LuckyWill"Borat" Film Review
December 6th 2006 22:27
The counter-culture 'mockumentary' of the fictional character Borat and title of the same name (being 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan') is intended for a generation X and Y audience yet tickles the funny-bone of a wider spectrum through a series of skits or comedy sketches. These sketches essentially make up a narrative which in turn loosely configures a plot to be based around. Though, there is enough time to inclusively parody religion, race and gender and anything else considered a culturally sensitive area. That is to say they are extremely politically incorrect and moderately offensive. However, politically both sides will have something to laugh at - either for or against Borat. And in which, this is where the comedy strongly succeeds in being funny for various reasons: one being the laughs at the central character and laughs with the central character making it hilarious.
But how does it set itself apart from other so-called “comedies”, I hear you ask. Well, this film takes you on a ride much like quasi docos of late like “Super Size Me” and “Bowling for Columbine”, but isn’t so hard-pressed to reveal one single agenda but moves across a series of instances without subverting you to a particular stance and rather leaves it up to the viewer to merely watch and not be directed. So mercifully the viewer can make up its own mind. Also the viewer isn’t led along like the aforementioned by a general building argument for a topic, but merely representing a clash of ideas in a non-harmful, almost slapstick way.
How does it do all this while keeping interest then, I hear you interject. The film narrowly presents a fixed stereotypical view of cultures (without being cliché) and reaffirms them for the benefit of comedy and nothing more. Precisely, it’s about the prejudices that cultures have of each other and of themselves done in a style that is reminiscent of watching Jackass or teen gross out films like American Pie. For example it's that feeling of anticipation you know is going to have horrible repercussions that the lead is aimlessly and naively walking into that is as agonising as it is exciting.
Some sketches are staged and others unstaged. The exact percentile is debateable.
However here’s a few to excite your imagination:
An irrational fear of Jews and their covet for money and shape-changing abilities.
A deep resentment of gypsies, even accusing simple garage sellers in America as being gypsies.
Open-mouth kissing a girl he claims is the fourth best prostitute in his country to revealing it's his sister.
Finding consent in relation to sex, feminism and speaking about animal cruelty as absurd and confusing.
Upon arriving in wealthy America and the hotel Borat was staying at, misunderstanding the elevator was not his room.
When inside his actual room confusing the toilet as a wash basin.
Inadvertently meeting some guys at a parade who suggest nude wrestling afterwards at the hotel Borat is staying at.
Later ensuing a very public and awkwardly choreographed nude (and very hairy) male fight
Detractions from the film include the possibility that you’re familiar with Sacha Baron Cohen’s other work post-Ali Gi, as some of the scenarios are very similar in style and content if not replicating them entirely and of course the fallout from Kazakhstan authorities arguing it's not an accurate depiction of their country. However you see it, I'm sure there's still extra laughs to be had and if taken seriously is really just missing the point of seeing a comedy film.
Overall, it’s one of the best laughs I’ve had at the cinema all year. Confronting but only surfacely intrusive, funny if not hilarious, embarrassing if not so damn likeable.
Tis-a Gooooud.
4 starz
4 starz
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Comment by ChrisB
Formula 1
The Social Centre
If there was ever a genre called xenophobia comedy - this would be the ultimate.
The nude wrestling scene could have been a little less long and graphic though....It kinda dampened the rest of the film.
Comment by Justin
I love it too! Yeah, I agree it's fairly unique and should almost have a sub genre in comedy for the like.
Haha, it was uncomfortable but during some awkward scenes - especially where Borat is sat on - I even heard my girlfriend laughing. It was gross, it was over the top but I disagree it dampened the rest of the film.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Great review Justin!
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
great! Though it'll never be considered a 'smart' comedy, it exposed a side of americans that most of us never see...
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Handing the southern hostess a bag of shit would be one of the highlights for me...
Comment by Filmpeeker
Film Peek Forum
But still I think they ruined it somewhat, by all the scenes they released before the premiere and the interviews Borat gave. It's like they told us the whole movie before we watched it, and therefore we/I knew what was coming all the time.
Cya!
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
>>> rushing through >>>
Comment by Sword Serenity
A Female Gamer