The Nativity Story (2006)
In Nazareth, teenager Mary is betrothed to the local carpenter, Joseph. Mary is visited by an angel and told that she will fulfill a prophecy and as a virgin give birth to God's son, the savior of the world. Mary's pregnancy brings her the scorn of the community and Joseph struggles to believe her seemingly outlandish story. Meanwhile, a census forces every man and his family to return to his place of birth. Joseph and Mary set out on a long and arduous journey to Bethlehem. This story is based on the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
One Couple. One Journey. One Child...who would change the world...forever
Joseph: [Villagers are glaring and glancing sullenly at them as they leave] They're going to miss us.
Ouarzazate, Morocco
Craco, Matera, Basilicata, Italy
Cinecitt? Studios, Cinecitt?, Rome, Lazio, Italy
16 year old Keisha Castle-Hughes created a minor scandal during the making of this movie when it was revealed that she was pregnant with her boyfriend's child. This meant that while she was portraying history's most famous teenage mother, she herself was actually becoming a teenage mother.
The cast were taught how to use certain tools used 2000 years ago as well as how to build homes, how to press olives and grapes, how to make bread, how to make cheese, and how to milk goats.
This was the first feature film ever to premiere at the Vatican.
In the scene by the Sea of Galilee, when Mary asks Joseph if he's afraid, the script had him responding "No" and then she was also to respond "No" when he returns the question. Oscar Isaac improvised Joseph's confession of "Yes" and Keisha Castle-Hughes followed his lead.
By the time New Line had agreed to finance the film, several other studios had similar nativity scripts under review, so the film was rushed to production for a Christmas 2006 release date, thereby eliminating competition.
Continuity
In the beginning when the King's son is saying the prophecy will end tonight the son is on the right. A year later in the movie when that scene was being played again he was on the King's left.
Factual errors
Numerous Roman soldiers are shown with beards or shabby facial hair. At this time, the Romans considered body hair to be barbaric and therefore it was forbidden.
The three Magi or "Wise Men" are traditionally depicted as being present at the stable just after the birth of Christ, but they actually didn't see Him to present their gifts until much later, after the Holy Family had moved and settled in another place.
Anachronisms
Horse riders have stirrups, which were invented many centuries later.
The old shepherd's mustache is yellowed by nicotine, a sign of habitual smoking. While cannabis and hookah pipes were familiar to the Middle East as early as 2000 BC, tobacco wasn't introduced to the old world until the late 16th century.
Errors in geography
King Herod steps out on rampart in Jerusalem during one scene and a large expanse of the city can be seen (as matte painting) in background. During another scene, he steps out on same location and city background is missing (sky background instead).
Character error
When Herod is making a sacrifice to atone for his misdeeds in the temple, he offers a bull. According to Leviticus, the proper sacrifice for a ruler who sins is a goat.