Life of Brian

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Life of Brian

R

Released Aug 17, 1979

1h 33m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

96%

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73 Reviews

93%

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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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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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Tom Huddleston

Time Out

It’s still extremely funny, as quotable now as it ever was, and as searingly, eye-openingly intelligent.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 12, 2024

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Kevin Maher

The 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Robert P

This may be the best comedy film of all time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/25

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Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 33 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

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Ellie S

Watched this again recently and yes, it's just as good now as it was when it first got released.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/05/25

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Caysen A

the "biggus dickus" scene make me laugh every time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/27/25

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Eileen S

This and the Holy Grail are 2 of my favourite films. Hard to fault it in any way. Surely one of the best films ever made, and it's still funny when you've seen it dozens of times.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/25

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Audience Member

Just re-watched after 40 years and still brilliant and if anything more relevant now with all of today's insanity going on!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

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Terry Jones

Director

Graham Chapman

Wise Man #2

John Cleese

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Terry Gilliam

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Life of Brian: Trailer 1

2:47

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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: Python (Monty) Pictures Limited, Handmade Films
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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