---
title: "Life of Brian"
year: 1979
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/life-of-brian-1979"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 583
imdb_id: "tt0079470"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 94
community_rating: 7.8
vote_count: 4975
content_rating: "R"
---

# Life of Brian (1979) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/life-of-brian-1979

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "Life of Brian" is a comedy that follows the story of an average young Jewish man. The protagonist's life is marked by a series of events that lead to him gaining a reputation. He becomes the subject of devotion from a group of people who believe him to be the Messiah. This newfound status brings Brian a series of challenges, including interactions with the Roman authorities and a separatist movement. The group's members are characterized by their use of acronyms. The film features a mix of humor and satire, with the story paralleling certain events from the Bible. The narrative is marked by absurdity, a hallmark of the film's creators' style. The film features a cast of characters, including Brian's mother, who is described as shrill.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An average young Jewish man is mistakenly identified as the Messiah through a series of ridiculous events."

### Why Watch
- features signature Monty Python absurdity
- delivers many laughs while paralleling biblical lore

### Caveats & Content Note
- features a hapless protagonist dodging followers and an easily irritated mother
- Tone & Suitability: The film is a comedy rated R that parallels biblical lore with humor.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: absurd, comedic, satirical, humorous

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Peacock Premium, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Peacock Premium Plus, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel | The CW, Kanopy, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Plex | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Terry Jones
- **Networks / Studios**: Handmade Films, Python (Monty) Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Graham Chapman** as *Wise Man #2 / Brian Cohen / Biggus Dickus*
- **John Cleese** as *Wise Man #1 / Reg / Jewish Official / First Centurion / Deadly Dirk / Arthur*
- **Terry Gilliam** as *Man Even Further Forward / Revolutionary / Jailer / Blood and Thunder Prophet / Frank / Audience Member / Crucifee*
- **Eric Idle** as *Mr. Cheeky / Stan 'Loretta' / Harry the Haggler / Culprit Woman / Warris / Intensely Dull Youth / Jailer's Assistant / Otto / Lead Singer Crucifee*
- **Terry Jones** as *Mandy Cohen / Colin / Simon the Holy Man / Bob Hoskins / Saintly Passer-by / Alarmed Crucifixion Assistant*
- **Michael Palin** as *Wise Man #3 / Mr. Big Nose / Francis / Mrs. A / Ex-Leper / Announcer / Ben / Pontius Pilate / Boring Prophet / Eddie / Shoe Follower / Nisus Wettus*
- **Terence Bayler** as *Gregory*
- **Carol Cleveland** as *Mrs. Gregory*
- **Kenneth Colley** as *Jesus*
- **Neil Innes** as *A Weedy Samaritan*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was Life of Brian released in the US?
It was released on 08/17/1979.

### Q: Who is the main character of the film?
The main character is an average young Jewish man named Brian Cohen.

### Q: What genre is Life of Brian?
It is classified as a comedy.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

### Q: What style of humor does the film feature?
It features Monty Python's signature absurdity.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*