The holiday season brings a variety of films, from joyful stories about Santa and his elves to heartwarming comedies about families. Among these are a number of faith-based films, which focus on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ. While these movies often struggle to reach a broad audience, the recent release of Journey to Bethlehem in 2023 stands out, with its lively musical format. However, its whimsical tone and theatrical performances may not appeal to everyone.
This year, Mary, a new faith-based nativity film, offers a fresh take. Released on Netflix, it tells the story of Mary and the birth of Christ but with a more authentic and serious approach. Newcomer Noa Cohen stars as Mary, with Anthony Hopkins portraying King Herod. The majority of the cast is Israeli, with the filmmakers emphasizing the importance of authenticity in casting. However, this decision led to some social media backlash due to the political implications of casting Israeli rather than Palestinian actors.
Despite the controversy, the film remains focused on the narrative of Mary’s life, from her presentation at the temple to fleeing to Egypt after the Massacre of the Innocents. Anthony Hopkins’ performance in the trailer hints at a powerful portrayal of King Herod. Whether the movie stays true to the biblical account will be revealed in time, but it offers a reminder that Christmas is about more than just gifts—it’s about love, sacrifice, and faith.
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