Throwback Review: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a film that can be truly called “an instant classic,” and for good reason. Released in 1975, this film has been making audiences laugh out of their seats for generations with fantastic jokes and comedic satire that would make even the most serious of people chuckle. 

Performed by the outstanding Monty Python troupe, composed of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gillam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Holy Grail parodies the legends of King Arthur and his knights, having it be centered around King Arthur (Chapman), along with his servant Patsy (Gilliam), as he searches for knights to join him at the Round Table, recruiting chevaliers such as Sir Lancelot the Brave (Cleese), Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir Lancelot (Idle), Sir Bedevere the Wise (Jones), and Sir Galahad the Pure (Palin). The knights are then sent on a quest to retrieve the sacred Holy Grail, encountering a colorful cast of wacky and zany characters along the way, such as a rather annoying band of French soldiers, a three-headed knight whose heads constantly argue with one another, the Knights who say “Ni!” who demand a shrubbery, and the dreaded Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog. 

I have to say that I laughed so hard at numerous times while watching this film. There is an especially hilarious scene where King Arthur confronts a Black Knight who mocks him and challenges him to a duel. As King Arthur chops off the Black Knight’s arms and legs one by one, the Black Knight still kicks and pushes King Arthur to the ground, believing he can still beat King Arthur. He eventually becomes a wobbling stump with only his head on his torso. King Arthur calls it a “draw” and goes away, leaving the Black Knight angry and furious. 

The Monty Python troupe does an amazing job at performing multiple characters with different personalities that make them individually stand out. John Cleese, for example, portrays not only Sir Lancelot, but also a guard, a singing knight at Camelot, a witch-hunting villager, and Tim the Enchanter, a sorcerer who likes to create explosions. There are some moments where the story kind of drags a bit, but is made up for with even more funny jokes and skits. 

Although the film received mixed reviews at the time of its release, it gained higher recognition in later years, becoming one of the greatest comedy films of all time. It even inspired a Tony Award-winning musical, Spamalot, and is still enjoyed by countless people to this day. I would definitely call this a “must-watch” film for all ages. If you want a film that gives you as many laughs as possible, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is just the movie for you.

-Andrew Kudler