One week after its debut, a movie based on the Gospels' simple Nativity narrative is spurring optimism among Christian film fans, who seem willing to overlook potentially scandalous news about one of the movie's stars.
The Nativity Story debuted Dec. 1 to mixed reviews and a less-than-stellar box-office performance. But Christian moviegoers are reportedly enthused about the film, despite news that the unmarried 16-year-old actress playing Mary recently experienced her own not-so-immaculate conception in real life.
The film, which retells the original Christmas story just in time for the holiday season, is the first biblical feature in several years to have a wide release. It took in $7.8 million on more than 3,000 screens in its opening weekend. That put it in fourth place, behind the animated feature Happy Feet, the thriller Déjà Vu and the latest James Bond flick, Casino Royale.
New Zealand actress Keisha Castle-Hughes said playing the role of the teenaged mother of Jesus was “a source of spiritual richness.” Just prior to the film's world premiere at the Vatican, Castle-Hughes revealed she is expecting her first child in the spring. The 16-year-old star of Whale Rider and Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith said she is “thrilled” to be pregnant. The father is her 19-year-old boyfriend.
The Vatican audience, which responded to the screening with a standing ovation, seemed unperturbed by the revelation. A member for the Papal Council for Culture said Castle-Hughes was expected to play her part well, not be a saint.
In the United States, Catholic League spokesman William Donohue said media hopes for a “juicy story” about a Christian back lash against Castle-Hughes were unfulfilled. “Despite what some think, Christians do not turn their backs on unwed mothers,” he said. “They provide services for them.”
David Jeremiah, a popular evangelical radio personality and pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, told reporters that the lack of significant controversy surrounding The Nativity Story has provided a welcome respite from the nation's “culture wars.”
“What I sense is it's raising the level of discussion about Christmas back to where it should be,” Jeremiah said. “Rather than getting involved in the ‘Christmas war,' it's gone beyond the Christmas war—and the whole level of discussion is raised already.”