WHO MADE IT? | Director: Catherine Hardwicke Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shaun Toub, Ciaran Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Alexander Siddiq and Nadim Sawalha | WHAT'S IT ABOUT? | This is the tale of how Jesus came into this world. It chronicles the miraculous pregnancy and the arduous journey of Mary (Castle-Hughes), nine months pregnant, and Joseph (Isaac) as they travelled from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Joseph's family were originally from, to register for a census ordered by King Herod. | WHAT'S IT LIKE? | Directed by Catherine Hardwick (Thirteen/Lords of Dogtown) this is a very traditional depiction of the Nativity story. It humanises Mary, who was about 15 years old, and Joseph and takes a fascinating look at the lives they led and about the society and community they lived in. The film has an authentic Middle Eastern feel to it headed by an international cast. Oscar nominated Keisha Castle-Hughes, looking like a very young Olivia Hussey, gives a feisty yet heartfelt performance as Mary. Oscar Isaac fleshes out Joseph making him real and gets across the agony and dilemma he must have gone through when faced with a fiancée who's pregnant -- but not by him. Ciaran Hinds makes an impressive Herod and the rest of the cast give solid performances. Don't expect a revelation. This movie sticks to the events as outlined in the Gospels. It's a heart-warming film, guaranteed to make you think about the meaning of Christmas and put you into the festive spirit.
