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Monty Python's Life of Brian
Terry Jones
(1979)
89min
12A Certificate
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Review
Our Score
by
John Ferguson
This inspired send-up of religious epics was surrounded by controversy on its release, but it is, nevertheless, the Monty Python team's most assured and satisfying cinematic work. Graham Chapman ("He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy") is the Judaean whose life bears some resemblance to that of a certain carpenter around the same time, although the shambling story serves mainly as an excuse for the assembled Pythons to take pot shots at some of their favourite targets and serve up some joyfully juvenile gags. Michael Palin has some memorable roles, notably the Roman governor with a speech impediment ("Welease Wodewick"), and there's a very funny and quite irrelevant cameo from Spike Milligan.
Summary
An ordinary man in Roman-occupied Judea sets out to join a revolutionary movement. His efforts to overthrow the established order are complicated when is repeatedly mistaken for the Messiah, becoming a reluctant figure of worship. Monty Python comedy, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam in a multitude of roles each.
Cast & Crew
The Virgin Mandy/The mother of Brian, a ratbag/Colin/Simon the holy man/Saintly passer-by
Terry Jones
First Wise Man/Brian called Brian/Biggus Dickus
Graham Chapman
Second Wise Man/Mr Big Nose/Francis, a Revolutionary/Mrs A, who casts the second stone/Ex-leper/Ben, an ancient prisoner/ Pontius Pilate, Roman governor/A boring prophet/Eddie/Nisus Wettus
Michael Palin
Third Wise Man/Reg, leader of the Judean People's Front/Jewish official at the stoning/Centurion of the Yard/Deadly Dirk/Arthur
John Cleese
Mr Cheeky/Stan called Loretta, a confused revolutionary/Harry the Haggler, beard and stone salesman/Culprit Woman, who casts the first stone/Intensely dull youth/Otto, the Nazarene jailer's assistant/Mr Frisbee III
Eric Idle
Another person further forward/Revolutionaries and masked commandos/A blood and thunder prophet/Geoffrey/Jailer
Terry Gilliam
Jesus the Christ
Kenneth Colley
Mrs Big Nose / Woman with sick donkey / Young girl
Gwen Taylor
Gregory / Revolutionaries and masked commandos / Dennis
Terence Bayler
Mrs Gregory / Elsie
Carol Cleveland
Director
Terry Jones
see more
Other Information
Language:
English
Colour
Theatrical distributor:
Trafalgar
Guidance:
Contains some violence, swearing and nudity.
Available on:
video, DVD and Blu-ray
Released on:
18 Apr 2019
Comedy
Full Episode Guide
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