Defending Your Life is a 1991 American romantic comedy-fantasy film about a man who finds himself on trial in the afterlife, where proceedings examine his lifelong fears, to determine whether he will be (yet again) reincarnated on Earth, or move on to the next phase of existence. Written, directed, and starring Albert Brooks, the film also stars Meryl Streep, Rip Torn, Lee Grant, and Buck Henry. Despite comedic overtones, the film also contains elements of drama and allegory.
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Plot
Los Angeles advertising executive Daniel Miller dies in a car accident on his 39th birthday, mainly due to his distractedness, and is sent to Judgment City, a kind of temporary paradise for the recently deceased. The city is a waiting area staffed by brilliant and efficient but largely condescending bureaucrats who, having themselves moved on to their current new universal phase, mostly seem to gingerly look down on the latest arrivals who will have their lives (or most recent lives) on Earth judged over a week-long or so hearing, each before two judges. Amenities and activities are provided, from delicious, calorie-free, all-you-can-eat buffets to bowling alleys and comedy clubs.
Daniel's defense attorney, Bob Diamond, explains that people from Earth use so little of their brains that they spend most of their lives functioning based on their fears. If the court determines that Daniel has conquered his fears, he will be sent on to the next phase of existence. Otherwise, his soul will be reincarnated on Earth to live another life in another attempt at moving past his fears.
