Synopsis

In Roman-occupied Judea, young Mary receives a life-changing message from the angel Gabriel. After Joseph accepts her pregnancy, the couple travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. Their difficult journey unfolds alongside King Herod's fear of a prophesied rival and the search of the Magi, leading to the birth of Jesus in humble surroundings.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film had its world premiere at the Vatican on November 26, 2006. It was reportedly the first feature film to premiere there.

• Principal photography took place in Morocco and southern Italy, including Matera, Craco, and Rome's Cinecitta Studios. Matera had previously served as a biblical setting for other productions.

• During preparation, the filmmakers organized an extended workshop in which performers improvised scenes, studied the period's religious and cultural background, and learned practical tasks such as milking goats.

• The screenplay combines elements from the Nativity accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke with invented dialogue and connective material.

• The film was released in the United States by New Line Cinema on December 1, 2006, during the Christmas movie season.

• Made on a reported $35 million budget, it earned approximately $46.3 million worldwide and later received a home-video release in March 2007.