Life of Brian

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Life of Brian

R

Released Aug 17, 1979

1h 33m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

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.

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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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

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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

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

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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

fred f

90 percent of the humor hits. Good but less so than other Python films.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

Full Review

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Terry Jones

Director

Graham Chapman

Wise Man #2

John Cleese

Wise Man #1

Terry Gilliam

Man Even Further Forward

Terry Jones

Mandy Cohen

Michael Palin

Wise Man 3

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Life of Brian: Trailer 1

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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: Criterion Collection, Warner Bros., 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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