Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) will soon turn four decades old, and it is as funny, irreverent, and relevant today as it was in its original release.
Life… debuted on August 17, 1979, and it immediately attracted a firestorm of criticism from multiple groups, first in the UK, and elsewhere later on. Accusations of blasphemy were rife, leading to the banning of the movie in countries such as Norway and of course here in Ireland.
Including such unforgettable moments as the ‘What have the Romans done for us’ segment, the interrogation scene where Pontius Pilate (Michael Palin) speaks with a lisp, or the great finale to the song ‘Always look on the bright side of life”, the movie is now considered one of the greatest comedies of all time. Life… retains its power to offend, make you think, and more importantly, laugh out loud.
Have you seen Life of Brian? What do you think about Ireland banning the film in the first place? Let us know in the comments below.