Around the year zero a boy was born in a small stable in Bethlehem, whose words and deeds would forever change the course of human history. But this is not the great biblical narration. It is the story of Brian, born on the same day in a neighbouring stable.
As a young man, Brian stumbles through life in the Roman-ruled Judea until a series of fateful events turn him into a resistance fighter and then an unwilling messiah. Fortunately, he knows how to always look on the bright side of life.
In its TV series, the British comedy troupe Monty Python has already proven its exceptional mastery over surreal humour, being equally comfortable with the allusion to obscure philosophers as well as the literal cake in the face. No topic was too holy for their spoofs, and so it came as no surprise that they would broach the most sacred of all topics. Life of Brian’s theatrical release led to worldwide protests and caused an extensive debate regarding blasphemy and freedom of speech. In Bochum, a public screening of the film on Good Friday 2013 caused civil suit, which lasted for years, which shows how important the satirical take on politics and religion is to the present day.
Mischa Haberthür
Übersetzung: Mischa Haberthür
