Monty Python's Life of Brian
Orion Pictures Corporation | Release Date: August 17, 1979 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
77
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
14
Mixed:
0
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
The GuardianPeter Bradshaw
But what a triumph this film was for Chapman, who gave a convincing, touching performance as the bewildered everyman who decides to make a stand, and in his battle with the evil empire makes a Luke Skywalker-style discovery about his lineage. Life of Brian is an unexpectedly earnest, sweet-natured hymn to the idea of tolerance. Read full review
100
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
It has been said that a Monty Python movie is only successful if it offends everyone in the audience at least once. By that measuring stick as well as nearly any other, The Life of Brian is an unqualified triumph. It makes us confront our foibles and laugh at them. Read full review
100
L.A. WeeklyRobert Abele
Astringently funny masterpiece. Read full review
91
Portland OregonianMarc Mohan
As far as a coherent, hilarious story line, as well as sheer blasphemous glee, you can't do much better than "Life of Brian." Read full review
90
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
The more things change, the more we have to laugh if we are to have a prayer of remaining sane, and the Pythons are the best possible step in that direction. Read full review
88
Boston GlobeTy Burr
"No God and no religion can survive ridicule," wrote Mark Twain, but for once the sage of Hannibal was wrong. Read full review
80
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
While it may lack the sheer comic anarchy of their other work, Life of Brian may be probably the funniest collective efforts concocted by the British comedy troupe "Monty Python's Flying Circus," is their most sustained effort. (Review of Original Release) Read full review
80
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Just as wacky and imaginative as their earlier film outings. (Review of Original Release) Read full review
80
Dallas ObserverGregory Weinkauf
Brian's brilliant, saved itself by benefactor George Harrison, who ponied up the budget of 2 million pounds...simply because he loved the script when industry bigwigs turned characteristically chicken. Its overall irreverence proves a lasting balm for the ages. Thank you, Pythons, for setting such a high and enduring standard. Read full review
80
Washington PostAnn Hornaday
Given the current heightened tenor of religious rhetoric and paranoia, it may well wind up pushing brand-new buttons today. To quote Michael Palin quoting Jesus, "There's just no pleasing some people." Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerCarrie Rickey
Blessed are the Pythons for making holy wit of the Holy Writ. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Funny, in that peculiar British way where jokes are told sideways, with the obvious point and then the delayed zinger. Read full review
70
The New YorkerAnthony Lane
For all its scruffiness, the lurching strike-rate of its gags, and the unmistakable smell of amateur dramatics given off by its repertory of rotating players with their stick-on Ted Nugent beards, Life of Brian jitters with good will. [3 May 2004, p. 110]
70
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Monty Python's Life of Brian, re-released on its 25th anniversary as an antidote to "The Passion of the Christ," is a single-joke satire of organized religion, including Hollywood's. Read full review
30
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Sluggish, repetitive, and strangely timorous, with little of the zap and imagination of the Pythons' television work. Read full review
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