Life of Brian

5.00
    Life of Brian
    1979

    Synopsis

    Brian Cohen 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, the hapless Brian has to contend with the pompous Pontius Pilate 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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    Cast

    • Graham ChapmanWise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
    • John CleeseWise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
    • Terry GilliamMan Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
    • Eric IdleMr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
    • Terry JonesMandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
    • Michael PalinWise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
    • Terence BaylerGregory
    • Carol ClevelandMrs. Gregory
    • Kenneth ColleyJesus
    • Neil InnesA Weedy Samaritan

    Recommendations

    • 100

      ReelViews

      It has been said that a Monty Python movie is only successful if it offends everyone in the audience at least once. By that measuring stick as well as nearly any other, The Life of Brian is an unqualified triumph. It makes us confront our foibles and laugh at them.
    • 100

      L.A. Weekly

      Astringently funny masterpiece.
    • 90

      Los Angeles Times

      The more things change, the more we have to laugh if we are to have a prayer of remaining sane, and the Pythons are the best possible step in that direction.
    • 88

      Boston Globe

      "No God and no religion can survive ridicule," wrote Mark Twain, but for once the sage of Hannibal was wrong.
    • 80

      TV Guide Magazine

      While it may lack the sheer comic anarchy of their other work, Life of Brian may be probably the funniest collective efforts concocted by the British comedy troupe "Monty Python's Flying Circus," is their most sustained effort. (Review of Original Release)
    • 80

      Variety

      Just as wacky and imaginative as their earlier film outings. (Review of Original Release)
    • 75

      Philadelphia Inquirer

      Blessed are the Pythons for making holy wit of the Holy Writ.
    • 70

      The New Yorker

      For all its scruffiness, the lurching strike-rate of its gags, and the unmistakable smell of amateur dramatics given off by its repertory of rotating players with their stick-on Ted Nugent beards, Life of Brian jitters with good will. [3 May 2004, p. 110]

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