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The Meaning of Life (1983)
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Overview
Tagline:
What it is, Where it is, and how to avoid treading in it [Video Australia] morePlot:
The comedy team takes a look at life in all its stages in their own uniquely silly way. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 1 win & 1 nomination moreUser Comments:
Not the Best but, it's still Python moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Graham Chapman | ... | Fish #1 / Obstetrician / Harry Blackitt / Wymer / Hordern / General / Narrator #2 / Dr. Livingstone / Strange woman / Eric / Coles / Chairman / Guest #4 / Arthur Jarrett / Geoffrey / Tony Bennett | |
| John Cleese | ... | Fish #2 / Dr. Spenser / Humphrey Williams / Sturridge / Ainsworth / Waiter / Man / Maitre D / Grim Reaper | |
| Terry Gilliam | ... | Fish #4 / Walters / Zulu announcer / M'Lady Joeline / Mr. Brown / Howard Katzenberg / Window Washer | |
| Eric Idle | ... | Fish #3 / Singer / Mr. Moore / Mrs. Blackitt / Watson / Atkison / Perkins / Victim #3 / Front End / Mrs. Hendy / Man in pink / Noel Coward / Gaston / Angela | |
| Terry Jones | ... | Fish #6 / Mum / Priest / Biggs / Sergeant / Strange man / Mrs. Brown / Mr. Creosote / Maria / Bert / Leaf #1 / Fiona Portland-Smyth | |
| Michael Palin | ... | Fish #5 / Mr. Pycroft / Dad / Narrator #1 / Chaplain / Carter / Spadger / Sergeant Major / Pakenham-Walsh / Rear End / Lady presenter / Mr. Marvin Hendy / Harry / Padre / Debbie Katzenberg / Window Washer | |
| Carol Cleveland | ... | Wife of Guest #4 / Heaven greeter | |
| Simon Jones | ... | Cedric | |
| Patricia Quinn | ... | Mrs. Williams | |
| Judy Loe | ... | Nurse #1 | |
| Andrew MacLachlan | ... | Groom | |
| Mark Holmes | ... | Severed head | |
| Valerie Whittington | ... | Mrs. Moore | |
| Jennifer Franks | ... | Bride | |
| Imogen Bickford-Smith | ... | Nurse #2 |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (UK) (complete title)Monty Python - Elämän tarkoitus (Finland) [fi]
Monty Python - O Sentido da Vida (Brazil) [pt]
Monty Python, le sens de la vie (France) [fr]
Monty Python: il senso della vita (Italy) [it]
Monty Pythons Vom Sinn des Lebens (West Germany) [de]
Monty Pythons meningen med livet (Sweden) [sv]
Sentido da Vida, O (Portugal) [pt]
Sentido de la vida, El (Spain) [es]
Sinn des Lebens, Der (West Germany) [de]
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Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
107 min | Germany:112 min (2003 restored director's cut)Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
DolbyCertification:
Canada:R (Manitoba) | Iceland:12 | Ireland:(Banned) (original rating) (1983-1990) | Portugal:M/18 | Canada:R (Nova Scotia/Ontario) (original rating) | Brazil:18 | Italy:VM14 | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) (re-rating) (2003) | Canada:PG (Ontario) (re-rating) (2003) | Australia:M | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Finland:K-16 | Ireland:15 (re-rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 (re-rating) | Norway:16 (original rating) | Singapore:M18 (cut) | Sweden:15 | UK:15 (video re-rating) (2000) | UK:18 (original rating) | USA:R | West Germany:16MOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
During an interview to promote the film when it was first released, one of the members of the team said the meaning of life concept was the only way they could think of to tie together a lot of unrelated sketch material. moreGoofs:
Continuity: In the war sequence, the soldiers give their sergeant a clock which is placed on the edge of the mound they are hiding behind and is clearly visible. In the next shot, the clock is gone. moreQuotes:
Humphrey: So, just listen. Now, did I or did I not... do... vaginal... juices?Pupils: Mmm. Mmm. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Humphrey: Name two ways of getting them flowing, Watson.
Watson: R - rubbing the clitoris, sir?
Humphrey: What's wrong with a kiss, boy? Hmm? Why not start her off with a nice kiss? You don't have to go leaping straight for the clitoris like a bull at a gate. Give her a kiss, boy.
Wymer: Suck the nipple, sir?
Humphrey: Good. Good. Well done, Wymer.
Pupil: Uh, stroking the thighs, sir.
Humphrey: Yes. Yes, I suppose so. Hmm?
Pupil: Oh, sir. Biting the neck.
[...]
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Soundtrack:
Oh Lord Please Don't Burn Us moreFAQ
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| Life of Brian | Monty Python and the Holy Grail | Fight Club | Meet the Feebles | Dogma |
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After The Life of Brian and The Holy Grail, this film had a lot to do to keep up. The python boys are going to explain to you the meaning of life, in the only way they know how, brilliantly and stupidly.
Not entirely linear this is like lots of mini movies, depicting the the stages of life, from birth to death, with episodes such as learning and fighting each other in between.
Each short film is well made and they all lend a comic viewpoint to there particular place in life.
My favourite is probably death (the grim reaper is just so cool), or perhaps its fighting each other, or.....What the hell there all good fun.
Don't worry about the opening movie, it nothing like the rest of the film and it does grow on you.
8/10 If you don't like python stay away, if you've never seen them, then give it a try.