Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: November 3, 2006
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 1303 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
963
Mixed:
120
Negative:
220
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
5
NDApr 1, 2007
Expected more from reading the reviews - still found a good few laughs in there - just not enough to recommend it to anyone else.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
ChrisK.May 15, 2007
Weak. Dated and unoriginal. These are the same themes he's explored for 10 years now.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
wongitDec 12, 2006
Shocked to say the least, not only at the risk this movie takes but at its reviews. OVERATED
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
TheMagicalHippieKillerMar 13, 2007
This movie was hard to watch, not only because of some of the more rather tastless scenes, but the exposure of some of the dark and disturbing happenings and attitudes in our own country. The film had an oppurtunity to be smarter, but in This movie was hard to watch, not only because of some of the more rather tastless scenes, but the exposure of some of the dark and disturbing happenings and attitudes in our own country. The film had an oppurtunity to be smarter, but in this day and age where simple-minded humor is depicted because Scary Movie/American Pie types dominate, it fell flat. However, it was still enjoyable, but only as a rental. The film runs only on shock value, and once you know when things are going to happen, the feeling is gone. However, despite several leud scenes and gags about bodily waste, the most disturbing parts of the film were most of the unsuspecting victims. Several scenes (A high class southern dinner party on "Secession Ave"; an antique shop that is pro-Confederate; a rodeo in which much of the audience is depicted as racist; a Senator and Supreme Court Justice at a Pentacostal gathering; several schovanistic college students and expressing their views) show a darker side to American society, as well as show that Americans do not truly have a centralized culture; many of the locations and their populations vary differently, as seen in the film. Unfortunately, the film does not focus on this the way it should, instead, as stated earlier, choosing to stir up some controversey. However, the best thing about works like this is that it can really help to point out people who are unable to grasp the concept. I am not saying everyone who hates this is an idiot, some of you have very good arguments on why the film is stupid (Ray K, Morgan G). However, a lot of you should sit out on this one. And for the record, and I am suprised there are acutally people who do not know this, but Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor that plays Borat, is in fact, Jewish. Also, this movie seems a little far-fetched. Unless this film was shot after each time he paid his bail, it was most certainly staged in order to broadcast Cohen's personal views.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
JoshMar 3, 2007
Borat has some excellent moments, especially where it takes a moment to point out the ignorance and hypocrisy that permeates America. All in all, though, it is just a movie centered around bathroom humor and American's desperate desire Borat has some excellent moments, especially where it takes a moment to point out the ignorance and hypocrisy that permeates America. All in all, though, it is just a movie centered around bathroom humor and American's desperate desire to be on television. It was, to me, a painfully long and embarrassing film that was only moderately funny.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
CocoBunnyJun 23, 2009
High expectations, big letdown. While it has its funny moments, it dragged at times. And dragged. And dragged. Surely Cohen could have come up with more funny stuff--or edited some of the lulls out--to fill the whole running time. If High expectations, big letdown. While it has its funny moments, it dragged at times. And dragged. And dragged. Surely Cohen could have come up with more funny stuff--or edited some of the lulls out--to fill the whole running time. If you're a fan of gross-out comedies, you'll like this.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
TimS.Mar 18, 2007
Definitely funny but a one time see for sure.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
SpangleAug 30, 2016
