FIRST TIME WATCHING: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) REACTION (Movie Commentary)

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[@markmcgee2417]

"You're all individuals!" "We're all individuals!" "I'm not..."

[@christopherbrown6049]

The f#@k off scene and BIGGUS dikkus scene nearly killed me when i was 15😂😂😂

[@ZeroOskul]

After losing a match in the early '90s, instead of rioting and setting the streets on fire, Sheffield Wednesday FC soccer fans sang "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" and it has since become the unofficial anthem of losing soccer teams in England.

[@ZeroOskul]

@ᴛᴇ𝕩ᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ:@ᴄᴀᴘᴇᴅɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴇʀ SPAM!

[@joeb918]

We can thank George Harrison of the Beatles for this one, as he paid for the majority of it. As he really wanted to see it, as one of of the Pythons said “he paid for the biggest movie ticket in history.” As for the controversy, the Pythons knew it was going to happen, but they didn’t quite understand it. They weren’t making fun of Jesus. Or even attacking what he said. They were making fun of the people who follow blindly and take everything out of context, the type of his followers who hear what they want to hear.

[@ZeroOskul]

Weirdly, the only group that was actually offended by the movie for actual reasons were Orthodox Jews who were merely upset that in the stoning scene John Cleese lets the prayer shawl he wears touch the ground. That was the only real religious offense and they did apologize for that one thing.

[@shoujahatsumetsu]

@@ZeroOskul iirc the C of E was pretty offended too, there's even a debate out there between Monty Python and the clergy.

[@ZeroOskul]

@@shoujahatsumetsu Yes, the C of E were publicly offended but they had no legitimate complaints about the satire presented in the film because it isn't about Jesus or the organizing principles behind the C of E.. The Pythons actually apologized about the prayer shawl because they were making fun of the logic involved in blindly trusting faith. They were not intending to insult or mock any given religion. There's a short documentary about it on the special edition DVD that your local library may have availible.

[@system3008]

He paid in full.

[@corawheeler9355]

I knew George Harrison financed L of B, and he's in the scene where the crowd is looking for a healing. But, I didn't know until recently that several rock stars ... members of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson financed Holy Grail.

[@JH-lo9ut]

When Monty Python worked for BBC they had a contract that said they absolutely couldn't show "full frontal nudity" on their show. They found this wording so funny, it became an inside joke, and I think there is even an episode of flying cicus that revolves around not showing nudity. Anyway, when they did their movies they weren't bound by that contract, so they made sure to include one shot of full frontal nudity just for the hell of it.

[@jennifertehanisarreal]

I watched this Monty Python film with my dad when I was a kid. It’s funnier now that I’m older and I have contextual understanding of why my dad thought it was chuckle worthy. Good memories. So happy I ran into this review 🫶🏼 thank you!

[@angelagraves865]

This is my favorite Monty Python movie. I took a religion class years ago and it became even funnier when I knew some of the more subtle or inside jokes. Also, I think the part with the space ship is a nod toward the common idea that at least Ezekiel (and probably Elijah and Enoch) saw and/or were taken up in space ship(s).

[@janskia]

I only saw it as a nod to Star Wars, the first one had been out a year at this point.

[@armlegx]

We watched this in my Freshman religion class on final day since our final was a paper.

[@CharCanuck14]

My thoughts on the spaceship scene went to Erich von Daniken's "Chariots of the Gods?" and the "Ancient Aliens" tv show.

[@ronweber1402]

It's also a device used in old stage plays from the Greek and Roman eras with "Deux ex machina" or the "Hand of the Gods" that interfere on the hero's behalf if I remember it right.

[@markmcgee2417]

That's interesting! I just thought they were going for the most absurd way for Brian to escape and then make a call back to him being a lucky bastard.

[@jamesgalimo1007]

Now you need to watch, "A Fish Called Wanda" whcih isn't a Python movie, but it does have two of them in it, my favorite two members, actually. Also, a brilliant, Oscar-winning performance by Kevin Kline. Highly recommend.

[@Ellinor99]

I literally said the same thing right now and then scrolled down to read your comment. 😊

[@governorboltz]

Plus, Caped Informer's girl, Jamie Lee Curtis.

