
Defending Your Life
1991, Comedy, 1h 52m
32 Reviews 5,000+ RatingsYou might also like
Where to watch
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Daniel Miller
Julia
Bob Diamond
Lena Foster
Dick Stanley
Self
News & Interviews for Defending Your Life
Critic Reviews for Defending Your Life
All Critics (32) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (1)
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September 7, 2011 | Rating: B- | Full Review… -
The movie is funny in a warm, fuzzy way, and it has a splendidly satisfactory ending.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
This is definitely Brooks's day in court, and he makes comic heaven of it.
January 1, 2000 | Full Review… -
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January 1, 2000 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
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March 22, 1991 | Rating: B- | Full Review… -
Albert Brooks doesn't make many films, but those he does make are always welcome.
August 16, 2017 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Defending Your Life
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Jan 26, 2013Hilarious and philosophically interesting. While it possess a lot of the hallmarks of standard romantic comedies, the unique take on the afterlife as well as Steep's and Brooks' chemistry elevates this film to some fantastic heights. Rip Torn and Lee Grant are pretty great as well.Alec B Super Reviewer
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Jan 03, 2013A sweet fantasy into a weigh-station where the departed make cases for whether they lived fearless lives, and after judgment, they move onto greener, more intelligent pastures or get reincarnated back to Earth. I'm not a fan of Meryl Streep, but she is angel bright as the fearless Julia. There seems to be a hidden layer of stupidity in those who move on - like that their diet consists of dirt and worms, or the substitute lawyer who uses 43% of his brain but doesn't say a word in court to defend Daniel - but they're just sight gags that don't come to fruition.Alice S Super Reviewer
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Dec 28, 2010One of my all-time favorites!Sean G Super Reviewer
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Oct 15, 2010An imaginative, hilarious look at an ad-man (Albert Brooks) killed in a car accident and sent to a purgatory-type afterlife, where he awaits judgment concerning if he lived a good life or not in order to see if he will be granted access into Heaven. If he isn't, he'll be sent back to Earth to live another life again. Albert Brooks really nails this from every angle - writing, directing, and acting, this is a genius film. It doesn't quite keep up the same momentum is has during its last half hour or so, but this is a mostly great comedy which features a great premise, and one that is executed soundly in almost every conceivable aspect. The ending is a strange one but fitting in a weird way. It's also very re-watchable thanks to its ability to get huge laughs, while at the same time possessing the skill to know when to become serious when time calls for it.Dan S Super Reviewer
Defending Your Life Quotes
Comedian: | How did you die? |
Daniel Miller: | On stage just like you! |
Talk Show Guest: | this is what smart people eat? |
Talk Show Guest: | This is what smart people eat? |
Daniel Miller: | And you didn't want to toot your own horn |
Daniel Miller: | And you didn't want to toot your own horn. |
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