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Life of Brian

Play trailer 2:47 Poster for Life of Brian R Released Aug 17, 1979 1h 33m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 72 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman) is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother (Terry Jones), the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.

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Life of Brian

Life of Brian

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Critics Consensus

One of the more cutting-edge films of the 1970s, this religious farce from the classic comedy troupe is as poignant as it is funny and satirical.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher Times (UK) It’s a relentless onslaught of consummate comedy that’s so flawlessly crafted, it’s easy to overlook how impeccably the scenes are played. Rated: 5/5 Apr 7, 2023 Full Review Robbie Collin Kermode & Mayo's Film Review I'm desperate for another piece of comedy to do what [Life of Brian] did. Apr 26, 2019 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian Life of Brian is an unexpectedly earnest, sweet-natured hymn to the idea of tolerance. Rated: 5/5 Apr 12, 2019 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins A considerably effective parody, particularly as it sends up the arbitrary interpretation of signs and symbols, the follies of blind faith, and the atrocities conducted in the name of religion. Rated: 8/10 Nov 8, 2024 Full Review John Ferguson Radio Times This inspired send-up of religious epics was surrounded by controversy on its release, but it is, nevertheless, the Monty Python team's most assured and satisfying cinematic work. Rated: 5/5 Aug 17, 2024 Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) With forgiveness from all condemnations, I laughed from start to finish with Life of Brian. [Full review in Spanish] Jan 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Dionisis T Funny but truly iconic! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/28/24 Full Review ERIK Samuel R Uma genial paródia, da história de Jesus Cristo. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/05/24 Full Review Fleur H So, you have to be a Catholic to truly appreciate the genius of this film...it's HILARIOUS! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/12/24 Full Review Average P Amazing nowadays that this one managed to slip past the religious thought-police. Evergreen classic Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/24/24 Full Review The Prince O This might be my favorite comedy movie of all time. Monty Python is just excellent and so creative. Easily a 5/5 Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/22/24 Full Review Aender S Excellent comedy, an absolute must-see. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/11/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Life of Brian

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman) is an average young Jewish man, but through a series of ridiculous events, he gains a reputation as the Messiah. When he's not dodging his followers or being scolded by his shrill mother (Terry Jones), the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) and acronym-obsessed members of a separatist movement. Rife with Monty Python's signature absurdity, the tale finds Brian's life paralleling Biblical lore, albeit with many more laughs.
Director
Terry Jones
Producer
John Goldstone
Screenwriter
Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin
Distributor
Warner Bros., Criterion Collection, Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Handmade Films, Python (Monty) Pictures Limited
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 17, 1979, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Apr 18, 2019
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 25, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$150.2K
Runtime
1h 33m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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