Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian, Pamela Anderson (uncredited)
Directed by: Larry Charles
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Kazakhstan journalist Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) comes to the United States to film a documentary. The cultural differences create a series of awkward encounters.

Review:

Tim: This is the kind of movie that I would have loved to hate. It is offensive, occasionally appalling, and full of low-class humor. However, it is also one of the funniest movies in years. I laughed out loud more than I have in recent memory. To be fair, I also cringed quite a bit, and silently begged for an awkward situation not to happen. There is very little mercy here- the movie presents some of the most uncomfortable situations you will ever see. Luckily, these are all incredibly entertaining as well.

I have to give credit to Sacha Baron Cohen. He gives such a ballsy performance, putting himself in some unbelievable situations. I couldn't believe he went up to people on a New York subway and tried to kiss them. He's lucky he wasn't killed. He also says some awful, awful things to people, and sits there stone-faced as they react in shocked and outraged tones. How he managed to do this is astounding, because it goes directly against what is normal and comfortable for human beings to do.

I have to mention just a few of the absolutely hilarious scenes. The ones that stands out is the painfully long and embarrassing naked fight between Cohen and Ken Davitian. This is hard to watch, but so, so funny. The rodeo, the dinner party, and several others.

While funny, the film is silly as well. The whole Pamela Anderson subplot is just stupid, and the film's conclusion is the least-believable part of the whole film. While the awkward scenes are funny, eventually they get a bit tiresome. Still, the film is very, very funny. I hate to admit it, but I enjoyed myself.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



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