Prepare to laugh, gasp, wince and cringe during the political farce, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” which was released in theaters today, Friday, November 3.
The character of Borat Sogdiyev, played by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Ali G Show”), travels to America to report back to his home country of Kazakhstan, in a documentary on what he describes as “the greatest country in the world.” However, when Borat encounters a television and an episode of “Baywatch,” he becomes more concerned with finding, marrying and taking the virginity of Pamela Anderson.
During his road trip from New York to California in search of Anderson, Borat’s brushes with “real Americans” frame the political messages entwined in this comedy. Following the recent trend of raunchy comedies, this movie is not for children. According to Imdb.com, the movies use of “pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic nudity and language” has earned the movie an R-rating.
However, despite a few disturbing yet essential scenes, the movie ensures audience members will laugh through the entire length of the movie, while cringing at the discomfort created by the life-like scenes between Borat and the people he meets.
The movie’s political points appear to target a left-leaning, politically aware audience, however all audience members will see something that speaks to them as it pokes fun at the war on terror, patriotism, homophobia, class discrimination, religion, stereotypes, racism and sexism.
The movie has a final cast of only three, including Cohen, Anderson and Ken Davitian playing Borat’s second-hand-man. Almost all other people in the film were Americans unaware of the real purpose of their encounters with Cohen as he stayed in character even after being arrested. “Borat” is well done and hysterically funny; an eye-opening must-see for audience members of all backgrounds, but not all ages.