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Monty Python's Life of Brian

Monty Python's Life of Brian

Terry Jones (1979)

89min
12A Certificate
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Review

Our Score
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
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Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: TrafalgarGuidance: Contains some violence, swearing and nudity. Available on: video, DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 18 Apr 2019
Comedy
Full Episode Guide
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