Watch The Crimson Permanent Assurance

The Crimson Permanent Assurance is a British comedy film from 1983. Directed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame, the movie is a humorous take on office life and corporate greed. While it is only a short film, clocking in at just under 20 minutes, it has gained a cult following over the years due to its quirky style and unique storytelling.

The film begins with a group of dour, middle-aged office workers at the titular Crimson Permanent Assurance, an ancient accounting firm located in a high-rise building in a nondescript British city. The workers are frustrated with their monotonous lives and long for adventure, but their uptight boss, Mr. Martin, forbids any sort of excitement in the workplace.

But one day, the workers rebel against Mr. Martin and take over the firm, transforming it into the Crimson Permanent Assurance pirate ship. They set sail on the high seas of finance, determined to take down the corporate giants that control the world.

What follows is a hilarious and surreal adventure as the Crimson Permanent Assurance battles against the evil corporate overlords, running rampant through the boardrooms and executive suites of the world's financial institutions. The film's slapstick humor and satirical tone make for a delightful watch, poking fun at the absurdity of office life and the greed of the business world.

The film's visual style is also a standout feature, with Gilliam's signature surrealism on full display. The various office buildings and corporate headquarters are depicted as towering, gothic monoliths, while the streets below are filled with strange and fantastical characters. The costumes, set design, and special effects are all top-notch, creating a fully realized and visually stunning world.

The cast of the film is also excellent, with standout performances from Sydney Arnold as the bossy Mr. Martin, Guy Bertrand as the heroic Captain and Andrew Bicknell as the slick corporate executive who serves as the film's antagonist. The supporting cast of office workers are all memorable as well, each contributing to the film's overall humor and quirkiness.

Overall, The Crimson Permanent Assurance is a hilarious and visually stunning film that perfectly captures the absurdity of office life and corporate culture. It may be short, but its impact is lasting, and it remains a beloved cult classic to this day.