Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut) Christian Review

Let’s be honest, analyzing comedy can sometimes feel like dissecting a joke—by the time you’re done, all the humor is gone. But with Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut), you’re dealing with something that invites that kind of deep dive. In fact, it feels like this documentary almost demands it. With six hours of material, spanning rare footage from the early days of the Monty Python crew to reflections on their cultural impact, it offers a serious look at something that’s often anything but serious: comedy.

For Christians, this is more than just a nostalgic look at the legendary troupe. It’s an opportunity to explore the relationship between humor and faith, to grapple with what makes us laugh, and why some things—perhaps—shouldn’t.

Comedy Meets Conviction

When you think of Monty Python, your mind probably goes to the ridiculous—whether it’s the knights who say “Ni!” or the Ministry of Silly Walks, it’s impossible not to chuckle at the absurdity. But with that humor often comes irreverence, especially when the Pythons direct their wit toward religion. In this documentary, Almost the Truth, you’ll see moments where their brand of satire takes on sacred institutions. The question for us, as Christians, is whether we can—or should—laugh along with it.

Humor can be a gift. Scripture tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22), and there’s a sense that laughter is part of God’s design for us. It relieves tension, brings joy, and can even help us understand complex truths. But where does that line sit? When does humor shift from something lighthearted into mockery? Watching Almost the Truth, you’ll see Monty Python dance all over that line, sometimes with skill, sometimes with a heavy hand. Their film Life of Brian, for instance, is notorious for walking that tightrope, leaving many Christians questioning whether it crossed into sacrilege. This documentary touches on the making of that controversial film, though it doesn’t dwell there for too long.

Irreverence as a Legacy

Monty Python built their empire on irreverence. They took aim at institutions—whether government, societal norms, or religion—with a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue. As Almost the Truth unpacks their history, you’ll see how this irreverence shaped their career and legacy. The documentary provides a thorough walkthrough of their early years, where their innovative style of comedy emerged, influencing not just their audience but the entire landscape of comedy that followed.

What stands out in the documentary, especially for Christians, is the question of whether this kind of humor has value. In a world where laughter is often at someone’s expense, Monty Python dared to poke fun at the sacred. And while they may have been aiming for comedy, the impact of their humor is something that must be considered carefully.

From a faith perspective, this irreverence can feel like a challenge. We are called to honor what is holy, to keep certain things sacred. But in a culture that often blurs these boundaries, it’s easy to see why Monty Python resonated with so many. They offered a critique—albeit a comical one—of rigid institutions, and in doing so, they invited reflection on what is truly important.

Humor as a Mirror

Almost the Truth doesn’t just show you Monty Python’s zany antics; it also gives you a peek behind the curtain. You get to see the real people behind the humor, their creative process, and their eventual struggles. By the time the documentary reaches their final film, The Meaning of Life, it’s clear that the group had reached a breaking point. The tensions are palpable, and while their comedy remained sharp, their personal relationships had become frayed.

For Christians, this part of the documentary is particularly poignant. It serves as a reminder that no matter how successful or talented someone may be, they’re still human, with all the flaws and struggles that come with it. Monty Python may have been giants in the comedy world, but they were also men trying to navigate fame, creative differences, and personal issues. There’s a humanity here that can sometimes be lost in their larger-than-life personas, and Almost the Truth does a good job of bringing that to light.

As believers, this is a reminder that even those who seem to have it all together are still in need of grace. It’s easy to judge from afar, but the documentary reminds us that everyone—whether they’re a comedian or not—is walking their own journey, with its own ups and downs.

Balancing Humor and Faith

One of the strengths of Almost the Truth is how it manages to balance humor with a serious look at Monty Python’s impact. There’s a sense of playfulness throughout, but the documentary also dives deep into how this group of comedians shaped the world of entertainment. It’s an interesting mix, one that feels in line with Monty Python’s own style of blending the absurd with the insightful.

As Christians, though, we are called to live lives rooted in truth. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about things that are true, noble, right, and pure. Watching Almost the Truth, you can’t help but wonder whether Monty Python’s comedy fits that description. There are moments where their satire reveals deeper truths about society, where it invites us to reflect on the absurdity of certain norms. But there are also moments where it feels like the humor crosses into territory that isn’t as wholesome.

For example, their treatment of religion—particularly in Life of Brian—can feel like a direct challenge to the sacredness of our faith. While the Pythons have said they weren’t mocking Christ himself, the film’s irreverent tone left many Christians uncomfortable, and for good reason. There’s a balance to be struck between humor and respect, and Almost the Truth reminds us that this balance is one we need to navigate carefully.

Final Reflections and Rating

In the end, Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut) is an entertaining and informative documentary. It offers a deep dive into the world of Monty Python, filled with humor, insight, and a fair amount of irreverence. For fans of the troupe, it’s a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes moments and reflections on their most iconic sketches and films.

But for Christians, it’s also a chance to reflect on the role of humor in our lives. Monty Python’s brand of comedy invites us to think critically about the world, but it also challenges us to consider where we draw the line between satire and mockery. While the documentary is enjoyable, it’s important to approach it with discernment, remembering that not all humor is beneficial.

Overall, I would give Almost the Truth a 7/10. It’s a well-made documentary, full of laughs, but as Christians, we should be mindful of the messages it conveys and how they align with our faith.