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

Sacha Baron Cohen
Ken Davitian
Pamela Anderson

Directed by Larry Charles

Sacha Baron Cohen's ability to immerse himself completely in his characters and his willingness to carry a gag to its extreme has made him famous for his television show Ali G. In this film, Cohen takes one of his sketch characters from the show, Borat, and expands a five minute sketch into a 70 minute film. Borat Sagdiyev is a television host from the backward country of Kazakhstan who, in the film, is hired by his country to go to America and bring back some culture. So with his assistant Azamat in tow, they head to America where they learn about feminism, Southern culture, and Pamela Anderson.

With the opening shots of the movie, we are immediately immersed in the world of Borat and his very stereotypical Eastern Block world. From his sister, the very capable hooker (she has the trophies to prove it), to his very stereotypical wife; it is easy to see what kind of culture shock Borat is in for. Once in America, much of the comedy comes from the cultural misunderstandings.

Cohen completely convinces everyone around him that he is actually a naive eastern European just trying to learn about America. In much of the movie, the only people in on the joke are the cameramen and Cohen himself. This creates more than a few uncomfortable moments for the butt of his jokes. But like his television show and shows like Punk'd, the beauty is watching the mark squirm.

Borat! Cultural Learnings of America for Making Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is not just about making fun of its mark. The film spends equal time making fun of its main character and even devolves into the staple of juvenile humor; the naked fat man. All of it is hilarious. The movie hits on almost all cylinders, with very few miscues and groaners. The film pokes fun at political correctness, tradition, a group of drunken frat boys, and even a hilarious fear of Jews. There is comedy here for everyone. Fans of Sacha Baron Cohen's television series will certainly be thrilled to see a lengthier version of one of the sketches and those that have never seen the series may become new fans of the show. This film is well worth the price of admission. I highly recommend this film for people just looking for a good time and a chance to get in more than a few belly laughs with a room full of complete strangers.

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