(There are spoilers throughout this review)
Mary is surprised when an angel announces that she will
become pregnant and give birth to the Son of God. She tells her betrothed,
Joseph, and in time he accepts this. Together, they travel to Bethlehem for a
required census, while a hunter is sent by the king to “end” them. Meanwhile, a
mill donkey has escaped from his mill; he hopes to join the royal procession,
but instead ends up travelling with Mary and Joseph. The familiar Nativity
story is told largely from the point of view of Bo the Donkey.
The Adoption
Connection
This is the Nativity story. Joseph struggles to know whether
he can raise the Son of God when he himself is “only a carpenter.”
Mary names Bo; that helps him feel more connected to her.
Strong Points
An older donkey that Bo works with decides to help Bo escape
and chase his dreams.
Bo shows loyalty to Mary and Joseph.
A sheep values loyalty to her friends because “flocks stick
together.”
This is a friendly way to re-tell this story to your kids.
Two villainous dogs have a change of heart and decide that
they need to try to be good.
One of Bo’s friends is a very loyal dove.
Challenges
A wicked king is willing to kill all of the newborns in the
land to ensure that a newborn king does not dethrone him. His willingness is
mentioned, but nothing is shown or confirmed.
A menacing villain is sent by the king to kill Mary. He ultimately
falls, apparently to his death.
When Joseph misunderstands Bo’s efforts to save him and
Mary, he initially tries to send Bo away. Bo does leave in anger, but then goes
back, realizing that he belongs with Joseph and Mary. The brief scene of
rejection could be hard for some viewers.
Near the end of the movie, Bo’s former owner finds him and
recaptures him. Bo is ultimately reunited with Mary and Joseph, but the
surprising return of the miller – and Bo’s recapture – could be frightening to
children who fear being returned to abusive situations.
Two scary dogs, who are in pursuit of Mary, could frighten
young children.
Recommendations
The Star is a fun retelling of the Nativity story. There are
a few frightening scenes – the ongoing pursuit of Mary and Joseph by a large
hunter and two dogs could scare young children, and Bo’s recapture could
frighten children who fear being returned to abusive situations. Joseph’s
temporary rejection of Bo could also be a trigger for some kids. Because of the
potential for triggers for some kids who’ve been in hard places, I’d recommend
this one for kids ages 9-14, although many younger kids will not be bothered by
the potential triggers.
Questions for
Discussion
How did Bo help Mary and Joseph?
How did the dove help Bo?
Which friends help you a lot?
If animals could really talk, what do you think they would
say?
Had you ever heard this story before?
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