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.
- Awards
- 5 nominations
Maxine Elliott Hicks
- Elderly Woman on Tram
- (as Maxine Elliott)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn 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 Einstein, actually was a comedian who died on stage at the Friar's Club, just after he finished his roast style comedy routine.
- GoofsWhen 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.
- SoundtracksSomething's Coming
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Barbra Streisand
Courtesy of CBS Records Music Licensing Department
Featured review
Albert Brooks definitely gives us his take on the afterlife. After watching movies such as "Chances Are" "Ghost" and "Heart and Souls" afterlife hasn't looked better. Brooks is a comedic genius but not only as an actor but a writer and director as well.
In addition, Brooks was joined in this film by Rip Torn and Meryl Streep, who are phenomenal talents of their own. Their additions to the movie makes it that much funnier and dramatically better.
Aside from "What Dreams May Come," "Defending Your Life" is the best afterlife film I've seen because it is different than all the others. Brooks is a relief since his comedy is genuinely funny.
This movie was a joy to watch because of the fun cast, unique plot and fun loving environment. Brooks, the writer, created the script with laughter in mind and enjoyment in his heart.
The setting of "Defending Your Life" was very creative because it seemed so unique yet so real and true to life on earth. I was very impressed by the set designers at what they came up with to use as sets.
Brooks created each scene with humor and wanted the film to be as original as possible. He succeeded because I enjoyed and laughed throughout the film and only original films do that for me.
"Defending Your Life" will go down movie history as one of the more original and funnier films dealing with the afterlife. This is a must see for everyone.
In addition, Brooks was joined in this film by Rip Torn and Meryl Streep, who are phenomenal talents of their own. Their additions to the movie makes it that much funnier and dramatically better.
Aside from "What Dreams May Come," "Defending Your Life" is the best afterlife film I've seen because it is different than all the others. Brooks is a relief since his comedy is genuinely funny.
This movie was a joy to watch because of the fun cast, unique plot and fun loving environment. Brooks, the writer, created the script with laughter in mind and enjoyment in his heart.
The setting of "Defending Your Life" was very creative because it seemed so unique yet so real and true to life on earth. I was very impressed by the set designers at what they came up with to use as sets.
Brooks created each scene with humor and wanted the film to be as original as possible. He succeeded because I enjoyed and laughed throughout the film and only original films do that for me.
"Defending Your Life" will go down movie history as one of the more original and funnier films dealing with the afterlife. This is a must see for everyone.
- MichaelOates
- Apr 8, 2004
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Camino al paraíso
- Filming locations
- 770 The City Drive South, Orange, California, USA(Defenders Circle exterior)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $16,371,128
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $92,622
- Mar 24, 1991
- Gross worldwide
- $16,371,596
- Runtime1 hour 52 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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