed to see that portrayed.
Nevertheless, musically the movie was astonishingly wonderful. The score had all the orchestration and "feel" of a typical dramatic movie soundtrack, yet the underlying melodies were familiar Christmas carols, which immediately added emotional power at a level impossible for unfamiliar soundtracks, in my opinion. From the "O Come, O Come Immanuel" in the beginning to "Carol of the Bells" dramatically enhancing the urgency of approaching Bethlehem to look for a place to birth a baby, to "Silent Night" as the Holy family travels to Egypt, the fusion of music to story was superb.
This is truly a movie for the whole family. I don't understand the PG rating - all violence (which is REALLY minor) is off-screen or implied, and the story itself is so familiar that most preschoolers I know are familiar with it.
I'll definitely buy this one and it will become part of our family Christmas traditions.
Added to the story were logical extensions of the story, such as the legal reality of a betrothed woman pregnant prior to officially moving in with her husband, and the reciprocal situation of a husband claiming to be the father of a child prior to his official time to be a father.
A bird (not a dove) was ever present near angelic visitation scenes, presumably to insure understanding (think: Touched by an Angel). The angelic visitor was well done - seemed real yet other-worldly.
The acting was splendid - especially Joseph & Harod. I also enjoyed Mary, her parents, Elizabeth and the quirky wise men.
The Magi, though not appearing at the birth according to the Bible, were interestingly portrayed and added comic relief (mildly) and depth to the story.
I was sad by the lack of dramatic portrayal of two scenes. The first was the meeting of Mary & Elizabeth; it seemed less than powerfully portrayed, although Elizabeth's enthusiastic delivery of her lines was excellent. The scene simply lacked the majesty and umph I get from the Biblical account.
The other disappointment was the annunciation to the shepherds by the angel. In the Bible we read that the angel was joined by a multitude of heavenly hosts singing "Glory to God in the Highest." No choir of angels in this movie; I longed to see that portrayed.
Nevertheless, musically the movie was astonishingly wonderful. The score had all the orchestration and "feel" of a typical dramatic movie soundtrack, yet the underlying melodies were familiar Christmas carols, which immediately added emotional power at a level impossible for unfamiliar soundtracks, in my opinion. From the "O Come, O Come Immanuel" in the beginning to "Carol of the Bells" dramatically enhancing the urgency of approaching Bethlehem to look for a place to birth a baby, to "Silent Night" as the Holy family travels to Egypt, the fusion of music to story was superb.
This is truly a movie for the whole family. I don't understand the PG rating - all violence (which is REALLY minor) is off-screen or implied, and the story itself is so familiar that most preschoolers I know are familiar with it.
I'll definitely buy this one and it will become part of our family Christmas traditions.