Journey to Bethlehem opens in theatres today. Despite all the excitement over another good, Christian movie, I ask potential viewers to approach it with reservations.
I had the opportunity to preview the film with friends about six weeks ago and, although I found some things I liked about it, there were other points that give me serious pause about recommending the film to others. I wish I had written my thoughts immediately (besides just on the survey form that I returned to them), but here is what has stuck with me.
**Note: There are possibly some spoilers in here, although I will try to avoid giving too much away.
Good points:
There was good cinematography (at least from my viewpoint as an amateur). The costumes, visuals, set, graphics on travel scenes were good quality. The music was good "musical" quality. It definitely had a Disney (think Moana or Lion King) sound to some of it. Yes, the songs did get stuck in my head. I liked the actors and actresses that were in the film (although I wonder why some allowed themselves to be involved).
Not-so-good points:
- This is probably my biggest, overarching point. The creative liberties taken are too liberal. I don't mean liberal in the religious or political senses that many people associate saying someone or something is liberal nowadays. I mean that I think they are too loose and open with their creative ideas about the nativity story. Their creative liberties can give a wrong impression about something that should be considered more seriously. Sure, it makes Christianity and all the characters in this story seem fun and interesting - and it IS an interesting story - but you lose some of the true sense of it by being too silly. Some things that bothered me:
- The way the wise men acted - They were downright goofy in some scenes, including a dance to entertain King Herod. That seems quite far-fetched to me. Why would dignified, wise men - likely scientists, historians, or the like - lower themselves with this ridiculous show? Very unlikely to me.
- The way Gabriel acted - I have never in all of Scriptures read about an angel who lacked confidence as Gabriel is portrayed. His interaction with Mary is not believable to me. I really didn't like him "roaring" to wake her up, either.
- Joseph and Mary's interaction prior to the betrothal ceremony - Sure, we don't know what went on. I think that they likely knew each other prior to becoming betrothed, but not in the flippant, flirty way that is portrayed in this film. I don't think their relationship would have started off with such misgivings about whether they would each be faithful to each other. This portrayal made me uncomfortable. No, I don't think Joseph and Mary were perfect. I think throwing shade on their character, however, is reproachable.
- King Herod's son, Antipater, coming to see baby Jesus - I have read another review where the publisher of the film, Alan Powell, had a conversation with the writer of the review. The publisher shared that Antipas was not the son of Herod who was engaged in the killing of the babies and he himself lost his life around this time. The writers wanted to show how meeting Jesus can change everything. I appreciate that sentiment, but to someone who doesn't know that side of it, I think it doesn't come across well. Nowhere in the nativity story in the Bible is King Herod's son ever involved directly with Jesus, Mary, or Joseph.
I do not think "Journey of Bethlehem" is a good representation of what we should want people to see of what Christians believe or this historical story. I think it has the opportunity to make Christians and our beliefs look shallow and ridiculous. The seriousness of this historical event is reduced.
This will not truthfully and accurately portray that in which we believe to those who don't yet believe. This can be likened to The Message "version" of the Bible or The Shack, which can draw people to God through inaccurate views of who He is. I don't think this movie will be a strong force to draw people into a healthy relationship with Jesus. Sure, it can draw some, but may they be open to hearing truth once they come and avoid the bright and shiny, fun and goofy images.
So, go and see if it you like. It was fun in places, definitely goofy in my opinion, and sat very wrong with my spirit about how it portrays the nativity story. As it is, I would use caution if you are considering suggesting that a non-Christian see this film.
If you want to make watching something about the nativity a tradition for your family, I'd like to suggest the movie, The Nativity Story instead. This one has been a tradition in our family for the last 4-5 years. The labor scenes of Elizabeth and Mary might be more than what you'd like for young or sensitive individuals, but otherwise, it is well done.