[@neilmartin99]

Brian: oh F off How shall we F off, oh lord? 🤣😂

[@Shoomer1988]

It caused a bit of a scandal at the time with several local councils banning the film (including Harrogate Council who later admitted they hadn't even seen it) and it was totally banned in Ireland for many years.

[@JamesSmith144]

I love the Latin scene as well man, hits everyone who ever studied Latin in a similar way... bloody dative

[@Kainlarsen]

The Latin part is even funnier when you learn that John Cleese used to be a Latin teacher. :D

[@rickardroach9075]

21:35 The alien/UFO scene was included to cash-in on the current sci-fi craze; _Star Wars_ had been released 2 years earlier.

[@TheNeonParadox]

One thing about this movie: You could put twenty Classicists or Classical Historians into a room, and ask them all what their favorite part of this movie is. Based on that one answer, you can tell almost everything about their personalities immediately based on modern historian archetypes. And if any one of them say they didn't like the movie, kindly but firmly ask them to leave.

[@shreknet]

Skit show humour will always be good as long as the talent and the intent are true.

[@neilmartin99]

It actually get funnier around the 5th time you see it.

[@SBaby]

Many people consider Life of Brian to be superior to Holy Grail (and not just because it predicted a bunch of stuff that is happening now).

[@Ellinor99]

Omg, please, please, please, if you like Monthy Python-ish related humor, please react to A Fish Called Wanda! Two of the best Monthy Pythons in it, and really talented oscar winning preformances by Americans as well! It is one of the 80's best comedies! Really iconic

[@katiem9644]

Absolutely. Im laughing just thinking about it. "Dont call me stupid". hahaha!!!

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

Great reaction, yes there was a Bigus deal by the church when it first hit the screens, labeling it 'blasphemes', thankfully it never reached 'stoning' stage. ;) You would love 'A Fish Called Wanda'

[@gregfox8132]

"You don't need to follow me, you don't need to follow anybody." So true then, and even more true today.

[@IZZY_EDIBLE]

Now you gotta see THE MEANING OF LIFE! And then, PARROT SKETCH NOT INCLUDED! And then, MONTY PYTHON LIVE AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL!

[@ZeroOskul]

And *Confuse A Cat Ltd.*

[@MagicianNoriginal]

Awesome! Thank for for reviewing this Caped!

[@mael6834]

During the BD scene two of the guards were literally guys pulled off the street as extras and told all they had to do was not laugh. LMAO.

[@jimmybee4768]

Can you believe that this movie was banned in Ireland, Norway and parts of Britain?

[@traceyreid4585]

I think part of the marketing in Sweden for this at the time was 'This film is so funny it was banned in Norway!'

[@0okamino]

The parrots were outraged. Norwegian Blue. Beautiful plumage!

[@larindanomikos]

Oh, this is a good one. The church screamed bloody murder when it came out. Without actually watching it. The thing about that opening song is it's fashioned after a 007 theme song. Like Goldfinger. That's pretty funny.

[@Blue-qr7qe]

Yes, there were a slew of James Bond movies and i think they all featured that same loud, dramatic, big production voice during an uber long credits intro, so i get the reference. Watch the begining of, say, Goldfinger, and you'll understand. Good call -

[@ZeroOskul]

Weirdly, the only group that was actually offended by the movie for actual reasons were Orthodox Jews who were merely upset that in the stoning scene John Cleese lets the prayer shawl he wears touch the ground. That was the only real religious offense and they did apologize for that one thing.

[@themadsamplist]

One of my favorite movies ever.

[@zombiegoatt4282]

Recently Eric Idle was on the masked singer and got to sing the song at the end bright side of life. Now you need to watch the meaning of life.

[@CrocodilePile]

"He has a wife, you know...." ...and I'm dead.

[@TTM9691]

Oh man, you had me laughing right along! Yeah, this is my favorite Python (and it's also the thing they're most proud of). Smart and silly satire: that's Python! Thanks, man! A lot of fun! As always!

