The Pythons' Masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (18 January 2004)

Life of Brian is clearly the Python's most solid feature film. Though it is still made up of sketches, each one is so superbly knitted into the next that a seamless strong narrative is the result. Terry Jones does a brilliant job at directing while all the members of the Python team seem to be giving their best performances ever. Graham Chapman is especially wonderful as Brian.
The Sermon on the Mount, the stoning, what have the Romans ever done for us and the Latin writing lesson scenes are my favourites. Some people at the time of the film's release condemned the film as blasphemous and so on, it was even banned in some countries. When one actually sits down to watch the film it is realised that it is nothing of the sort. Rather, it contains a very positive message of belief in one's self, to find the answers to life and religion without blindly following what others' tell us.
What a shame there is no modern day Monty Python around to give us even a hint of the greatness that those 6 guys did. Of course each has gone on to success as individuals, but as a team I doubt that they will ever be bettered. Comedy standards are so low today that the humour in Life of Brian is perhaps beyond the perception and understanding of younger audiences, who have all had their minds dulled by gross-out toilet humour 'comedy' films and tv shows.
And remember, "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy, now go away!"