Once banned in Norway (!), “Life of Brian” is probably Monty Python’s most beloved film. It depicts scenes from the life of a young Jewish man, named Brian, being of the same generation as Jesus Christ. At the time, Judea is, for better or for worse, part of the Roman Empire and is full to the brim with self-righteous rebels, but also quite a few would-be Messiahs. Brian takes part in one of many unsuccessful anti-Roman organisations, but in the end unwillingly becomes one of many Messiah characters.

As in all works of Monty Python, characters such as a lisping Roman official are just meant to be funny, but there are scenes that are quite obviously the result of some serious brainwork. As such, the movie is an absolute must-see because of some key scenes that are better than the whole, with stinging lines that are worth repeating over and over.

Inevitably, quite a few scenes are making fun of religion, exploring the issues of exegetics (as in the hilarious interpretations of the Eight Beatitudes, or the inane followers or Brian), hermit life, and the invented struggle against invented oppression.

But the Pythons give a kick in all directions: while the status quo may be a royal pain, and the number of annoying Messiahs seems endless, there is also a myriad of equally foolish revolutionary groups keen on bettering the world (or at least keen on being right) perhaps hating their competitors more than the common enemy, which, after all, may not be as bad as they want it to be.

In view of all this, John Cleese was probably most correct when he stated that the movie is “about people who cannot agree with each other.” Or with their inner selves for that matter. The source of hypocrisy is always within the walls of our skulls. As such, the movie works quite well as a satire on opinion as a whole.

"Life of Brian" at Amazon

NB: After seeing the movie, for the love of Brian, don’t miss the Monty Python vs. rabid priest debate and the following parody sketch of that debate made by Rowan Atkinson & c:o.