Borat feels utterly surreal. It is hard to comprehend this film existing, let alone being as acclaimed as it stands today. Risque, gutsy, and impressively smart, Borat is just not my kind of film. Not my type of humor, as it felt like SachaBorat feels utterly surreal. It is hard to comprehend this film existing, let alone being as acclaimed as it stands today. Risque, gutsy, and impressively smart, Borat is just not my kind of film. Not my type of humor, as it felt like Sacha Baron Cohen just said stupid stuff that sounded funny and could be funny, but feels entirely as if you had to be there to get it. As I was not on the set while filming occurred, I did not find it funny. That said, it is impossible not to find it thoroughly impressive they went through with this audacious attempt at a film considering how many groups it likely offended. Overall, Borat is a classic to many. While it caused me to chuckle a few times, I just did not get it. However, I can certainly appreciate what it attempted to do.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
4
PerlaN.Nov 21, 2006
It really isn't as funny as critics say it is. The humor is really dumb and gets only dumber and ruder. Boring sexist humor. Do not take a female date to see this movie - she might very well be grinding her teeth and looking at you It really isn't as funny as critics say it is. The humor is really dumb and gets only dumber and ruder. Boring sexist humor. Do not take a female date to see this movie - she might very well be grinding her teeth and looking at you wondering what kind of acned teenager am I here with?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
NathanielD.Mar 20, 2007
As a big fan of Da Ali G show (I own both seasons on DVD) this movie came as a big disappointment. Granted, Borat was actually always my least favorite of Cohen's 3 personalities, but I think that the biggest problem with this movie is As a big fan of Da Ali G show (I own both seasons on DVD) this movie came as a big disappointment. Granted, Borat was actually always my least favorite of Cohen's 3 personalities, but I think that the biggest problem with this movie is that not much of it seemed improvised and that most of it was scripted. Paired with the fact that I don't see how this could be near as funny in subsequent views, I don't think this movie will stand the test of time and won't ever hold a classic status.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JamesM.Mar 5, 2007
Self-indulgent and overrated. Not that I like Freddie Got Fingered, quite the opposite, but I can't understand why critics butchered that film and not Borat... This movie is far from a satire. It is the motion picture equivilent to a fart joke.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
TinaR.Jun 13, 2007
This movie has couple shockingly laughable scenes, but on the whole it is very uncomfortable to watch and most of the scenes that are supposed to be funny are just idiotic and embarrassing. If someone like this can make money on comedy, then This movie has couple shockingly laughable scenes, but on the whole it is very uncomfortable to watch and most of the scenes that are supposed to be funny are just idiotic and embarrassing. If someone like this can make money on comedy, then anyone can...It's utter nonsense. And most of us would probably do better!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
TBoneNov 10, 2006
I thought that the movie could have been way better. It was not offensive to me at all so I don't know what those people are talking about. It would be offensive if someone was actually seriously saying and doing some of the stuff but I thought that the movie could have been way better. It was not offensive to me at all so I don't know what those people are talking about. It would be offensive if someone was actually seriously saying and doing some of the stuff but it was fake! I laughed but I found myself wondering why I payed to see this movie when you can see funnier Borat sketches on Da Ali G Show. Funny but not great.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
KennethK.Nov 6, 2006
Lots of exteremely funny moments. I didn't think it was as amazing as most critics seem to think, but it was ok. I was absolutely disgusted at times, but I think Cohen did a great job exposing some of the horrors in our society in a Lots of exteremely funny moments. I didn't think it was as amazing as most critics seem to think, but it was ok. I was absolutely disgusted at times, but I think Cohen did a great job exposing some of the horrors in our society in a humorous way. Definitely makes you think. Cohen's performance was also fantastic. A great actor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
RebootsDaMachinaJan 26, 2007
Occasionally hilarious. The rest of the time is pure 4th grade playground. Relies heavily on homophobic humor to create movie theater discomfort!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JeffC.Mar 1, 2007
Funny in parts, but really bloody gross, and I'm not squeemish. Highly overrated.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
KenMar 20, 2007
Truly tasteless and offensive. That said, it's also pretty darn funny.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RodP.Nov 17, 2006
