Life of Brian
“He's not the messiah...he's just a naughty boy.”
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.
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Cast
22 people
Graham Chapman
Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
John Cleese
Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Shrek 2
Terry Gilliam
Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee
Known for
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Eric Idle
Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Casper
Terry Jones
Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Michael Palin
Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus
Known for
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Terence Bayler
Gregory
Known for
Macbeth
Carol Cleveland
Mrs. Gregory
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Kenneth Colley
Jesus
Known for
Return of the Jedi
Firefox
Neil Innes
A Weedy Samaritan
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash
Charles McKeown
False Prophet / Blind Man / Giggling Guard / Stig
Known for
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Brazil
John Young
Matthias, Son of Deuteronomy of Gath
Known for
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Terry Jones Director · Terry Gilliam Screenplay Michael Palin Screenplay
Worldwide gross $21M · Budget $4M · United States release August 17, 1979
Box office
Budget
$4,000,000
Worldwide gross
$20,833,252
Gross vs. budget
5.2×
Production
Handmade Films
Production
Python (Monty) Pictures
Production
Orion Pictures
Studio
United Kingdom
Produced in
Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory · Brian of Nazareth · The Gospel According to St. Brian
Working titles
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English · Latin
Release dates
United States · August 17, 1979
Theatrical
United Kingdom · November 8, 1979
Theatrical
United States · January 1, 1983
Physical · Warner Home Video #2003 [VHS] 90 minutes
United States
January 1, 1990 · Physical · Paramount Pictures #12871 [VHS] 94 minutes
Australia
November 22, 1979 · Theatrical
Belgium
June 5, 1980 · Theatrical
Brazil
May 30, 1980 · Theatrical
March 16, 2006 · Physical
Czechia
January 22, 1999 · Limited theatrical · Projekt 100
March 21, 2024 · Theatrical
April 2, 2026 · Theatrical
Denmark
August 25, 1980 · Theatrical
Finland
March 6, 1981 · Theatrical
France
April 8, 1980 · Theatrical
Germany
August 14, 1980 · Theatrical
Greece
December 15, 1979 · Theatrical
Ireland
July 22, 1988 · Theatrical
Italy
March 28, 1991 · Theatrical
Japan
December 19, 1981 · Theatrical
Netherlands
December 25, 2001 · TV · V8
February 7, 2008 · Physical · Blu ray
October 3, 2011 · Physical · DVD
Norway
October 31, 1980 · Theatrical
August 6, 2004 · Theatrical
Poland
May 28, 2004 · Digital
Portugal
November 14, 1980 · Theatrical
South Korea
January 1, 2023 · Digital
Spain
October 29, 1980 · Theatrical
Sweden
August 25, 1980 · Theatrical
January 1, 1982 · Physical · VHS
February 26, 2001 · Physical · DVD
December 14, 2011 · Physical · Blu-ray
United Kingdom
April 18, 2019 · Theatrical · 40th-anniversary rerelease
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