The story of the Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph is one told every year at Christmas, but a new movie is charting their relationship in a fresh light.
Starring Antonio Banderas as the notorious King Herod, Journey to Bethlehem is the story of arguably the world's most famous parents, told like never before, via a live-action Christmas musical adventure.
In modern film parlance, Journey to Bethlehem is the "origin story" of Mary (Fiona Palomo) and Joseph (Milo Manheim) as they fall in love and deal with the fallout of God choosing her to carry his son Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.
Packed with pop songs, jokes and of course, a bit of religion, it's a fun film for the whole family which is exactly what makes it unique, according to Banderas.
"The content is practically the same as the Bible, but we're giving you the possibility to not be so dramatic about the Bible and to take a little bit of humor too," the actor told Newsweek in an exclusive chat.
Banderas was careful to say that the Bible's message was still present throughout the film, but the use of jokes and music is "a nod and a wink" to "present religion in a nice that is inviting you to love each other and have some laughs."
Journey to Bethlehem is directorial debut of Adam Anders, a music producer and composer on Rock of Ages and Glee.
For Banderas, acting in this movie meant he could bring together his love of musicals while incorporating his Catholic faith.
He spoke to Newsweek from the office of his very own musical theater company, Teatro del Soho, that was gearing up for the opening night of Gershwin in Blue, a tribute to the great composer.
"I love musical theater. I think it's a beautiful art form," he said, before discussing his views on religion.
"There are certain sides of religion that I'm not interested in and that I think that goes against religion itself, which anything to do with violence," he explained.
"I only believe in a message that is very simple. Which is just love... and if you stop to analyze the words of Jesus, there is that simplicity of His message."
That message is also present in Journey to Bethlehem which "creates a capsule of love and humor for families," Banderas added.
"There is something very youthful and fresh about this movie that I love," he gushed.
The Spanish-born actor made his Hollywood debut in 1992 in the film Mambo Kings before picking up an Academy Award nomination for his role in Pain and Glory.
Elsewhere he's known for his work in Spy Kids and as the voice of Puss in Boots in the Shrek film franchise.
Journey to Bethlehem is in cinemas now.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
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