[@jimtatro6550]

This movie is brilliant. I love seeing reactor’s faces when the UFO pops out of nowhere 😂😂

[@10xero01]

They never told the actors that played the guards about the biggus dickus joke. Instead were given specific instructions not to laugh. Everything that happened there was natural

[@kristin1533]

"Blessed are the cheesemakers." LMFAO!

[@krissiep1317]

Thank you!

[@justaguy6129]

The Meaning Of Life is also good though it isn't one story. It's a series of sketches from birth to death and all the events in between.

[@sugarcloud47]

Always been my favorite :)

[@justaguy6129]

@@sugarcloud47 It most definitely has been overlooked, but is every bit as good as Holy Grail or Life Of Brian. Not story wise mind you, but the jokes keep hitting. (Well maybe not that one scene, but you know what I'm talking about.)

[@sugarcloud47]

@@justaguy6129 Yes, yes I do.

[@filipohman7277]

Awesome Movie and Work Bro, Thanks 👍 👍👍😀 Greetings from Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮🇺🇸🇫🇮🇺🇸🇫🇮🇺🇸

[@denysmace3874]

Not sure if it's true, but I read somewhere that they put the UFO bit in because, at the time they were making this, sci-fi films like Star Wars were really popular. Incidentally, Terry Jones (who played Brian's mother) was a well-respected historian of early English history (maybe I should have added this under the Holy Grail reaction). My favourite part will always be the Latin grammar lesson.

[@ronweber1402]

Even funnier because John Clease really did teach Latin as an undergrad.

[@footballfan9799]

Since you like Python so much, I recommend A Fish Called Wanda next. It also features a certain Jamie Lee Curtis... 😜

[@jimstebbins8273]

A few of the remaining members made a Live Radio show for Netflix called What About Dick?... With Tim Curry, Tracy Ullman, Russell Brand, Eddie Izzard and few more. Hilarious 😆

[@samovarsa2640]

A little known fact - because at the time, Britain was a hopeless backwater (and certainly isn't now, oh no, not in the least) this film was banned in a number of places, including the Welsh town of Aberystwyth until '09. It was lifted in that year because, of all reasons, the actor who played Judith became mayor, and she decided to stop the ban.

[@gregorygant4242]

" He's not the messiah he's a very naughty boy , now pis! off !"

[@kenmarcantel9697]

Movie reaction recommendation. SLINGBLADE FROM 1996

[@lillyvanpug]

I literally grew up with this movie even before I could understand half of the jokes. Still makes me snort laughing to this day 🙈

[@lunog]

Monty Python were a comedic crew of 6 guys. Besides writing and directing they also always did all of their main characters (women included). That´s why you keep seeing them in all those different characters.

[@ZeroOskul]

Six guys AND Carol Cleveland.

[@smokeyverton7981]

Maybe check out TIME BANDITS (1981). It was written by Terry Gilliam. It stars James Bond, Bilbo, and R2D2. George Harrison funded the movie

[@x3mslayer]

the BIGGUS part always has me in tears, it's too authentic, too funny!

[@LLiivveeeevviiLL]

He wanks as high as anyone in Wome.

[@michaeldeighan264]

I believe it was adlib too because the laughing was them breaking character and dude just going with it lol

[@darrylcarden1851]

There have to be some “best of” compilations of bits from the Flying Circus TV show that would be great to see you react to.

[@larindanomikos]

The Meaning of Life is actually my favorite.

[@sugarcloud47]

Same!! :)))

[@demonicrebellion6903]

Crucifixes is accurate, just harder to say :)

[@onepcwhiz6847]

Their next movie, The Meaning of Life, had a pretty good-sized budget.

[@PerfectHandProductions]

What a classic. This had me rolling when I first watched it.

[@thomasflynn5366]

When this came out the Catholic church had people out protesting that they were making fun of Jesus. If they actually watched it they would have known he was born in the next stable over.

[@ZeroOskul]

Weirdly, the only group that was actually offended by the movie for actual reasons were Orthodox Jews who were merely upset that in the stoning scene John Cleese lets the prayer shawl he wears touch the ground. That was the only real religious offense and they did apologize for that one thing.

