Greatest British Comedy of All Times Was Once Banned by Several Countries

This is exactly the time to use the phrase "old but gold". The thing about comedies from earlier years is that they tend to be edgier, making fun of everything in a way that wouldn't fly today. Basically, this is why “they don’t make movies like that anymore.”

So the movie that definitely fits here with such an introduction is the 1975 masterpiece in the slapstick comedy genre is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film parodies the legend of King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail, but in an absurd way. The movie came after the surreal series Monty Python's Flying Circus was already a hit with audiences.

Directed by two members of the Monty Python comedy troupe, Terry Gilliam and co-founder and frequent collaborator John Cleese, the film is still one of their most popular works. The movie is over the top with its absurdist approach to creating historical parody and satire in the most humorous way.

What Is Monty Python and the Holy Grail About?

The plot of the movie follows King Arthur, played by Graham Chapman, and his loyal Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, they face a number of the most cringeworthy challenges. These include running into John Cleese's Black Knight, the Knights Who Say Ni, a killer rabbit, and the enigmatic French Taunter (also played by Cleese).

Basically the movie does it all to make fun of the traditional Arthurian legend. The film is full of interruptions of anachronistic humor and the many gags that come out of nowhere. And this is actually what makes the movie a standout. The film's genius lies in its subversion of classic tropes from medieval tales. Everything and everyone is exaggerated.

For example, the knights are portrayed as ridiculous, the quest is filled with preposterous trials, and the characters are often more concerned with petty squabbles and absurdities than the main goal of obtaining the Grail.

“I think many people consider this the "Greatest Comedy of All Time" because it features so many DIFFERENT styles of comedy in a single movie. It has slapstick, turns of phrase/puns, sexual innuendos, breaking the fourth wall, absurdity, political humor, religious blasphemy. I'm sure I missed one hundred other styles of humor, but it contains so very many... it is a veritable, generous, cornucopia of comedy,” Redditor starkatheist said.

However, despite the general love from audiences, the film's comedic portrayal of Christianity and its critical, often satirical treatment of knights, kings, and religious figures led to criticism from some religious and conservative groups. Some countries, including Norway and Ireland, even banned the film for some time on the grounds that it could be considered blasphemous.

But the controversy only served to cement its reputation as a bold and definitely one of a kind movie. You can stream Monty Python and the Holy Grail on AppleTV+ and Prime Video.