15 Controversial Movies That Actually Live Up To The Hype
5. Monty Python's Life Of Brian
The Film:
One more film about religion now. This is a satirical comedy from the legendary Monty Python crew which parodies the story of Jesus. It's still one of the finest and funniest comedies ever made. There's a certain scene involving a holy man and a mob which is one of the most hysterical scenes in film history.
The Controversy:
Well, it's a total mockery of the story of Jesus, so inevitably many were enormously offended by it. There were bans in several different countries, with some of these lasting for a long time.
Why It Was Right:
Life of Brian does make religion look extremely silly and depicts religious people as hysterical mobs who can't think for themselves. Once again people being offended by it is pretty much inevitable and entirely understandable.
Occasionally the controversy was used to promote the film in the marketing. The Monty Python members have said they weren't intending to attack people's faith, but rather the practices of modern organized religion. Nonetheless, whatever their intentions, there is plenty that had the potential to offend in the film. The comical parodies of Jesus' life were never going to go down well.
It's a very fine comedy, but it's not necessarily for everyone given how much fun it makes of a sensitive and important part of many people's lives.