Monty Python's second film is their best accomplishment, apart from the TV show.

When my friend got me hooked on Monty Python after showing me Holy Grail (which  is kinda slow, but still funny) i had to check out this film.

Who could resist this film, with asn opening scene like that. terry Jones is hilarious as Brian's mum.

Basically, the plot involves Brian, who lives in ancient Judea, around thejesus time, and he is constantly mistakedn for Jesus.

I'm amazed tis film got an M15 rating, considering it has a scene of both male and female full frontal nudity.

Directing, for a dirt-cheap comedy, is great. The desert background, and settings are really cool.

For people that don't understand Monty Python's kinda humour, you probably wont get most of the jokes, except maybe the "Always Look OOn the Bright Side Of Life" ending. Too sum this film up - Hilarious, Surreal, FUnny, Hilarious, Hialrious, Hialrtious,

Agreed, it is a great film. I go back and forth about which I like better, Brian or Grail. I watch both very frequently.

One thing though - Brian isn't mistaken for Jesus, but rather "the messiah". I know what you're thinking: Jesus is "the messiah", but Brian is thought to be a different "the messiah", but not Jesus. I always thought that, just a few miles away, Jesus was doing his thing and had his followers just as Brian had his. The difference being Brian didn't want any followers. ;)  

I too have debated about whether I like Brian or Grail more.  Grail has more of a 'classic' Python feel with its segmented, skit-like style, while Brian has a lot more (brilliant) satire.  I think that Brian appeals to me more simply in that it is, in its own way, a more serious movie.  

I think, frankly, that the R/18A/15 rating (respectively) also adds humorous possibilities.  There's nothing better than hearing John Cleese swear, and that full-frontal of Chapman is pretty funny in context as well.  

Either way, this is an absolutely brilliant film...thanks for reminding me of it!

I've seen Brian and Grail many, many, many, many ... so many times.  Honestly, Brian is the better one, in my opinion.  Grail gets annoying after a few viewings -- admit it!  Their best film, of course, is THE MEANING OF LIFE.  

Let us not forget something what comedy can get away with that legitimate drama cannot: insanity. If The Life of Brian were a dramatic piece, you would have to explain about the aliens who rescued Brian from whomever it was he was running from (it's been awhile), and then fit them into the plot yadda-yadda-yadda.

Also reminds me of the bit in The Emperor's New Groove where Kuzco asks Yzma and Kronk how they beat him to the palace, and Yzma stops for a moment and then turns to Kronk and asks, "Um, how did we, Kronk?" Kronk pulls down this map, points out where they fell into a ravine, and says, "Well, ya got me. By all accounts, it doesn't make sense."

But back onto topic, I loved The Life of Brian. Found it very funny in a satiriucal, irreverent kind of way. It has more of a long-lasting effect than The Holy Grail can hope to, though you can't go wrong with that movie either. Actually, Monty Python has a whole is quite satisfying with the disclaimer of "you gotta understand the humor." My wife doesn't get it, and so she doesn't like it, because without the humor, the shows aren't that good.