Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas

The Nativity Story/The Birth of Jesus is one of the most famous parts of the Bible, commonly depicted in film, television and short animations as well as school plays.

'Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas' is not one of the best depictions but does its job more than competently. It is very much predominantly aimed at the young children age range, but there shouldn't be any reason as to why older children and even adults wouldn't find value in 'Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas' providing that expectations are not set too high and it's taken for what it is.

Having seen it from that perspective, it is patchy and it's easy to pick faults with it, but essentially it's a great story charmingly told. It's very easy to follow without being too simplistic, covers the key events with clarity (it's a little disappointing though that Jesus does feel too much of a shoe-horned add-on) and it's very clear from the start which audience it's aiming at without trying too hard to appeal to them, while also having enough to appeal to a larger crowd. It also keeps it simple, there is a real sense that it knew what tone to take and not try to do too many different ones and doesn't try to do too much, which can be a mistake when appeasing to a wider audience.

Granted, as said, 'Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas' is patchy. Not all the animation is great, there are some very nice colours, as well as some flat ones, and there are some good detail in the backgrounds, as well as some sparse ones, but some of the drawing does look hastily done, crude and rough which gives the animation a somewhat clumsy feel at times. Some of the first part of 'Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas', with setting things up and introducing us to the characters, drags a bit, taking too long to get to when the action properly starts. Not all the humour works either, some of it fits very awkwardly, or jars, and a few of the early parts do come over as juvenile.

However, 'Silent Night: The Story of the First Christmas' is scored beautifully music-wise, and much of the writing balances humour (which is mostly funny and well-placed once the story settles) and poignant drama very well. The story is humorous, charming and poignant, telling this great story very believably once the pace tightens. There are some great lessons and values taught that younger audiences will understand and lap up with enthusiasm and adults will appreciate the use of them and how sensitively they're handled. As said, target audience (treated with respect, rather than a stereotypical, or more like generalised, notion of what the target audience would like) and tone is clear throughout.

Children will love it for especially the animal characters and adults while noticing the flaws more are likely to not find it too much of a long haul and appreciate how it holds children's attention. The characters carry the story really well, it is easy to relate to Mary and Joseph and it is easy to feel threatened by the villains and their motivations but it's the animals that steal the show, especially Abib who does grate at first but once more responsible (which is when the story and writing becomes more settled) it becomes much easier to warm to the character. The voice acting fits these characters well and not too clichéd, if a little too "Americanised".

On the whole, patchily but charmingly told. More for the younger crowd but older audiences with the right expectations should find something or more of worth. 7/10 Bethany Cox

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE FILM. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

The story about the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus is focus of this animated film.

This is basically "The Nativity For Dummies". It is meant for an audience of small children and adults with the IQ no higher than Sarah Palin's.

Now this special has good intentions and at times it works. What doesn't work is the "Surfer Boy" narrator" who breaks into terrible songs.

What does work wonders is how Mary ended up in the Bethlehem giving birth to Jesus.

I think this film will bore most people over 9. The film also takes several liberties with the story and events. It also stick with the parts of "The Nativity" that really are not true.

Did you know "Jesus" was born not in a stable but in a cave. Did you know that there was "No Room at the Inn" is really meant as "There was no room upstairs".

Now I am a Christian and I know the story of the birth of Jesus but I wish someone would make a film with the correct facts.