Rotten
I've always considered it the group's nadir; it seems toothlessly silly.
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Life of Brian
He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.
1979 · 1h 34m · R
Comedy
Directed by
Terry Jones
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Life of Brian
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.
Director and cast
- Terry Jones Director
- Graham Chapman as Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
- John Cleese as Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- Terry Gilliam as Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
- Eric Idle as Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
- Terry Jones as Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
- Michael Palin as Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
- Terence Bayler as Gregory
- Carol Cleveland as Mrs. Gregory
- Kenneth Colley as Jesus
- Neil Innes as A Weedy Samaritan
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
96%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Just as wacky and imaginative as their earlier film outings.
Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh
Bad taste of this order is rare but not yet dead.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Fresh
The Pythons are enlightened jesters, whose scorn is reserved for those who persist in walking in darkness.
Anthony Lane, New Yorker
Fresh
Funny, in that peculiar British way where jokes are told sideways, with the obvious point and then the delayed zinger.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
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