[@007sMoneyPenny]

„Only one cross!“ 😅

[@anthonymoore1116]

There was another great comedy film of the era called Up Pompeii. If you like this, you should like that one too.

[@lordflashheart3680]

One more to go mate, many don't think The Meaning of Life is that good. Personally it's my favorite...

[@coot1925]

This was banned from some movie theaters here in the UK. John Cleese and Micheal Palin went on a discussion show to argue the case that it is not blasphemous. 2 religious guys were trying to trap them with words but failed miserably. The movie highlights just how easy it is to start a religion, even by mistake, and how sheep-like people can be especially if they're born into a religion. Calling Jesus a "bloody do gooder" shows how the Jews rejected Jesus, and when john Cleese said "I should know, I've followed a few" is taken from the bible which says that many had came before claiming to be the Messiah. At the end of the day, it's not about Jesus, it's about some poor sod who didn't ask for all the attention. You'll find many Brits quoting lines from this movie. It's a classic. ✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@mikedignum1868]

Who knew we be getting a Latin vocab lesson...education is great. One original concept for this movie was having Brian be the 13th Apostle and miss all of the critical moments of Jesus' life, like the Last Supper.

[@Daveyboy100880]

Another earlier one was that Jesus was just a really clumsy carpenter who kept hammering nails through his hands! The movie we got is actually quite restrained by comparison!

[@brianoneil9662]

My movie! Awesome! Thank you

[@angelagraves865]

You're right, this caused quite a hoo ha among the religious types when it came out.

[@ZeroOskul]

Weirdly, the only group that was actually offended by the movie for actual reasons were Orthodox Jews who were merely upset that in the stoning scene John Cleese lets the prayer shawl he wears touch the ground. That was the only real religious offense and they did apologize for that one thing.

[@colibri1]

The alien spaceship scene was a jokey allusion to the popularity at the time of shows like "Star Wars" and "Battlestar Galactica."

[@LordEriolTolkien]

This was what I grew up on

[@kingscorpion7346]

"I don't understand what's going on" you're watching Monty Python! there's no understanding with Monty Python!

[@markmcgee2417]

I had heard that John Cleese actually taught Latin before being a Python and brought that into the sketch where he plays a Centurion correcting Brian's graffiti.

[@TK___421]

Me n pals grew up gigglin 2 that biggus dickus scene, since we was 7-8 years old lol🤣 can u start 2 understand y the British sense of humour is BUZZ LIGHT YEARS ahead of the rest of the worlds✌️

[@kosh6612]

From a cinematic knowledge perspective, you should be sure to check out the subsequent movies of each of the Python crew. Terry Gilliam in particular who wen ton to make amazing movie such as Time Bandits, Brazil (brilliant and a must for the channel), 12 Monkeys, Baron Munchausen and more. You can see the influence of these films through his career and often include appearances from the Python crew.. John Cleese of course has a huge list of movies that rarely fail to entertain. A Fish Called Wanda with Jamie Lee Curtis is totally worth checking out.

[@cadleo]

My Latin teacher loved that scene

[@robsambosky6444]

I read that the actors who played the guards were not warned about the Bigus Dickus joke beforehand. You rock.

[@SBaby]

They deliberately didn't tell the actors playing the guards about it in order to get a more genuine reaction.

[@Daveyboy100880]

And the legend goes that they were told they wouldn’t get paid if any of them laughed, which is why they’re trying so hard to keep it in

[@SBaby]

@@Daveyboy100880 I don't know if that was true or not, but I know they were told to just stand there and not react to anything in the scene.

[@gingerbill128]

Very funny , thanks for the reaction

[@joebloggs396]

Inevitably you missed some of the satire. And it's higher budget than Holy Grail.

[@webcrawler2007]

MP were ahead of their time. They are three times as funny now as when the jokes were made. They are amazing

[@stevensprunger3422]

It’s great I think you understand the absurdity and the basic theme is that people are following false ideas and not the true meaning of Jesus and and your your reaction is incredible

[@matthewzeller5026]

Bro I just finished part 1 of your V for Vendetta reaction so I'm gonna finish that up but I just saw you posted this like 5 mins ago and it's one of my all-time favorite movies. After that I gotta go see your Princess Bride reaction. You're watching a lot of amazing classics and I like your style, I'm definitely subscribing.

