Borat came to the U.S. and A to make a movie-film. He wanted to learn about the “greatest country in the world” and make a documentary to benefit his homeland of Kazakhstan. The result? To say the least, it is a film that shows off how not so great America is, and that Sacha Baron Cohen might just be the funniest man on the planet.
As the sex-crazed, Jew hating, tactless Borat, British comedian Baron Cohen lights up the silver screen with hijinx, and stuns his audience with painful amounts of laughter. The film is overly irreverent, following Borat as he travels through America, meeting with some of the most unbelievable characters our country has to offer. From the edgy New Yorkers who threaten to kick his ass on the subway to the anti-homosexual, gun toting Bush-ite Rodeo manager who advises him to shave his mustache to make him look less like a terrorist, to the right-wing Evangelists who try and save his soul and introduce him to Jesus — it is an America that becomes the butt end of each joke. The film, utilizing some higher level of genius on the part of Cohen, exposes some of the “lows” of American culture — a tragic but hilarious sight to be seen.
Another hilarious sight is the lead man himself and his antics that keep the audience laughing from bell to bell. To be honest, I have not laughed this hard at a film in a long, long time. From his mannerisms to the audacity he has showing more than some skin, Cohen makes every single minute of this film funny. And just like any other comedy, there are moments where the humor must take a back seat to plot development, but this time around that’s not the case for long. It seems as if every two minutes, Borat is finding some way to get himself into some predicament that leaves the audience laughing so hard they are on the verge of having an accident.
Article comments
1 - Duke De Mondo
Great review Neil. i loved this, and i'm so very glad Sacha Baron Cohen hasn't demolished another wonderful character via the big screen. Ali G In Da House was, for the most part, insufferable.
i heard recently that it was the rodeo scene that finally persuaded Phillips to leave the production. i dunno how accurate that is, but if it's true, i find it very peculiar. Phillips followed GG Allin around the country for the marvellous Hated : GG Allin & The Murder Junkies. surely to God nothing erupting on account of Borat's antics could compare to the chaos surrounding each and every public appearance by GG.
2 - Joan Hunt
It's amazing that, for all our faults, America is still the go-to country. We can take a joke, especially when it's aimed at us.
I can't wait to see Borat!
3 - dude
yes
4 - A polish dude from UK
It is not just funny ! is tragic as well, I could not believe how the American society is like, it looks like Borat reveals the unseen and UNSTAGED part of the American ignorance to the rest of the world. YES I was amused by the movie-film, but after 3 days of laughing I can’t really believe what I’ve seen in the movie. A country of religious freaks, cowboys, rednecks and war lovers driving cars the size of a bus, celebrity worshipers, silicones, Ebonics, etc.
Borat makes fun of both the Kazakhstan and US and A portraying both societies as extreme. I personally know many Americans that were offended big time by this movie-film. I hope you enjoy the humour and don’t take it personally !!!
Great movie !
5 - Neil Miller
Polish guy,
There really shouldn't be Americans who are "offended" by this film, but rather "ashamed." Offended would imply that Borat potentially made something up that wasn't true. In this film, all of the shameful parts of America that are exposed come directly from the horses mouth - right from the American lunes themselves. Borat is just the oblivious observer.
That is the inherent brilliance of the film - the ability to mix the dumb humor with some painfully insightful views about America and the world. It is Jackass with a purpose (and a brain for that matter.)
6 - Ty
"On the Side: This film was originally to be directed by Todd Phillips. But creative differences between Phillips and Sacha Baron Cohen prompted Phillips to drop out of the project."
You should have pointed that Larry Charles took over the Director's Chair. Charles is best known for directing Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm episodes.
7 - Glenn Brown
After reading all the reviewers, I am still of the opinion that what someone else thinks about a film is of no use to me in determining whether or not I would enjoy it. However all the reviewers seem to be intelligent and entertaining. The problems seem to be with the film makers who always have a personal agenda, rather than simply creating a form of pure entertainment. This is probably one reason theaters are falling on hard times.
8 - Al Barger
Glenn, I'm a proud supporter of Team America, but this movie was funny in the characters and settings. It's a fascinating moviefilm. I recommend it highly, but also suggest to you that it does NOT show the Americans looking particularly bad. See it for yourself and judge.