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IMDbPro

Defending Your Life

  • 19911991
  • PGPG
  • 1h 52m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
19K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
8,926
1,976
Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks in Defending Your Life (1991)
text os
Play trailer1:48
1 Video
32 Photos
ComedyDramaFantasy
In an afterlife way-station resembling a major city, the lives of the recently deceased are examined in a court-like setting.In an afterlife way-station resembling a major city, the lives of the recently deceased are examined in a court-like setting.In an afterlife way-station resembling a major city, the lives of the recently deceased are examined in a court-like setting.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
19K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
8,926
1,976
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Albert Brooks
    • Writer
      • Albert Brooks
    • Stars
      • Albert Brooks
      • Meryl Streep
      • Rip Torn
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Albert Brooks
    • Writer
      • Albert Brooks
    • Stars
      • Albert Brooks
      • Meryl Streep
      • Rip Torn
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 120User reviews
    • 40Critic reviews
    • 63Metascore
    • Awards
      • 5 nominations

    Videos1

    Defending Your Life
    Trailer 1:48
    Defending Your Life

    Photos32

    Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks in Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks in Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Defending Your Life (1991)
    Rip Torn in Defending Your Life (1991)
    Meryl Streep and Albert Brooks in Defending Your Life (1991)
    Albert Brooks in Defending Your Life (1991)
    Lee Grant in Defending Your Life (1991)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Albert Brooks
    Albert Brooks
    • Daniel Miller
    Meryl Streep
    Meryl Streep
    • Julia
    Rip Torn
    Rip Torn
    • Bob Diamond
    Michael Durrell
    Michael Durrell
    • Agency Head
    James Eckhouse
    James Eckhouse
    • Jeep Owner
    Gary Beach
    Gary Beach
    • Car Salesman
    Julie Cobb
    Julie Cobb
    • Tram Guide
    Peter Schuck
    • Stan
    Time Winters
    Time Winters
    • Porter
    Sharlie Stuart
    • Susan
    Beth Black
    • Soap Opera Woman
    Clayton Norcross
    Clayton Norcross
    • Soap Opera Man
    James MacKrell
    • Game Show Moderator
    Wil Albert
    • Game Show Contestant
    Sage Allen
    • Game Show Contestant
    Mary Pat Gleason
    Mary Pat Gleason
    • Waitress
    Maxine Elliott Hicks
    Maxine Elliott Hicks
    • Elderly Woman on Tram
    • (as Maxine Elliott)
    Marilyn Rockafellow
    • Helen
    • Director
      • Albert Brooks
    • Writer
      • Albert Brooks
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      In a scene set in a comedy club, a terrible comedian performs a stand-up comedy act. This comedian asks Daniel (writer/director lead Albert Brooks ) how Daniel died. Daniel says "on stage, like you." Daniel later jokes that he can't leave before the end of the act because the guy on stage is his father. "No, I'm kidding. That would be so sad for me." This entire interaction is a dark and elaborate in-joke. Albert Brooks' father, Harry Parke, actually was a comedian who died on stage at the Friar's Club, just after he finished his roast style comedy routine.
    • Goofs
      When Daniel and Julia are walking up to hotel for the first time, the front of the hotel very clearly has a canvas overlay saying "Majestic Hotel", covering the real name of the hotel being used.
    • Quotes

      Comedian: Well, there's a nice-looking young man over there. Hi, how'd ya die?

      Daniel Miller: On stage, like you.

    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: Class Action/If Looks Could Kill/Guilty by Suspicion/True Colors (1991)
    • Soundtracks
      Something's Coming
      Music by Leonard Bernstein
      Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
      Performed by Barbra Streisand
      Courtesy of CBS Records Music Licensing Department

    User reviews120

    Review
    Top review
    9/10
    A classic romantic comedy with a message to boot
    I just recently saw this movie again on the tube and I was reminded why its one of my favourites. Not only is Brooks at his comedic best but Meryl Streep blended seamlessly into this movie.

    I was surprised that most of the comments about this movie were focused only on the afterlife and not the more obvious premise of the movie - how we deal with fear. While it is virtually impossible to take a Albert Brooks movie to heart, this one proves to be a clear exception. There is actually a profound message in this movie - your life is significantly shaped by the way you deal with fear.

    I challenge anyone who hasn't yet seen this movie to watch it and failed to be entertained. You won't be sorry.
    helpful•31
    4
    • vizli
    • Mar 9, 2000

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 5, 1991 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Japanese
    • Also known as
      • Camino al paraíso
    • Filming locations
      • 770 The City Drive South, Orange, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Geffen Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $16,371,128
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $92,622
      • Mar 24, 1991
    • Gross worldwide
      • $16,371,128
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 52 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

    Related news

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