Movie Review: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) directed by Terry Gilliam
It is 932 A.D., and Arthur, King of the Britons(Graham Chapman), is looking for knights to join him at his Round Table in Camelot. Mind you, not everyone is impressed by his title. His initial attempt at recruitment is derailed into a discussion about the carrying capacity of swallows, and later a peasant named Dennis objects to the entire concept of kings being chosen by the Lady of the Lake giving them swords. Despite these early setbacks, King Arthur is able to assemble a small team of knights, Sir Bedivere the Wise (Terry Jones), Sir Lancelot the Brave (John Cleese), Sir Galahad the Pure (Michael Palin), Sir Robin the Not Quite So Brave as Sir Lancelot (Eric Idle) and Sir Not Appearing in This Film (William Palin). They are then called upon by God (Graham Chapman, animated by Terry Gilliam) to seek the Holy Grail!
Honestly, what more can I add to the already massive amount written about this movie? It’s one of the all-time comedy classics, starting with the “Swedish” subtitles during the opening credits, and continuing all the way to the nonsensical ending. It’s become a foundation of nerd humor and references, quoted constantly. One of my earliest science fiction convention experiences was walking into the consuite at about two A.M. and listening to five drunk fellows recite the entire movie from memory in chorus, apparently entirely spontaneously.
The movie holds up very well. Making the lack of budget a part of the comedy with the coconut “horses”, running gags like the swallows, using bits of Arthuriana that usually don’t make it into adaptations (like Lancelot’s habit of going berserk in combat and killing people he really shouldn’t have, then apologizing.) Many of the jokes are even funnier if you know the story of the production of the movie.
Content notes: There are some gory bits, mostly played for humor, and some off color language and naughty humor that some parents might not want preteens exposed to.
While this movie is an absolute must to watch at least once so you will know the references, it’s worthwhile watching again and again every few years for the things you missed the last time, and a good group watch. Highly recommended.
