Review of Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) by Filipeneto — 12 Jun 2018

I remember that this film caused a lot of buzz when it debuted and everyone was talking about it. Obviously, in front of such a film its difficult to remain indifferent but, whether you like it or hate it, truth has to be said: it's a funny movie that uses (abuses) non-sense comedy but it's very hard to digest. Despite having the laudable courage to break hundreds of taboos and talk about things that would never be addressed in a movie in other way, it does so with a deeply offensive comedy, ungrateful for those who are subject of the jokes. In this film, the target shot down by Sacha Baron Cohen is the "politically correct". The character himself, a pseudo-journalist from Kazakhstan, is brilliant because he can convey to reality all our preconceived ideas when we think of someone from that remote region of the world. Unfortunately, he does it in a very offensive way for Kazakhstan itself, which earned the British comedian intense (and understandable) criticism, coupled with criticism of the film's anti-Semitic humor (Cohen himself is a Jew). The film also criticizes the US and the American way of life. I was always unsure if the people who came out in the movie were aware that they were being filmed for a humor film but, whether as non-sense humor or as severe social criticism, the film works.

The movie is good for anyone who likes non-sense comedy and does not mind being the subject of some jokes. For all other audiences, it may seem indigestible for several reasons. Kids, in particular, should not watch this movie. Only an absolutely clueless father would let a child watch a movie like that.