Life of Brian
He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.
Overview
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.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Life of Brian was released during a time of political upheaval, with the Monty Python team using satire to critique various aspects of British society, as well as referencing historical events like the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Life of Brian showcases Monty Python's signature wit and humor, with a satirical take on biblical stories and the political climate of the time.
- The film offers thought-provoking themes, such as religious fanaticism, group mentality, and individuality.
- Its memorable quotes and parodies continue to be referenced in popular culture today.
- The excellent ensemble cast delivers performances that are both hilarious and poignant.
Fun Facts
- The character 'Brian' is often mistakenly thought to be named after Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, but it's actually a play on the name 'John', as in 'John the Baptist'.
- Many of the characters in the film share names with figures from the Bible or popular historical figures, such as Pontius Pilate and Biggus Dickus.
- The film includes a famous 'Judean People's Front' sketch, which was inspired by real-life political infighting among students during the time.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Monty Pythons - Das Leben des Brian
"Er war nicht der Messias. Er war ein sehr ungezogener Junge."
Français
FR
Title: Monty Python : La Vie de Brian
"Ce n’était pas le messie. C’était un garçon très méchant."
Magyar
HU
Title: Brian élete
"Időtlen eposz"
Slovenčina
SK
Title: Život Briana
"To nie je Mesiáš… to je len nezbedník."
Español
ES
Title: La vida de Brian
"Él no era el mesías. Era un niño muy travieso."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
This isn't Monty Python's best.
In fact, it's very ordinary humor for the most part.
The story of another man living a life parallel to Jesus could have been much funnier than this.
However, people who love "dry humor" may appreciate this one more. It isn't the slapstick humor that we usually get from Monty Python that leaves a person nearly dying of laughter.
It's very low key humor. The only memorable scene is the suicide squad that comes to save Brian, which lasts a few seconds.
It's not totally boring, but it comes close. 4/10
**It's an excellent comic film, but much inferior to “The Holy Grail”.**
There is consensus on the impact that Monty Python had on humor, and on the way comedy is seen and performed. After a bombastic television series and a highly successful first film, they decided to make this film which, in essence, is a satire on the great biblical epics of the past. In this film, we follow Brian, a man who was born a short distance from Jesus and is constantly confused with him.
I'm not conservative enough to not appreciate a religious joke if it's good, and there are a lot of good things in this film, starting with the incredible performances by the Pythons, in particular Graham Chapman and Terry Jones. The humor is what they have accustomed the public to, and the film does not disappoint the group's fans. Even so, I couldn't help but have the feeling that this film was quite inferior to “The Holy Grail”.
On a technical level, I believe it is worth highlighting the costumes and sets, which are at the best level and set the story very well in time and space. And the final scene, where the crucified sing a well-known and very positivist melody, cannot be more surrealist than it is.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) - Trailer
Featurette
Monty Python's Life of Brian composers André Jacquemin and John Altman | BFI Q&A
Trailer
Life of Brian ≣ 1979 ≣ Trailer ≣ Remastered