- Feb 5, 2002
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(OSV News) — A new musical retelling of Jesus Christ’s birth starring Antonio Banderas makes it “very easy and simple for families” to experience the wonder of the Nativity story, which at heart is about love, the actor told OSV News.
Banderas plays King Herod in “Journey to Bethlehem,” which opened in theaters Nov. 10. Produced by Sony Pictures’ Affirm Films and Monarch Media, the movie features Fiona Palomo as Mary, Milo Manheim as Joseph and musical artist Lecrae as the angel Gabriel.
Herod, the Roman-appointed king of Judea, ordered the slaughter of Bethlehem’s male children ages two and under at the time of Jesus’ birth, having been “greatly troubled” by the Magi’s visit inquiring after the “newborn king of the Jews” (Mt 2:1-18).
“There’s a lot of humor in the character, and he can laugh at himself,” he said. “And I love that side of the movie.”
The approach also provides a welcome relief from “a world as complicated and violent as the one in which we are living,” Banderas said. “Families are looking for that type of movie they can take the kids to without danger.”
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
Banderas plays King Herod in “Journey to Bethlehem,” which opened in theaters Nov. 10. Produced by Sony Pictures’ Affirm Films and Monarch Media, the movie features Fiona Palomo as Mary, Milo Manheim as Joseph and musical artist Lecrae as the angel Gabriel.
Herod, the Roman-appointed king of Judea, ordered the slaughter of Bethlehem’s male children ages two and under at the time of Jesus’ birth, having been “greatly troubled” by the Magi’s visit inquiring after the “newborn king of the Jews” (Mt 2:1-18).
A family-friendly film
Yet the film renders the violent legacy of the historical Herod in an age-appropriate, family-friendly way, using song, dance and a touch of amusement to illuminate the Nativity narrative for a general audience, Banderas told OSV News.“There’s a lot of humor in the character, and he can laugh at himself,” he said. “And I love that side of the movie.”
The approach also provides a welcome relief from “a world as complicated and violent as the one in which we are living,” Banderas said. “Families are looking for that type of movie they can take the kids to without danger.”
Continued below.
Antonio Banderas: 'Journey to Bethlehem' shows simple message of love
Antonio Banderas shares with OSV News his thoughts on playing King Herod in the new family movie "Journey to Bethlehem."
www.oursundayvisitor.com
