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Defending Your Life (1991)

PG  |   |  Comedy, Drama, Fantasy  |  22 March 1991 (USA)
7.3
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Ratings: 7.3/10 from 12,763 users  
Reviews: 83 user | 24 critic

In an afterlife resembling the present-day US, people must prove their worth by showing in court how they have demonstrated courage.

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Title: Defending Your Life (1991)

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Agency Head
...
Jeep Owner
...
Car Salesman
...
Tram Guide
Peter Schuck ...
Stan
...
Porter
...
Sharlie Stuart ...
Susan
Beth Black ...
Soap Opera Woman
...
Soap Opera Man
...
Game Show Moderator
Wil Albert ...
Game Show Contestant
Sage Allen ...
Game Show Contestant
...
Waitress
Edit

Storyline

Yuppie Daniel Miller is killed in a car accident and goes to Judgment City, a waiting room for the afterlife. During the day, he must prove in a courtroom-style process that he successfully overcame his fears (a hard task, given the pitiful life we are shown); at night, he falls in love with Julia, the only other young person in town. Nights are a time of hedonistic pleasure, since you can (for instance) eat all you want without getting fat. Written by Jon Reeves <jreeves@imdb.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

The first true story of what happens after you die.

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

22 March 1991 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Visa al paraíso  »

Box Office

Gross:

$16,371,128 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The trams used throughout the film are older ones from Universal Studios Hollywood. See more »

Goofs

In the Italian restaurant scene, when Daniel asks Julia to turn back around so that Lena wouldn't see her sucking in the long strand of pasta, there is a split second where the strand can be seen falling out of Julia's mouth, but it remains in her mouth in the very next shot when she's facing Daniel again. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Daniel Miller: I was driving to work this morning thinking I will be here, in 2 months, it'll be 10 years. And you're like my real family. Isn't that tragic.
[laughter]
Daniel Miller: I got a call from my mother this morning, she wished me a happy birthday, and hinted around the fact that I wasn't making enough money. If you can call "are ya still making the same salary, honey" a hint. And my ex-wife used to say the same thing, although she never used the name "honey".
[laughter]
Daniel Miller: So, maybe in three years I can ...
[...]
See more »

Connections

References Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) See more »

Soundtracks

That's Life
Written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon
See more »

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User Reviews

 
A classic romantic comedy with a message to boot
9 March 2000 | by (United States) – See all my reviews



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.


21 of 22 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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