Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) Review: Silly Edition

Lucas Versantvoort / January 11, 2015

This isn’t going to be a critical review so much as the next in a long line of raving recommendations. It’s one of those cases where you’re basically struggling to think of something ‘new’ to say. But yeah…this is one of those comedies that pretty much everyone loves. Even people who’ve never really delved into the rest of Monty Python’s output still love this film.

            So, the story—if it even needs recapping—is about the search for the holy grail. Arthur rides the land in search of knights to join him in Camelot. Once he’s gathered them, they ride to Camelot, but suddenly decide the place is too silly for them. They receive a message from God: to find the holy grail. They do so and silliness ensues.

            That’s all you need to know plot-wise. As we all know, the film’s basically one long series of sketches. Some make fun of medieval history, like the witch trial scene or the scene with the politically knowledgeable peasants, while others are more standalone jokes like the giant whose three heads are constantly bickering about trivial stuff like brushing teeth and what to eat during teatime. While there are only a few scenes that feel dated, almost every sketch is a highlight: the giant, the mocking minstrel, God talking to Arthur and the knights, the coconuts, the swallows, Tim the enchanter, the killer rabbit, the princess who’d rather…just…siiing; and that’s just off the top of my head!

            Something that’s always intrigued me about The Holy Grail is the production design. Obviously, the budget was rather small (roughly a quarter of a million dollars), but surprisingly it doesn’t hinder the film’s atmosphere. Even though the film pokes fun at its own crappy budget, you still feel like you’re wandering in medieval times.

            But yeah…there’s really nothing else to say but Watch. This. Film. It’s one of the greatest comedies ever made. To use that terrible phrase: there’s something in it for everyone. Oh, and whoever thinks the ending is an uninspired cop-out can sod off.