Everyone’s favorite Kazakhi reporter comes to DVD for the first time, and he brings with him not only his hilarious “mocumentary” film, but some special features that will have you laughing non stop.
I’ve been a fan of actor/comedian Sacha Baron Cohen ever since his Ali G character first graced American audiences with his Da Ali G Show that premiered on HBO in early 2003. When the character of Borat first appeared on the show I wasn’t really sure what to make of him. Here you’ve got a guy from a third World country doing interviews in an attempt to gather information to bring back to his country. While my initial reaction to the Borat character was confusion, it didn’t take very long for him to grow on me, and for me to become the fan I am today.
Although I didn’t get to review this film when it was released in theaters back in November, I am going to attempt to kill two birds with one stone by reviewing the film and the DVD at the same time.
In Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (try saying that three times fast, or even once for that matter) comedian Sacha Baron Cohen brings his beloved character to the big screen in a mocumentary style that will have you scratching your head, and debating with your friends on which segments were real, and which were scripted. The plot of the film is simple:
Kazakhi TV reporter Borat Sagdiyev has been ordered by the Ministry of Information to come to American, err the “U.S and A” in an attempt to learn more about our country so he can take the information he’s collected back to Kazakhstan in the hopes that his country can become a better place. During his travels with producer Azamat Bagatov, Borat falls in love with actress Pamela Anderson, and it’s not long before his quest for information turns into a quest for Pamela’s hand in marriage. Or at least some “sexytime” with the actress.
Honestly, what can I say about this movie that hasn’t already been said by countless critics since the film was initially released last November? Being a fan of the character aside, I seriously think comedian Sacha Baron Cohen quite possibly could’ve made the funniest movie of all time. Now, while I may think this movie is hysterical, I can see where some people would be turned off to the film’s main character and overall humor.
What I like most about this film is that even though it is supposed to be a comedy, it really does show you different aspects of our wonderful country, some that made me feel proud to be an American (like the people that accepted Borat and tried to befriend him), and others that had me shaking my head in disbelief (like some of the people on the NY subway that wanted to punch Borat for saying “hi"). The character of Borat, is at it’s core a charming character. Sure he gets on people’s nerves, but that’s done intentionally thru the character’s ignorance of American culture. Throughout the film you’ll encounter numerous people that either befriend Borat and help him learn new things out our country, or literally try to cause him physical harm.
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they don’t like the character because he’s “crude,” however when you think about it he’s only “crude” because his way of life is different than ours, and he says and does things that we here in America aren’t accustomed too....and that’s ok. Yes I realize Cohen tries purposely to see how far he can push people, but if you think about it certain people are just intolerant period, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from.
During the course of the film we’re taken around the country as Borat does everything he can in an attempt to learn more about America. Personally, I couldn’t stop laughing from when the film started to when the film ended. In just about every scene. Whether he’s taking his DMV driving test, trying to make new friends on a NY city subway (bad idea), or getting taught how to act more “ghetto” (which leads to his famous "what’s up with it vanilla face?" line) I couldn’t find one point in the film that didn’t make me laugh out loud.
This film is definitely not for everyone, as I’ve heard a few people say they either walked out of the movie, or got extremely offended when Borat discovers Azamat “browsing thru” (I use the word “browsing” extremely lightly) his coveted Baywatch magazine and a naked wrestling match between two men ensues throughout a four star hotel. At one point the two even interrupt a Mortgage banquet with their nude wrestling. Personally I thought it was hysterical, but I can see where some people might get turned off to the movie by it.
In order to truly enjoy the character of Borat, and his big screen adventure, one must first understand that the point of this character is to observe American culture thru the eyes of someone who is completely, and utterly alien to all of our customs and our very way of life.
The DVD features extras such as deleted scenes that were apparently cut out by the Kazakhi Ministry of Information (they were edited for length), subtitles, and a brief featurette detailing the marketing of the film, and the many appearances Borat made while promoting his “movie film.” One memorable appearance came when Borat was a guest on the Tonight Show along with Martha Stewart. Stewart was supposed to instruct Borat on how to make a bed properly, however Borat had other plans and in no time climbed in the bed and stripped off his underwear hoping for some “sexytime” with the “Domestic Diva.” Another favorite extra of mine included Borat’s version of Baywatch that he seemingly developed for Kazakhi TV (it made him the fourth most popular person in the country) entitled “Sexydrownwatch.” While I won’t give too much away, I will tell you that I had to watch this scene over and over. It literally brought me to tears from laughing so hard.
Personally, I was hoping for a bit more in the way of bonus material on the DVD, but I guess I can live with what I got since at least the film is present, and knowing how DVD’s are they’ll probably release a super deluxe Kazakhi edition before the year’s over.
While I wouldn’t recommend Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan to anyone under the age of 16, I would highly recommend it to those people out there that aren’t easily offended, and can appreciate a brilliant comedic mind. Let’s face it, whether you like him or not, the character of Borat has become a part of American pop culture, and that in itself is a victory for everyone.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is currently available on DVD, and retails for $19.99