Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Making European Legends Silly

comedy

1:32

1975

Review by Brandon Talks Movies on Dec 05, 2016

On second thought, let’s not go to Camelot. It is a silly place.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is so often quoted that it almost needs no introduction. Even if you’ve never watched the movie, you’ve likely heard phrases like, “It’s only a flesh wound!” or “Come and see the violence inherent in the system.” You may have even heard these so many times that you’ve been turned off to the movie. If that’s you, I urge you to give this movie a chance. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most quoted movies ever: it’s funnier than just about any other movie you will ever see.

The plot is simple, and serves to tie together a series of Medieval-themed comedy sketches. King Arthur seeks the holy grail, and gathers brave knights to his cause to assist him. The Arthurian legend is one of the most enduring in history, and, while comedic interpretations had been done (as in the book The Once and Future King, which was the basis for the Disney movie The Sword in the Stone), this irreverent farce turns the majesty of the original on its head.

This new learning amazes me, Sir Bedevere. Explain again how sheep’s bladders may be employed to prevent earthquakes.

Everything is mocked in this movie—nothing is sacred. The period’s laughable understanding of science is a running joke. The story of King Arthur’s divine appointment as king is torn apart by a politically-minded commoner. The valiant acts of the knights are reduced to accidentally killing a wedding party and fighting a vicious bunny rabbit (and losing). Even the black plague features as a joke in an iconic scene. By the end, all of the stateliness of the legendary characters is shattered, and the less-than-noble modern conclusion seems to fit better than any of classical ones.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail does ridiculous so well that you’ll find your mind wandering back to the comedic scenes for days after viewing. And there’s so much comedy packed into the movie that you’ll likely be finding new jokes upon every viewing. Some of the British idioms are lost on American audiences (does any American really know what it means to push the pram a lot?), but with the jokes flying so fast, there will be plenty to laugh at for everyone. Even now, over forty years later, the movie is refreshing and the travesty of it all is endearing.

Should I Watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail?

I want to recommend this movie to everyone, but realistically, it will be too silly and ridiculous to appeal to some people. Most of the people I’ve shown it to over the years have loved it, but there are a few that just couldn’t get past that barrier. If you’re at least somewhat tolerant of silly jokes and parodies, though, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is the reigning champ and is worth checking out.

Movies Like Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) - The Monty Python troupe turns its eyes to a new target: Jesus Christ. Before the three wise men bless the baby Jesus, they accidentally bless an average guy named Brian. This film follows Brian and his misadventures with various political groups, adoring commoners, and Roman officials with speach impediments, and in true Christian fashion, it ends with a crucifixion. If you liked the wacky humor in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this is more of the same.
A Fish Called Wanda (1988) - John Cleese of Monty Python co-wrote, directed, and starred in this heist film that perfectly blends slow-burn British humor with slapstick American humor. Michael Palin from the Monty Python troupe also co-stars. The film is sharper and has a more well-defined plot, but it’s very funny, and Cleese’s writing and performance will please fans of Holy Grail.
Young Frankenstein (1974) - Mel Brooks was a tremendous voice of parody from the 60s through the early 90s, spoofing everything from Robin Hood to Star Wars, but his early parody of the Frankenstein story (it’s pronounced “Fronkensteen”) is silly and full of jokes much like Holy Grail. If you like Mony Python movies, give Mel Brooks movies a try.

Runtime: 1:32
Director: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam
Year: 1975
Genres: comedy
Rating: PG

About Brandon

My name is Brandon, and I love movies. Not bad ones, though—just the good ones. I’m curating and reviewing a list of classic, essential-viewing, or just plain good movies from all decades, and I've been reviewing them since 2016. I also co-host Peculiar Picture Show, a podcast about movies and mental health and write about Dungeons & Dragons options, builds, and optimization.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail: Making European Legends Silly

Should I Watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail?

Movies Like Monty Python and the Holy Grail

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