Journey to Bethlehem is a remarkable movie musical that takes audiences on a captivating journey to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. This enchanting story transports viewers back in time, immersing them in the rich history as they get a glimpse of the significance of the journey to Bethlehem.
I recently received free tickets to take my whole family to see this movie at a theater prescreening. In this review, I will explore the plot, the portrayal of key characters, and the romance inherent within the narrative. I will also briefly compare it to other Christmas movies/musicals. Prepare to be captivated by the magic and wonder of Journey to Bethlehem.
The Significance of the Journey to Bethlehem in the Christmas Story
The journey to Bethlehem holds immense significance in the Christmas story. It represents the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. Bethlehem, a humble town, becomes the birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity. This journey symbolizes the faith and obedience of Mary and Joseph, who humbly embraced their roles in God’s divine plan. It serves as a reminder of the power of faith, the importance of humility, and the hope that emanates from the birth of Jesus.
Plot Summary of Journey to Bethlehem
Journey to Bethlehem follows the lives of Mary (played by Fiona Palomo) and Joseph (Milo Manheim) as they become engaged, receive seemingly impossible news, and then embark on their treacherous journey to Bethlehem. The story begins with their initial encounter and blossoming love, which sets the foundation for their extraordinary journey together. In this respect, the movie reminded me a lot of the wonderful old story, Two from Galilee.*
Along the way, they face numerous challenges and obstacles that test both the strength of their faith in God and their love for Him and each other. They also meet the Three Wise Men (Rizwan Manji, Omid Djalili, and Geno Segers), and Herod’s son, Antipater (played by For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone). Herod “the Great” (Antonio Banderas) also makes an appearance. What would the Christmas story be without the major villain?
The plot beautifully weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and faith, creating a multi-dimensional narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages. My preteen and teenage daughters loved the movie as much as, or even more than, I did.
*This is an affiliate link. I may make a small commission if you purchase something after visiting this site.
Review of the Movie Musical
Journey to Bethlehem is a visually stunning production that captures the essence of the Christmas story. The cinematography and set design transport viewers to the ancient world, immersing them in the wonder and quiet of that holy night. This movie comes from Affirm Films, which brought us the delightful animated account of this same event in 2017 called The Star.*
The performances by the cast are exceptional, and they bring both depth and authenticity to the characters. The music and songs are beautifully composed, which enhances the emotional impact of the story. Overall, this is a captivating and well-executed movie/musical that will leave audiences excited about, and ready to celebrate, Christmas.
Exploring the Nativity and the Birth of Jesus
The birth of Jesus is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith. Journey to Bethlehem beautifully portrays this sacred event, capturing the awe and wonder that surrounded the birth of the Messiah. The movie musical invites viewers to witness the humble manger where Jesus was born, the adoration of the shepherds, and the arrival of the gift-bearing wise men. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt performances, the nativity scene comes to life, reminding us of the profound impact Jesus’ birth had on the world.
The Portrayal of Mary and Joseph
Journey to Bethlehem presents a compelling portrayal of Mary and Joseph. The characters are brought to life with grace, humor, and authenticity. This movie sensitively conveys their love for each other, their unwavering faith in God, and the sacrifices both made for the greater good. Mary is depicted as a strong, intelligent, courageous woman, who is chosen to bear the Son of God. Joseph is portrayed as a compassionate and devoted husband, who supports Mary during their arduous journey. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, adding depth and emotion to their performances.
The Romance and Love Story
As mentioned above, at the heart of Journey to Bethlehem lies a beautiful love story. The romance between Mary and Joseph is delicately portrayed, capturing the tenderness and devotion they share. Starting off with a bit of conflict, their love deepens as they encounter various challenges. These challenges strengthen their relational bonds and faith in one another. This enchanting love story adds a layer of emotional depth to the well-known narrative, reminding us of the power of love to overcome adversity.
Comparing Journey to Bethlehem to Other Movie Musicals
Journey to Bethlehem stands out among other Christmas movie musicals in its unique approach to storytelling. While many productions focus solely on the joyous aspects of the Christmas season, Journey to Bethlehem delves into the profound spiritual significance of Jesus’ birth. It combines elements of romance, adventure, and spirituality to create a well-rounded and engaging narrative. The movie musical’s attention to historical detail and its ability to touch the hearts of viewers sets it apart from other Christmas productions.
Musically, this movie reminded me a bit of The Greatest Showman. The rhythms, tunes, and energy all combined to create this impression for me. My daughters didn’t really feel the similarity between the two movies. However, I think it’s safe to say that if you enjoyed The Greatest Showman, you will especially enjoy the musical portions of this movie.
My favorite scene/song was Antonio Banderas’s number as Herod in his throne room, “Good to Be King.” I also really enjoyed Mary and Joseph’s duets, “Can We Make This Work?” and “We Become We.” My second favorite scene, after the Herod throne room scene, was Joseph’s song, “The Ultimate Deception.” While the songs are pretty solid on their own (you can stream the soundtrack here), I think the visuals and the acting really added to my overall enjoyment of these songs.
The Impact and Reception of Journey to Bethlehem
Since its release, this movie has garnered widespread acclaim and touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. It has been praised for its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and awe surrounding the birth of Jesus within viewers’ hearts. I was moved by the emotional depth of the story and the powerful messages it conveys, and I know other people feel the same way. Journey to Bethlehem will likely become a beloved Christmas tradition for our family in the years to come. Along with The Star, which we also love, this movie will remind us of the true meaning of the season.
In the special prescreening I went to, some people argued that Joseph was too flirty and Mary was too rebellious. Some Internet users seem to agree with this perception. Personally, I thought it refreshing to see very human feelings portrayed in these two characters. I think we do Mary and Joseph a disservice when we hold them to a higher standard than we hold ourselves and the rest of the people around us. Jesus was perfect and sinless. His earthly parents weren’t. They were just as fallible as the rest of us. They needed a Savior just as much as we do.
Interestingly, no one commented on the presence of the Wise Men at Jesus’ birth, although some did complain about Herod’s son, Antipater, being present there. I thought the movie could have been just as good without that scene, although it did add interesting drama and faith elements.
All in all, I don’t see why people are hating on this movie so much.
Go See Journey to Bethlehem for Yourself
Journey to Bethlehem is a cinematic masterpiece that takes audiences on a captivating adventure through time. This enchanting movie musical beautifully portrays the significance of the journey to Bethlehem in the Christmas story, while also exploring the birth of Jesus. With its heartfelt performances, breathtaking visuals, and compelling love story, Journey to Bethlehem stands as a testament to the power of faith and love.
It is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this captivating journey to Bethlehem.
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of the Christmas story and the journey to Bethlehem. Let Journey to Bethlehem inspire you this holiday season.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In