"Holy Grail" as medicine

Rating: 10/10 (22 July 2005)

When I was a teenager my Mom taught me an invaluable lesson: whenever you're down and depressed, or in a bad mood, put on a funny movie or TV show; it won't "get you" at first but eventually it will put a smile on your face. And, boy, was she right, and there's no better cure for a case of the blues than "Holy Grail."
Years ago, I was in a real depressed funk about a breakup with my girlfriend. I mean, I was devastated. Not caring about anything in the world at the time(I think we've all been there and know that "great" feeling), I decided to heed my Mom's advice and played my tape of "Holy Grail." But nothing was making me laugh at all, until about an hour into the film. And you know what scene finally "got me?" They're about to start the wedding at Swamp Castle, and Launcelot begins his mad dash to save(what he thinks) is a fair maiden. And they show the same clip of him running towards the castle, with the dramatic drumroll, but he never gets any closer. It's the same clip, over & over! We all know the scene; I don't need to describe it. Like many of you, I've seen the movie countless times, but for some reason I found that more scene more hilarious than ever before. I rewound the tape and watched the movie again from the beginning, and was laughing my ass off as usual. I was still in the funk, but the movie provided a temporary respite, and a giant leap towards getting over the breakup.
To make someone laugh in that situation, a movie must be just incredibly funny. You guys have all made great posts about this fantastic film, and I just wanted to add my two cents.
It is truly a masterpiece, and if you are ever depressed for any reason, put it on. Trust me, it will cheer you up eventually.
PS-R.I.P. Graham Chapman. 1/8/41-10/4/89. We all still miss you.