Monty Python's Life of Brian downgraded to 12A rating

Monty Python's Life of Brian film has been downgraded to 12A, after it was originally deemed so controversial some cinemas classed it as X rated.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) made the adjustment last year, explaining that its "six uses of strong language in a comic context" warranted a less restrictive viewing category.

In 1979, the satirical comedy was considered so contentious that it was given an X certificate, meaning only those aged 16 and over were allowed to see it, and many British cinemas refused to show it.

However, following its return to cinemas in 2019 to mark its 40th anniversary, now those aged as young as 12 are able to see the film unsupervised.

The 12A category means not generally suitable for children under 12 and they cannot see it in a cinema without the supervision of an adult. Films with this classification may include "infrequent strong language, moderate sex references, nudity [and] comic violence".

Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, it was the third film to feature the entire Monty Python collective following And Now for Something Completely Different (1971) and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).

It follows the character Brian of Nazareth, played by Chapman, who was born on the same day as Jesus in Roman times and is then mistaken for the Messiah.

One of the most iconic scenes saw Brian's mother lean out of the window and tell the crowd of disciples amassed below: "He is not the Messiah - he's a very naughty boy."

Other characters included Pontius Pilate, played by Palin, and his friend Biggus Dickus, played by Chapman.

The finale saw Brian strung up on a cross alongside a chirpy fellow victim, played by Idle, who sings the now iconic tune 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'.

When Monty Python's Life of Brian was first released, it was both lauded as a comic masterpiece and condemned as blasphemous.

A campaign against the film was led by Mary Whitehouse and The Festival of Light, a Christian values organisation, resulting in it being banned in parts of Britain and the whole of Ireland and Norway.

Thirty-nine local authorities in the UK imposed restrictions on the film.

The Catholic Film Monitoring Office deemed it a "sin" to see the film. The Rabbinical Alliance said it was "foul, disgusting and blasphemous", while the Lutheral Film Council described it as a "profane parody".

Meanwhile, protesters staged demonstrations against it outside cinemas in the US.

However, despite the opposition, it was the UK’s fourth highest grossing film in 1979 and is now touted as the funniest British comedy of all time.

Directed by Jones, the film was shot in Tunisia and financed by the Beatle George Harrison, who put up the required $4m (£3.1m) after producer John Goldstone turned to him just days before filming was due to start.

To thank him for his help, Harrison was given a brief cameo as Mr Papadopoulos who shakes hands with Brian in a crowd scene.

The film is frequently referenced by people in the public eye, with Tony Blair referring to the "what have the Romans ever done for us?" scene in his 2004 Labour Party conference speech in Brighton.