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Life of Brian (1979)

 -  Comedy  -  17 August 1979 (USA)
8.1
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Ratings: 8.1/10 from 170,574 users   Metascore: 75/100
Reviews: 287 user | 94 critic | 14 from Metacritic.com

Brian is born on the original Christmas, in the stable next door. He spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.

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An anthology of Monty Python's best sketches from their 1st & 2nd seasons of their original TV show.

Director: Ian MacNaughton
Stars: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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...
...
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Mr. Cheeky / Stan (Loretta) / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
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Kenneth Colley ...
Jesus
Neil Innes ...
Charles McKeown ...
John Young ...
Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
...
Sue Jones-Davies ...
Peter Brett
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Storyline

Irreverent satire of Biblical films and religious intolerance focuses on Brian, a Jew in Roman-occupied Judea. After joining up with an anti-Roman political organization, Brian is mistaken for a prophet, and becomes a reluctant Messiah. Written by Scott Renshaw <as.idc@forsythe.stanford.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Just when you thought you were saved... See more »

Genres:

Comedy

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

17 August 1979 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Monty Python's Life of Brian  »

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$26,376 (USA) (30 April 2004)

Gross:

$646,124 (USA) (22 October 2004)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
Edit

Did You Know?

Trivia

Theatrically re-released in the US on 30 April 2004 for its 25th anniversary, two months after the theatrical release of The Passion of the Christ. See more »

Goofs

As Brian is dragged away by Roman guards after the failed plot to abduct Pilate's wife, it's quite easy to see the padding in his costume that's there to protect him from the floor he's being dragged over. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Wise Man #1: Ahem!
Brian's mother: Oh!
[falls over in chair]
Brian's mother: Who are you?
Wise Man #2: We are three wise men.
Brian's mother: What?
Wise Man #1: We are three wise men.
Brian's mother: Well, what are you doing creeping around a cow shed at two o'clock in the morning? That doesn't sound very wise to me.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Moose Choreography See more »

Connections

Referenced in Life of Python (1990) See more »

Soundtracks

"Always Look on the Bright Side Of Life"
Written by Eric Idle
Arranged by John Altman
Sung by Eric Idle and chorus
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Classic seamless comedy.
14 January 2005 | by (Hong Kong) – See all my reviews

This film is by far the best of the Python outings. It ranks as one of my favorite films of all time, which unlike 'The Holy Grail', hasn't dated with time but improves with repeated viewing.

The Pythons supposed take on Christianity, which caused outrage when it was first released (mostly by people who hadn't seen it), is actually a take on cults, both religious and political, and the people who follow them.

Brian, our hapless hero, is confused, horny, and constantly mistaken for the Messiah; who just happened to be born in the manger next to him. Brian just wants to be left alone, and to pursue his love for Judith, a member of the People's Front of Judea. Judith just wants the Romans to go home; but only after they've left the sanitation, the medicine, education, irrigation, roads, public order, etc., etc. ... oh and don't forget the wine!

Will Brian's love for Judith go unrequited? Will only the cheese makers be blessed, or does this refer to all manufacturers of dairy products? And just what have the Romans ever done for us?

It's subtle; it's anarchic; and it's possibly still banned in Norway. This is classic seamless comedy at its best. 10/10.


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