"The Star": A Shining Example of True Christmas Spirit

"You Can’t Make Lemonade Without Lemons, and You Can’t Have Christmas Without Jesus"- Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo

In a sea of modern Christmas films that often prioritize commercial appeal over meaningful storytelling, The Star emerges as a refreshing exception. This animated children’s film beautifully tells the story of the Nativity, staying true to the biblical account of Jesus’s birth. For families seeking a movie that genuinely captures the essence of Christmas, The Star is an ideal choice. The animated film The Star features a talented ensemble of voice actors bringing its characters to life. The star-studded cast includes Steven Yeun, Gina Rogriguez, Kelly Clarkson, Oprah, Tyler Perry and Mariah Carey.

Heartwarming Moments

The film is brimming with heartwarming moments that make it a delight for families. The Donkey Bo’s story, in particular, is a beautiful metaphor for faith and purpose. A donkey with humble beginnings, Bo dreams of doing something great, never realizing that he’s destined to carry the greatest King who ever lived (Jesus). His journey, alongside his friends Dave (birdie) and Ruth (sheep), is filled with humor, friendship, and moments of profound significance. One especially touching scene is when Joseph, feeling unworthy, says, "Why did God choose me? I am only a carpenter. I thought God would choose someone more king-y." This line beautifully reflects the nature of God—choosing the humble and ordinary for extraordinary purposes, a theme that resonates throughout the Nativity story. The humor of the talking animals, the heartfelt friendships, and the focus on Jesus Christ make The Star a memorable and meaningful film for audiences of all ages. In this one scene, the donkey is struggling to communicate to Mary and Joseph about the danger they’re in, with bad guys (Herod &co) rushing to hurt their baby since he is a King- and Mary says, “ I think he is trying to communicate with us….” the donkey nods vehemently until she says “he needs a belly rub!” Hilarious and ironic!

Faithful to Scripture

The Star is an imaginative retelling of the Bible rather than an exact biblical story, yet it remains deeply committed to maintaining the focus on Jesus Christ. Many Christmas films today sideline the spiritual significance of the season, but The Star unapologetically highlights the birth of Jesus with dialogue that incorporates actual biblical lines and themes. The film faithfully portrays significant moments, such as the angel Gabriel’s visitation to Mary, where she humbly responds, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:28-38). It also includes the journey of the wise men from the East, the census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and the tender moment of Elizabeth’s visit to Mary. Subtle nods to Scripture, such as the line "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46), enrich the story’s authenticity. By weaving these elements seamlessly into the narrative while preserving the sacredness of the Nativity story, the film offers a rare and refreshing portrayal of the true meaning of Christmas.

A Message for All Ages

While the film’s target audience is children, its message resonates with viewers of all ages. Through the eyes of the animals who accompany Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, audiences witness themes of hope, humility, and divine purpose. The humor and heartwarming moments ensure engagement, while the spiritual undertones leave a lasting impression.

A Financial Success with Meaning

Beyond its heartwarming narrative, The Star also proved to be a box-office success, grossing over $62 million worldwide. This accomplishment underscores the fact that films centered on faith and family values can be both meaningful and profitable. In a world where commercial pressures often dilute the core message of Christmas, The Star reminds us that authenticity resonates.

A Lesson for Filmmakers

Christmas isn’t about presents, parties, or fantastical distractions. It’s about the birth of Jesus Christ. The Star exemplifies how filmmakers can create a story that’s entertaining while staying true to the real reason for the season. It’s a reminder that you can’t make lemonade without lemons, and you can’t celebrate Christmas without Jesus.

The Film

Now showing on Netflix, The Star masterfully retells the story of the Nativity through the unique perspective of animals who unwittingly play a crucial role in one of history’s most monumental events. Bo, a small but determined donkey, dreams of escaping his monotonous life of grinding grain. Alongside his hilarious and loyal friends, a dove named Dave and a sheep named Ruth, Bo embarks on an extraordinary journey. Together, they find themselves accompanying Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Bo discovers his true purpose—to carry the King of Kings. The film also introduces subplots involving the three wise men, King Herod’s nefarious plan, and the shepherds who receive the heavenly announcement. Through vibrant animation and compelling storytelling, The Star brings the Christmas story to life in a way that resonates deeply with both children and adults.

Main Cast:

• Steven Yeun as Bo, the donkey

• Keegan-Michael Key as Dave, the dove

• Aidy Bryant as Ruth, the sheep

• Gina Rodriguez as Mary

• Zachary Levi as Joseph

• Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Tracy Morgan as Deborah, Cyrus, and Felix, the camels

• Christopher Plummer as King Herod

• Ving Rhames as Thaddeus, a Roman soldier

• Gabriel Iglesias as Rufus, a Roman soldier

• Kelly Clarkson as Leah, a horse

• Kristin Chenoweth as Abby, the mouse

• Anthony Anderson as Zach, a goat

• Mariah Carey as Rebecca, a hen

• Patricia Heaton as Edith, a cow

Notable Mentions:

The film also features Kristoff St. John, Delilah Rene, and Joel McCrary in supporting roles.