Monty Python's Life of Brian

    It is difficult to write a review of a comedy. Opinions about humor are vast and varied, a film must be truly universally funny for it to appeal to such a wide audience. “Life of Brian” is such a film. It deals with issues that are universally true in religion; and by “deals” I mean “makes fun of”.

            Life of Brian is the tale of a man who was unfortunate enough to be born a few stables down from Jesus Christ. Brian grows up to join a rebel group that opposes the Roman occupation of Judea. He falls in love with a fellow rebel, they plot and scheme and attempt a kidnapping. Later, in order to blend into a crowd he starts reciting pseudo-religious babble. The next morning a crowd has formed outside his house proclaiming him the messiah. Much to his chagrine he is unable to convince them otherwise. The Romans catch up with him and crucify him. The movie ends with a chorus of crucified men singing "always look on the bright side of life".

    To me, this movie is pure comedic genius. I have seen other Monty Python movies and sketches, and I think this one is closest to being “universally” funny. The satire is sometimes savage, but it wouldn’t be funny if it wasn’t. My meager plot summary does nothing to expose the humor of the movie. One of the main points of satire is on the tendency for religious followers to follow blindly. It also depicts the hypocrisies of religion in humorous ways. This film is not blasphemous like one would think it would have to be in order to be funny. It also doesn't claim to be right in any way, its more of a series of questions about religion and humanity.