The Life of Brian (1979) Review in 2025
A hilarious and satirical comedy about a man named Brian who is mistaken for the Messiah, and his journey to find his place in the world.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to its mature themes and language, but older kids and adults will enjoy it.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-see for fans of comedy and satire. It's a classic, and its influence can still be felt in many modern comedies. Watch it on the big screen if possible, as the visuals and pacing are best appreciated in a theater.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Brian, a young man who is born on the same day as Jesus and is mistaken for the Messiah. As he tries to find his place in the world, he gets caught up in a series of misadventures and must navigate the complexities of ancient Jewish politics.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is clever, witty, and full of clever references to biblical history. It's a masterclass in satire, and the way it tackles complex themes like politics and religion is impressive.
acting9.80/10
The acting is superb, with standout performances from the entire cast. Graham Chapman and John Cleese are particularly memorable, and their chemistry with the rest of the cast is undeniable.
characters9.50/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with standout performances from Graham Chapman and John Cleese. The cast has great chemistry, and their interactions are often hilarious.
direction9.80/10
Terry Jones' direction is superb, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of pacing that keeps the movie moving at a breakneck speed. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with some impressive uses of location shooting.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a great use of lighting and composition. The location shooting is also impressive, with some beautiful shots of the Israeli countryside.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's clever writing, memorable characters, and superb direction make it a standout comedy. The cinematography and acting are also noteworthy, and the movie's themes of politics and religion are timely and thought-provoking.
Cons
The movie's humor may not be to everyone's taste, and some of the jokes may feel dated. Additionally, the movie's pacing can be a bit frenetic at times, which may be overwhelming for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!"
"It's just a flesh wound!"
"It's only a model!"
"We're all individuals!"