[@cyrus2728]

This movie was banned in a lot of UK movie theaters at the time for heresy.

[@Daveyboy100880]

Okay, but what IS so funny about Biggus Dickus?! Watching that scene without laughing is like trying to eat a sugared donut without licking your lips - it’s not possible! 😁 Holy Grail was almost a stream-of-consciousness thing, a series of sketches strung together on a very thin plot, whereas Life of Brian is more narrative and certainly more satirical, but both are absolutely hilarious and uniquely British. I mean, how much more British can you get that singing “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life” while on the cross? Life’s a piece of shit, but what can you do but have a laugh? And yes, it did get a lot of criticism from religious circles, but mostly because of its reputation rather than anything specific. Most of the stuff in the film is actually quite respectful because the Pythons realised that there wasn’t much about Jesus that could be lampooned - his teachings were pretty morally sound. The structure of organised religion that was built up around such teachings, though… THAT was a worthy target and the film absolutely skewers it!

[@PotSmokeGuy]

It's so good. I love the People's Front of Judea who hate the Judean People's Front.

[@f.n.schlub2269]

@Caped Informer -- Please don't overlook "Jabberwocky". -- Your Biggus Fannus, Senexus Bombulus

[@asterix7842]

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life up next?

[@johndorsey1423]

The Meaning Of Life is next?

[@sugarcloud47]

I hope so!

[@johndarcangelo6893]

The ex leper is hopping around because he's still used to having one leg. He's mad at Jesus for taking away his source of income lol "bloody do-gooder"

[@bethking7348]

I think the gladiators in the biggest dickus scene were not told what was expected and to not laugh

[@PrismaticController]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@SomeHarbourBastard]

“What’s the point of fighting for his right to have babies if he can’t have babies?” “It is symbolic of our struggle against oppression!” “Symbolic of his struggle against reality.”

[@katiem9644]

You are my absolute favorite movie reactor on You Tube! I would totally love it if you would react to an odd little movie called A Fish Called Wanda. It is one of the funniest movies ever made, with several of the Monty Python character is in.

[@Charles_Gaba]

Awesome reaction. Also..you took Latin in 7th grade??

[@CapedInformer]

Haha yea

[@yellowscreen8591]

This movie is really a criticism to the whole society and politics and economic yuh

[@tdubplays8710]

So, this is a re-upload? Why?

[@CapedInformer]

It’s not

[@tdubplays8710]

@@CapedInformer You referred to the year as 2020. Ok maybe I'm just confused then good sir.

[@ThatShyGuyMatt]

I remember Christians (I am one mind you) being offended by this. But after paying attention and reading what Monty Python said about the movie, it changed my view on it. They said they read about Jesus and found him to be a good person and thus could not make fun of him. So instead the concept was simply Brian was being followed instead of Jesus do to a mix up. I mean my beliefs aside, I can see how some people can easily think some random person is someone they are not. Not to get political, but the fact so many essentially worshipped a certain blond haired president as being "sent by God" just disgusted me. Why would God send someone that is the opposite of Jesus, to be president? Think people!

[@ZeroOskul]

Weirdly, the only group that was actually offended by the movie for actual reasons were Orthodox Jews who were merely upset that in the stoning scene John Cleese lets the prayer shawl he wears touch the ground. That was the only real religious offense and they did apologize for that one thing.

[@jpiccone1]

This film was heavily protested when it came out - the scene that outraged the clergy was the leper scene, because he called Jesus a bloody do-gooder".

[@tammyknoll1496]

Suicide squad = suicide bomber (abstractly)

[@maxducoudray]

Caped Informer should watch Yellowbeard. Who's with me?!

[@inmate1614]

The writing in this is insanely relevant now. It's also far more intelligent than the more slapstick scenes like "big nose" and "Biggus Diccus" would have you realise. "Have the birds got jobs!" is my favourite line in this film!

[@ronweber1402]

The birds thing is a direct paraphrasing of part of a sermon that Jesus gave.