Life of Brian

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Brent H Most people discover the world of Monty Python through traditional methods, like through their BBC sketch comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus or even their first foray into film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Not me, though. I dove headfirst into what was, and to some extent still is, Python's most controversial film, "Monty Python's Life of Brian." The film is based on the idea of a man who is born on the same day and in the next manger over from Jesus Christ. Leaning quite heavily into the consequences of the circumstances, Brian would eventually be heralded as The Messiah. What I love about this film is that it doesn't mock the life of Christ or make Him the center of the humor. The Python troupe has gone on record to state that Life Of Brian isn't a movie that mocks Jesus Christ. And if you sit down to actually watch the film, it is apparent from the very beginning. While yes, there are instances where Christ is shown or referred to, the humor revolves around a variety of factors. For example, right from the start, while showing what is obviously a reference to the Sermon on the Mount, the real humor of the scene has nothing to do with what Christ is saying. Instead, the film zeros in on the nuance of being a person of the time who is so far away from the front of the crowd that the characters have difficulty deciphering the exact wording of what is being said. While the late Graham Chapman does a wonderful job portraying the reluctant and misappropriated savior of man, Michael Palin is the absolute standout in all 12 roles he takes on, most notably as Pontius Pilate with a speech impediment. Eric Idle steals just about every scene he's in and even contributes one of the all-time greatest songs to end a film, "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life." All of the Python members shine in their own unique way, though, as each actor, including director Terry Jones, tackles multiple roles. This film serves as a commentary on humanity's approach to the idea of religion and the lengths to which they can stray from the actual message that Christ proclaimed. If you watch Life of Brian and don't walk away seeing the absurdity of the things carried out in this world in the name of Christ, then maybe watch it again. I say that as someone who has faith and belief in Christ. I'm in no way offended by the movie because I understand that the Python actors are examining those subtleties of religion that cause us to hate, start wars, and forget the original message. As if I need to add anything else to praise this film, it's quite telling that George Harrison believed in this movie so much that, according to a 2016 Rolling Stone article, after EMI balked at the potentially blasphemous subject matter and pulled financing two days before filming was to begin, Harrison put up the money so the film could be made. According to the article, Python's humor resonated deeply with him. Idle went on to say that Harrison funded the film mainly because he just wanted to see it. Oh, and if you look close enough, you'll see Harrison in a blink-and-you-will-miss-him part. I first saw The Life of Brian in 1995, and I've been quoting it among family and friends for over 30 years now. The movie had such an impact on me that I showed it to my 15-year-old son a few years ago. Go into the movie with an open mind and allow yourself to laugh at the foolishness of man. It didn't unsettle my faith, but it did strengthen my conviction in why I continue to have it. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/25 Full Review Movie W 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 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/13/25 Full Review Kyle M Much like its spiritual predecessor – or chronological successor, it’s hilarious under a certain filtered gaze. But while it’s still very humorous with the subjected parody grasped in its quirky glory, it wanes as it progresses into nonsensical boredom. (B-) Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/23/25 Full Review Vince C Great film at the time. Not a lot of point in watching it now. It's hard to realise how controversial it was in 1979. In fact it wasn't for most of us, but certain members of the establishment got very hot under the collar and asked many stupid questions of the Python team. Sad to say, the Python team didn't really give intelligent enough answers. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/15/25 Full Review Anthony M Still one of the funniest, if not the funniest, films ever made. I can't see that changing in the foreseeable future either. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/02/25 Full Review Keith M Funny if you're an 18 year old.....but not on the same level as The Holy Grail. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/04/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Life of Brian

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