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Nativity!

  • 20092009
  • PGPG
  • 1h 45m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
10K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Martin Freeman in Nativity! (2009)
Trailer for Nativity
Play trailer1:59
2 Videos
79 Photos
  • Comedy
  • Family
An uptight but secretly heartbroken primary school teacher's little white lie about Hollywood coming to see his class' nativity play grows like wildfire in his rag-tag school low on self-est... Read allAn uptight but secretly heartbroken primary school teacher's little white lie about Hollywood coming to see his class' nativity play grows like wildfire in his rag-tag school low on self-esteem.An uptight but secretly heartbroken primary school teacher's little white lie about Hollywood coming to see his class' nativity play grows like wildfire in his rag-tag school low on self-esteem.
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
10K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Debbie Isitt
  • Writer
    • Debbie Isitt(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Martin Freeman
    • Marc Wootton
    • Jason Watkins
Top credits
  • Director
    • Debbie Isitt
  • Writer
    • Debbie Isitt(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Martin Freeman
    • Marc Wootton
    • Jason Watkins
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 58User reviews
    • 46Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Videos2

    Nativity
    Trailer 1:59
    Nativity
    Nativity
    Trailer 1:45
    Nativity

    Photos79

    Martin Freeman in Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)
    Nativity! (2009)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Martin Freeman
    Martin Freeman
    • Paul Maddensas Paul Maddens
    Marc Wootton
    Marc Wootton
    • Mr. Poppyas Mr. Poppy
    Jason Watkins
    Jason Watkins
    • Gordon Shakespeareas Gordon Shakespeare
    Ashley Jensen
    Ashley Jensen
    • Jennifer Loreas Jennifer Lore
    Pam Ferris
    Pam Ferris
    • Mrs. Bevanas Mrs. Bevan
    Alan Carr
    Alan Carr
    • The Criticas The Critic
    Ricky Tomlinson
    Ricky Tomlinson
    • Lord Mayoras Lord Mayor
    Rosie Cavaliero
    Rosie Cavaliero
    • Miss Ryeas Miss Rye
    John Sessions
    John Sessions
    • Mr. Loreas Mr. Lore
    Phyllis Logan
    Phyllis Logan
    • Mrs. Loreas Mrs. Lore
    Clarke Peters
    Clarke Peters
    • Studio Bossas Studio Boss
    Geoffrey Hutchings
    Geoffrey Hutchings
    • Father Tomas Father Tom
    Matt Rippy
    Matt Rippy
    • Harrisonas Harrison
    Rhydian Jones
    Rhydian Jones
    • Studio Receptionistas Studio Receptionist
    Selina Cadell
    Selina Cadell
    • Oakmoor Headmistressas Oakmoor Headmistress
    Ashley Blake
    • BBC Midlands Reporteras BBC Midlands Reporter
    Morgan Jones
    • Parentas Parent
    Jesus de Miguel
    • Parentas Parent
    • Director
      • Debbie Isitt
    • Writer
      • Debbie Isitt(screenplay)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Most of the film is improvised, with the producers telling the actors what would happen in the scene, and the actors acting it out, with no script.
    • Goofs
      When Patrick Burns speaks to Paul Maddens, when questioned about sensing anger Paul refers to Patrick as his actor name 'Alan'.
    • Crazy credits
      End-credits dedication: "This film is dedicated to inspirational teachers everywhere."
    • Connections
      Featured in This Morning: Episode dated 19 November 2009 (2009)
    • Soundtracks
      Teenage Dirtbag
      Written by Brendan B. Brown

      Performed by Maeve Dolan

    User reviews58

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    My new favourite Christmas film!
    Part of Nativity's charm is that it looks like an average TV drama, especially initially with its TV actors and production values, but as the film goes on you start to realise that this is so much better than a TV comedy drama Christmas special on BBC2. "Nativity!" is a Christmas classic, it's something adults and children can equally find funny with it's charming characters and uplifting spirit.

    Martin Freeman plays a likably grumpy teacher who doesn't think much to Christmas after his girlfriend left him to be a Hollywood producer on Christmas day. Enter the star of the show Mr.Poppy! The amazingly hilarious dim-witted teaching assistant who plays a classic comedy character who you can't help but love. Mr.Shakespeare is also a brilliant panto villain who leads his fairly accurate, if not belated, private school to win 5 star reviews. That is until Mr.Poppy blurts out to everyone Martin Freeman's lie that a Hollywood producer is coming to film their pathetic attempt of a nativity.

    From here on it's a fight to put on the best nativity play the world has ever seen and try to attract Hollywood to come and see them. "Nativity!" is so sickly you need a bucket ready at the end of the film, as you're stomach starts to dance around. But is also so amazingly uplifting that you can't help but love it! It's completely over the top nonsense with plenty of "as if!" moments but that's all part of the charm. Alan Carr also plays a brilliant nativity critic.

    You'll be lucky to find a more jolly, funny and charming Christmas film than this. It's brilliant British comedy with a fantastic cast that will have you howling with laughter. The final 20 minutes feature incredibly catchy songs and hundreds of health and safety knock-outs. Some might say that it gets a bit too much, but for me it was pure charming escapism. "Nativity!" isn't perfect but I think that's the message of the film, nothing's perfect, just take things for what they are.
    helpful•12
    4
    • asda-man
    • Dec 24, 2011

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 27, 2009 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • З Різдвом!
    • Filming locations
      • Coventry, West Midlands, England, UK
    • Production companies
      • Mirrorball Films
      • BBC Films
      • Screen West Midlands
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $8,496,009
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 45 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital

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