Life of Brian | Rotten Tomatoes

Life of Brian

R

Released Aug 17, 1979

1h 33m

Comedy

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Life of Brian: Trailer 1

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96%

Tomatometer

71 Reviews

93%

Audience Score

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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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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Kevin Maher

Times (UK)

It’s a relentless onslaught of consummate comedy that’s so flawlessly crafted, it’s easy to overlook how impeccably the scenes are played.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 7, 2023

Full Review

Robbie Collin

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

I'm desperate for another piece of comedy to do what [Life of Brian] did.

Apr 26, 2019

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Life of Brian is an unexpectedly earnest, sweet-natured hymn to the idea of tolerance.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 12, 2019

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

With forgiveness from all condemnations, I laughed from start to finish with Life of Brian. [Full review in Spanish]

Jan 18, 2024

Full Review

Andy Lea

Daily Express (UK)

All the Pythons are at the top of their game here. The jokes are joyously silly and the writing razor sharp.

Rated: 5/5

Apr 7, 2023

Full Review

Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

Given all the fuss and controversy, not to mention its belated status as a classic, I dearly wish it were funnier. Much too much of it, though, depends on silly voices...

Rated: C

Dec 1, 2022

Full Review

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Average P

Amazing nowadays that this one managed to slip past the religious thought-police. Evergreen classic

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/24/24

Full Review

The Prince O

This might be my favorite comedy movie of all time. Monty Python is just excellent and so creative. Easily a 5/5

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/24

Full Review

Aender S

Excellent comedy, an absolute must-see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

Full Review

fred f

90 percent of the humor hits. Good but less so than other Python films.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/24

Full Review

Signe K

Most boring movie i've ever seen, it works as a good sleeping medication tho

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/08/24

Full Review

Platty the Perrypus W

What's so funny about BIGGUS DICKUS?

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

Full Review

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Terry Jones

Director

Graham Chapman

Wise Man #2

John Cleese

Wise Man #1

Terry Gilliam

Man Even Further Forward

Terry Jones

Mandy Cohen

Michael Palin

Wise Man 3

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The End

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Life of Brian: Trailer 1

2:47

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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: Handmade Films, Python (Monty) Pictures Limited
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
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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