Life of Brian

Life of Brian is a satirical film about Jesus. It was made in 1979 by the sketch comedy group Monty Python. The movie stars the whole team which includes Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. I had watched this film several years ago but only certain parts. I remember being a fan of the Holy Grail growing up which was another Monty Python creation. I also recall seeing the meaning of life which was funny and very crass. 

The Life of Brian starts with three wise men going to the wrong house. Instead of finding Jesus they find a baby named Brian. The credits roll and music plays, and someone sings about how Brian grew from a baby into a man. The first seen is classic, Jesus is talking to a crowd and some people in the back of the crowd are having a hard time hearing the message. They miss hear some of the words, instead of hearing “peace makers” they hear “cheese makers” and instead of hearing the “meek will inherit the earth” they hear, “the Greek will inherit the earth.” The satirical style of Monty Python is somewhat silly, stupid humor but is hilarious because of the situation.

Later on Brian joins the People’s Front of Judea a group of people who hate the Romans. The group is funny because they fight a lot and one of the men in the group wants to have a baby. In one scene on of them asks a rhetorical answer, “What have the Romans ever done for us?” he soon receives an answer, as several people rattle off several things the Romans had done to benefit the Jews. The group soon hatches a plan to kidnap Pilots wife. This backfires when the People’s Front of Judea gets in a fight with another freedom fighter group. Brian is captured and thrown in jail. He soon receives and audience with Pilot who cannot pronounce his R’s and keeps mentioning a friend whose name is Biggus Dickus. While the centurions laugh at Pilot Brian escapes.

Once Brian escapes he mistakenly gives a little speech and suddenly he has a following of believers. They believe he is a prophet and follow him around to his utter dismay. The Romans searching for him finally find him and crucify him. He has several opportunities to avoid being crucified but ends up staying on the cross.

After watching the Life of Brian I have conflicting feelings. Yes it was a funny movie; yes they were witty but… I am a Christian and it is offensive to me in that aspect. Some things should not be made fun of and in my opinion the birth of the messiah is one of those things.