Defending Your Life
Seen it?1991 | 111 min | Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics, anyone who wants a laugh and fantasy fans. If you loved Ghost, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 51 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Is there love after death? After he dies suddenly, the hapless advertising executive Daniel Miller finds himself in Judgment City, a gleaming way station where the newly deceased must prove they lived a life of sufficient courage to advance in their journey through the universe. As the self-doubting Daniel struggles to make his case, a budding relationship with the uninhibited Julia offers him a chance to finally feel alive.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$20 million worldwide on a $20 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 111K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Albert Brooks
- Albert BrooksDaniel Miller
- Meryl StreepJulia
- Rip TornBob Diamond
- Lee GrantLena Foster
- Michael DurrellAgency Head
- James EckhouseJeep Owner
- Gary BeachCar Salesman
- Julie CobbTram Guide
- Peter SchuckStan
- Time WintersPorter