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Life of Brian

Play trailer 2:47 Poster for Life of Brian R 1979 1h 33m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 73 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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Tom Huddleston Time Out 12/12/2024
5/5
It’s still extremely funny, as quotable now as it ever was, and as searingly, eye-openingly intelligent. Go to Full Review
Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 04/07/2023
5/5
It’s a relentless onslaught of consummate comedy that’s so flawlessly crafted, it’s easy to overlook how impeccably the scenes are played. Go to Full Review
Robbie Collin Kermode & Mayo's Film Review 04/26/2019
I'm desperate for another piece of comedy to do what [Life of Brian] did. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 11/08/2024
8/10
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. Go to Full Review
John Ferguson Radio Times 08/17/2024
5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) 01/18/2024
With forgiveness from all condemnations, I laughed from start to finish with Life of Brian. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Bill Cosby T @Maoboba69 9h Um dos meus filmes de comédia favorito 🤣🤣🤣 See more Melissa L @Agent99 Jan 29 I thought it was amusing, but a bit overhyped. See more Fire T. @fireterrell07 Jan 27 I enjoyed this movie a lot. A classic! See more Michael G @MM_Geigle Dec 28 Okay, I'm a Catholic. I go to Church TWICE a week, go to adoration, etc. etc. And I see not just cathoics, but people of all religions, complaining how this film is blaphemous. The thing is, Jesus appears TWICE in the movie AND the director was catholic. So, I'm just saying, if your catholic or athesist, muslim or hindu, WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!! It is extreamly funny and so are their 4 other films! You will start crying from laughter in some of the scenes! And remember, "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life"! See more Keith B B @Okbullard Dec 28 It was ok I laughed a couple times, The Holy Grail was better. This was obviously making fun of the Christian faith though. I'd never bother to watch it again. See more Jack F @MovieFan111 Nov 27 I thought it was an interesting movie. I'm not a fan of the whole Monty Python thing though, but this and Holy Grail are the most iconic. See more Read all reviews
Life of Brian

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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
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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