After a one-night TV showing on ABC, this film is now available on Disney+ and Hulu through subscriptions to those platforms.
RATING: PG
LENGTH: 1 hour, 27 minutes
Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-
IN A NUTSHELL:
Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas is a reverent, beautifully told retelling of the Nativity story that focuses on the humanity, faith, and quiet courage surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Framed with warmth and sincerity, the film avoids spectacle in favor of intimacy, inviting viewers to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. This is a gentle, faith-forward film meant to be felt as much as watched.
The film was directed by David L. Cunningham.
TIPS FOR PARENTS:
This is not quite a family-friendly film. Younger children may find the pacing slower than modern holiday movies, but it’s an excellent opportunity for discussion about the Nativity, faith, sacrifice, and hope. Ideal for families with teens looking to center Christmas around Christ.
We do, however, see quite a few disturbing images and violence, such as King Herod murdering his own adult son, as well as babies, and men hung and dying on crosses outside the city of Bethlehem.
THEMES:
- Faith and obedience
- Hope in humble beginnings
- Trust in God’s plan
- The sacredness of family
- Light overcoming darkness
THINGS I LIKED:
- The respectful, reverent tone throughout the film
- Strong emphasis on the spiritual meaning of Christmas
- Beautiful cinematography that feels timeless and authentic
- The reenactments are done well and give viewers historically accurate images.
- A calm, reflective pace that encourages contemplation
- Kevin Costner’s involvement adds credibility and gravitas. I have a lot more to say about him in the “Things I Didn’t Like” section below.
- I always find it interesting to hear what experts have to say.
- So many in the world picture the “3 Wise Men” visiting the baby Jesus on the night He was born in Bethlehem, but the film correctly illustrates how He was a young child, probably a toddler. It’s fascinating to reflect on how the Magi saw the star in the sky and recognized it as a sign of Jesus’ birth, yet so many don’t see all of the action in the skies today as a sign of His Second Coming.
- I thought it was great to expand the nativity story to include the context of King Herod’s reign and the power of the Romans at the time. That provides helpful context.
- I love that the last thing we see is the rock rolled away from the tomb where Christ was buried after the crucifixion, showing that the best part of Christmas was the foreshadowing of the resurrection of Jesus! The reason we celebrate Christmas is because of Easter! He lives!
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
- The slower pacing may not appeal to viewers expecting a traditional holiday “movie night” feel. It’s a blend of documentary-style narration and live-action portrayals.
- As much as I have been a fan of Kevin Costner for decades, his narration seemed oddly robotic. He stands in front of a green screen most of the time and speaks with almost no emotion. Strange, right? He was raised Baptist, but has not publicly claimed any religion as an adult. I would much rather have had an actor who was actually Christian and proudly one, such as Chris Pratt, Jonathan Roumie, or Jim Caviezel. Kevin Costner was clearly reading a teleprompter and didn’t seem to care much about the content. So disappointing. The only time I heard any emotion in his voice was during the segment about King Herod’s evil command to kill the babies with the hope that he would kill the new “King of the Jews” to replace him as the imposter king. Kevin Costner stated that he couldn’t imagine a greater pain than to watch your children murdered in front of you. Truth.
- Much of what is presented in this film is found in the Bible; however, some content is speculative based on what we do know.
FUNNY LINES:
This film is not designed for humor, choosing a solemn and reflective tone.
INTERESTING LINES:
- Kevin Costner stated a sobering truth when he talked about the killing of the innocent babies by King Herod’s minions. He said, “It’s a reminder of how cruel we can be when we put our own interests, our own survival above God’s will.”
MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:
- Journey to Bethlehem: https://moviereviewmom.com/journey-to-bethlehem-movie-review/
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: https://moviereviewmom.com/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever-movie-review/
- Bringing Back Christmas: https://moviereviewmom.com/bringing-back-christmas-movie-review/
- The King of Kings: https://moviereviewmom.com/movie-title-the-king-of-kings/
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@TrinaBoice
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