Rating: 
Summary: Always look on the bright side of ...
Review: There are certain movies that stand out on the holidays. This is not one of them. It probably should be. You will find that many of the Python crew plays many different characters in the movie.
Now the truth can be told. It all starts with three wise men delivering gifts to young Brian. Oops they correct their mistake. Later, Judea, 33 A.D., on a Saturday afternoon, once again Brian (Graham Chapman) is a tad far down the mount when they hear what sounds as "blessed are the cheese makers" (it's not meant to be taken literally that could mean any manufacturer). That is where Brian first sees Judith (Sue Jones.) Later he shall be involved in the People's Front of Judea. Later still he will be mistaken for the messiah (it is a logical mistake). Two factions fight over who owns the messiah (the Shoe Followers and Gourd Followers.)
You will recognize many of your favorite vices and verses. One of the highlights of the story is the speech given by Pilate and Biggus Dickus.
As with most complex movies you will find the one you are looking for Python comedy, fanatic parody, or if you wish a deeper meaning.
If you enjoyed this movie the next on your list should be "Wholly Moses" (1983) with Dudley Moore and Laraine Newman.
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Summary: the truth will set you free, said a crucified Roman Criminal
Review: Ohhh all you 1-god religion people still waiting for your messiah to come after his death, it's been 2000 years for "heaven's sake"... get over it... he Isn't coming back.As for the film, it's comical, amazing, and exactly what should be on film, everything that is depicted on the film, is in line w/the Roman occupation of Nazareth at the time of Jesus, with some social comentary of how things were in his time, numerous religions, ultra-pious jewish sects; who among other things would live in seclusion, with out ever reproducing offspring, are parts in it a little streched? Well sure, it's a comedy, it's I'd say streched a lot, but on the whole, it's all there. this is all in the dead-sea scrolls people, wake up from your 2000 year decension, to the world of conformity, and forget your 1-god religions, like your 1-god religions left you, spread the word 1-god religions are going down.... ((( i believe in a 3-god system myself, then again christians worship the jesus and the god)))
Rating: 
Summary: Why is this in the Criterion Collection?
Review: This "movie" has absolutely no redeeming value for society. It is neither a work of art, nor worth any serious person's investment of time or money, which really makes you wonder why this is a mainstream release, much less, in the respectable Criterion Collection. Pythons: continue to wade in your drool.
Rating:
Summary: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Brian
Review: This film is excellent. Both hilarious and intellegent, it follows the life of Brian as he is born in a manger, hounded by religious zealots, and initiated into an anti-Roman terrorist unit. Side-splitting comedy that will make you forget you're also watching philosophy and political modeling, but in the end "look on the bright side of life!"
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Summary: Lend me you rears!
Review: Who else but Python could poke so much fun at organized religion an generally twist history. For any one who wants to tweek their religous zealot friends this is a must. I highly recommend it for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: The best movie of all time?
Review: There's wilder movies, faster movies, more profound movies, maybe even funnier movies -- and there are movies that are much simpler and more perfectly made. But I don't really know any other movie that I enjoyed equally well (but differently) as a 20-year-old and as a 40-year-old. It's the richest work of a smart, nutty and talented group. It's in a class of its own.
Rating: 
Summary: A slightly duller edge to the Python wit
Review: Ahh, the Pythons. What would life be without them? Certainly for me it would be more dull and boring. Having brilliantly skewered the Arthurian legends in "Holy Grail" the Pythons set their irreverent sights yet higher to target the most sacrosanct: the New Testament. While this has the classic Python-esque wry humor and satire, there's something a little more timid here. The jokes just aren't as funny, the satire isn't as sharp. And the acting just lacks that full-throttle zaniness that I've adored since "Flying Circus". When this film was made "Flying Circus" was long gone and each of them was well along in their solo careers. Bringing them back together for this project has the feeling of a worn-out school reunion. Maybe they had too much money to play around with, too. Much of the charm in "Holy Grail" for instance, is the guerilla filmmaking where they had to get absolutely as many laughs for the dollar as possible. To put it another way, since I purchased "Holy Grail" last year I must've watched it 5-6 times. "Life of Brian" on the other hand, I've only played once. Will I watch it again? Sure. It IS funny, but not my favorite. I would give the film 4 stars but for the DVD: the transfer is quite poor. The picture quality looks like the master was taken from a over-rented VHS tape and the sound is all over the place. I often had to resort to subtitles to understand was was being said -- if I raised the volume instead then all the foley effects and music were way too loud.
Rating:
Summary: Cheddar, Swiss, Colby...
Review: Blessed are the cheesemakers! This is what one line from the Sermon on the Mount is mis-interpreted as being by one of the distant crowd members (remember, Jesus had no microphones or amplification -- you try talking down a mountain and see who hears you correctly!). And of course, the instant interpretation (obviously emphasising the 'fun' in fundamental interpretation) -- 'he obviously means that to apply to the makers of any dairy products,' is applied by one of the listeners. I heard this used (and have since myself used) as an example in a sermon of the difficulty of interpretation. And this entire movie is rife with such examples of twisting the biblical (and extra-biblical) stories -- often with hilarious results, but quite frequently one finds oneself laughing because it is accurate, rather than satire. Wasn't it Will Rogers who said 'I don't have to satirise my enemies: I merely have to quote them.'? Beginning with the birth in the manger through to a crucifixion, our would-be and reluctant messiah embarks on a mad-cap romp through a thoroughly modern-Britainised Palestine of the null-millenium. Just at the Bible leaves out the childhood of Jesus, so does this movie leave out the childhood of Brian -- and I've often wondered of the split in the believers -- those who followed the shoe and those who followed the gourd, which are catholics and which are protestants? Perhaps the best scene to any prep-school graduate would be the sight of the Roman guard correcting the Latin grammar of Brian the would-be slogan writer and political propagandist. 'It says, "Romans go home!",' Brian insists. 'No it doesn't,' the guard replies. 'It says "People called the Romans they go the house!" ' A great film for humour, a great film for provoking thought, a great film for leaving your serious side alone for a bit.
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Summary: The Python Project to Top!
Review: The Monty Python Gang may never out-do this one. "Life of Brian" certainly is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen (and I've seen a few). While Monty Python & The Holy Grail poked fun at the dark ages, this movie makes fun of the Roman Empire and Jesus, and absolutely nothing is left out! From the Sermon on the Mount to Roman names, Jewish division, crucifixion, you name it, it's included! Unless the viewer is offended or consider the jokes "blasphemous", laughs are guaranteed! As an added bonus, the DVD version includes the original theatrical trailer. This one is a big winner!*****
Rating:
Summary: He's the Messiah...and I should know!
Review: I've followed a few! This is probably the Python's best work. They use the backdrop of early christianity to offer some of their best and most absurd comedy. As usual, the chaps play numerous roles throughout the film (except for Graham Chapman, who plays Brian) and are hysterically funny in each one. This is the film that gave us "The bright side of life" and the Judean People's Front and their suicide squad. As for the DVD, it includes a few deleted scenes and some radio ads, but the true treasure are the two commentaries by the remaining members (Graham Chapman passed away in 1989), one by John Cleese and Michael Palin and the other by Eric Idle and both Terrys, and the documentary. They give great insight as to how the filming came along, how their relationship was like and what their lives were after they became celebrities thanks to their TV show. Do yourself a favor and get this DVD right away!!
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