Movie Review: Borat
What you need to know: Played by Sacha Baron Cohen of Ali G fame, Borat Sagdiyev is a Kazakh journalist who crosses America with the goal of marrying Pamela Anderson. With a heavily accented and limited English vocabulary, deeply bigoted views and a tacky wardrobe, hilarity ensues as Borat travels the (mostly Southern) states to learn more about America and its populace. Cheese made from human breast milk is served, male nude wrestling is showcased and urban youth emulated in an attempt to bring laughter to the big screen.
Why you should go: The behavior you will witness on screen will play well in future arguments with the undergrad you’re dating. Whenever she complains about how you have a dirty apartment, don’t do the dishes or roll your eyes whenever she talks about Britney, you can just say “Well yes, but at least I don’t …“ and finish the sentence with anything that you have seen in the movie. This film also presents you with perfect opportunity to showcase your sensitive side by saying things like “I support your right as a woman to make cheese out of breast milk” which is likely the only opportunity in your life to utter these words and not have them result in considerable puzzlement from those around you.
Why you shouldn’t go: You may have a difficult time explaining to your date why you said “true that” when Borat spoke about his sister being a prostitute. Additionally, if those in your movie viewing party hold any belief in political correctness this movie will walk, cross and jump over that line time and time again. That will make your uproarious and uncontrollable laughter look very bad, especially in comparison to the shocked expressions on your companions’ faces.
If you have not heard about this movie then perhaps your “excellent deal” of an apartment is truly a rock you’re living under. There is so much hype associated with this film that even with a limited theatrical release the movie was able to reach No. 1 in box office revenues during its opening weekend. And by hype I don’t mean the “I can’t believe they’re actually going to make this movie” buzz which surrounded Snakes On a Plane but rather the “This won’t suck” positive kind.
The movie starts off with the premise that Borat falls madly in love with Pamela Anderson. The clear lack of taste exhibited by this singular proclamation is a great introduction to the mental acumen of our hero. If any reinforcement is needed, seeing Borat dodge New York City traffic and chase people around sidewalks cements the idea that he is truly an alien figure among the norm. The movie almost becomes painful to watch as you see ordinary folks trying to deal with truly unexpected and awkward social situations. It is like overhearing a pickup line being delivered at TNDC, where the screech of fingernails being dragged across a chalk board not only sounds more pleasant but is also more effective. The people caught in Borat’s cross hairs are in for quite the test of their social graces and never really make it out unscathed.
There is much debate in the media as to whether this film is designed to highlight the prejudice and intolerance in America (if not the world) or if it’s simply an exhibition of crass humor. I say that people put in stressful situations say the dumbest things, like “Investment banking is the right career path for me”, “Wow, your mom is really hot” and let’s not forget the all time classic of “I love you.” The point is that unless you take yourself seriously, you’re going to have a great time at this movie. Just make sure to pick your companions carefully.
Comments
If someone offered me all the money in the world, I still wouldn't sit through Borat. HA! That's just a flat out lie.
Posted by: Lorisel | February 7, 2007 10:23 AM
Borat shows how the real american acts, which proves my theory that they are stupid
Posted by: sean | March 26, 2007 09:56 PM
Yes, because socialist Canada has all the answers. Dumbass.
Posted by: cZulander![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.pureresistance.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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March 26, 2007 11:22 PM