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Life of Brian (1979)

 -  Comedy  -  17 August 1979 (USA)
8.1
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Ratings: 8.1/10 from 167,773 users   Metascore: 75/100
Reviews: 287 user | 93 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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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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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:

The film that is so funny it was banned in Norway. 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  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

John Cleese wanted George Lazenby to play the part of Jesus. He said it would be in his opinion absolutely hilarious, and he wanted the tagline of the film to be "George Lazenby IS Jesus Christ". But when the film's producers contacted Lazenby's agent they were informed that Lazenby was overseas working on another film project and was unavailable. Kenneth Colley was then cast as Jesus. 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 Lilo & Stitch (2002) 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

 
I Think God Has A Sense Of Humor, Don't You?
1 April 2002 | by (USA) – See all my reviews

And in the 1979th year of Our Lord, God took in a screening of Monty Python's "Life Of Brian," and thought it was funny.

He did NOT think the film was blasphemous or offensive in any way. Yea, God did admire it's incredibly clever pokes at religion and at religious fanatics, for God Himself knew the virtue of being able to laugh at one's self. He also knew before He even walked into the theater that the title character, Brian, was NOT Jesus Christ, but merely a man who was born at the same time as Christ---right next door, in fact---and became mistaken for a messiah. God settled into His seat, with popcorn in one hand and diet soda in another, and had a rollicking good time.

He recommended "Life Of Brian" to His Son, Jesus, who went to see it the following week. He, too, thought it was a hilarious film, and immediately sang the praises of the Monty Python troupe---John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam & Michael Palin---for creating such a wonderful spoof. And He recommended the film to His friends. Have an open mind, He told them, and have fun.

But God and His Son were quite puzzled why so many people in the Bible Belt community were so upset by "Life Of Brian"---especially the ones who hadn't even bothered to SEE the frigging film for fear of being damned for all time. And They both shook their heads in dismay. It's only a movie, They thought, and a very funny, harmless one at that. Get a life!

But God gave Monty Python's "Life Of Brian" the power to overcome such ridiculous adversity, and today, well over two decades later, the film is rightfully regarded as a comedy classic, and one of the Python's finest works. It's *still* not a film for everybody, but does it have to be? If you're in tune with the Python's style of zany comedy, you'll enjoy "Life Of Brian."

And praise be to Saint George Harrison, late of The Beatles, for lending the Pythons a hand in making this wonderful movie. :-)


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