The read
A Balasaur Score of 82 out of 100, drawn from IMDb 8/10, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, Metacritic 77/100. Scores higher than 96% of the 608 1970s comedy movies in this catalog. Streaming on Prime and Peacock.
Synopsis
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.
Ratings
IMDb8/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic77/100
5,089 audience votes
Key crew
- Terry GilliamScreenplay
- John CleeseScreenplay
- Geoffrey BurgonOriginal Music Composer
- Terry JonesScreenplay
- Graham ChapmanScreenplay
- Terry JonesDirector
- Eric IdleScreenplay
- Michael PalinScreenplay
Cast
- Graham ChapmanWise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
- John CleeseWise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
- Terry GilliamMan Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
- Eric IdleMr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
- Terry JonesMandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
- Michael PalinWise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
- Terence BaylerGregory
- Carol ClevelandMrs. Gregory
- Kenneth ColleyJesus
- Neil InnesA Weedy Samaritan
- Charles McKeownFalse Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
- John YoungMatthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Stills
Movies like Life of Brian
Themes
roman empirejewrythree kingscrucifixionbethlehemindependence movementsatireparodyreligionsermon on the mountanarchic comedymother son relationship
Comedy Movies on Peacock, Ranked
Life of Brian is #4 of 60