It is just not as funny as you/we are being led to believe. You'll scream in parts of it, but Cohen misses a lot too. A lot of Borat is the act that Yakov Smirrinoff has been doing for 30 years. It's not a "must see" that is for It is just not as funny as you/we are being led to believe. You'll scream in parts of it, but Cohen misses a lot too. A lot of Borat is the act that Yakov Smirrinoff has been doing for 30 years. It's not a "must see" that is for sure. The DVD will be fine for most people. Essentially, it's "JackAss" for a different crowd.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
DavidG.Nov 18, 2006
I also agree with Wade T. The movie had me laughing hystarically at times, but for the same reasons I laugh at Jackass. Shock value laughs. It's funny, but was not the clever satire that I hoped it would be.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ShmittySNov 25, 2006
I was really disapointed by this movie. I was hoping it to be much much more funny. I don't think I laughed once, but people around me were going nuts for it. People who find this movie offensive... you realize its a MOVIE! "It's I was really disapointed by this movie. I was hoping it to be much much more funny. I don't think I laughed once, but people around me were going nuts for it. People who find this movie offensive... you realize its a MOVIE! "It's racial, blah, blah." welcome to humor. It's a great comedy, but I guess it wasnt my night. 5/10 for potential (a rushin' rushin' around...)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SharifN.Nov 4, 2006
Watching Borat is a lot like getting tickled: you laugh, but that doesnt necessarily mean you enjoy it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
StarfoxNov 4, 2006
Very funny, but also very far from the funniest movie ever. Also, very forgettable.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JoshB.Nov 5, 2006
I have 6 brothers and adore crude, random, and intelligent humor. I don't see ever giving this movie a 10. It's interesting to watch, but really just a compilation of skits. I never laughed from down deep. South Park had me in I have 6 brothers and adore crude, random, and intelligent humor. I don't see ever giving this movie a 10. It's interesting to watch, but really just a compilation of skits. I never laughed from down deep. South Park had me in fits, but this is not really ground-breaking stuff. I wouldn't watch this movie again, and I doubt it would achieve cult status as suggested. It falls short of the potential and and the expectation.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RobertH.Nov 5, 2006
This guy is very funny but for a real fan, the movie misses. It moves a bit into being a little mean spirited (evnen though sure it's fummy), the full theater really did not uproarisly laugh that much, it's a little sophomoric, and This guy is very funny but for a real fan, the movie misses. It moves a bit into being a little mean spirited (evnen though sure it's fummy), the full theater really did not uproarisly laugh that much, it's a little sophomoric, and if you know his humour there's not much new here. My suspicion is from looking at reactions of those leaving, they leave dissapointed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
SpongeeeNov 5, 2006
The movie does not live up to the TV show it is based upon. As noted, being on the big screen, there are new demensions unlike the TV show: an 80 min story line, questions on what is real and what is not, and actual happy/sad feelings toward The movie does not live up to the TV show it is based upon. As noted, being on the big screen, there are new demensions unlike the TV show: an 80 min story line, questions on what is real and what is not, and actual happy/sad feelings toward Borat. While there are good moments throughout, overall it is disapointing. The bottom line is that the movie is not as genuine as the TV show, making the laughs not as good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
KorkyB.Nov 7, 2006
I am tried and true fan of the HBO show, that said: Yes the movie was funny, yes Sacha was great, Azamat was tremendous (not to mention he spoke Armenian on screen-I'm Armenian so that bias points there). But my bone to pick would be I am tried and true fan of the HBO show, that said: Yes the movie was funny, yes Sacha was great, Azamat was tremendous (not to mention he spoke Armenian on screen-I'm Armenian so that bias points there). But my bone to pick would be the lack of focus on the strangers being interviewed and the large amount of attention given to Borat. Borat is the secondary joke, the raicst and sexiest idiots are the real joke and the movie seemed to never fully capture the stupidity of each interviewee like the TV show does. It seemed as each "setting/interview' was rushed and never fully exploited.Iit's more about Borat and his trip and the story. I understand it's a movie and there has to be character/story/plot so in that sense it was a 'good Borat movie', but compared to the TV show, the TV show is funnier, hands down. Hence all these 10's and 9s are not justified because as a movie it's good but it's not a classic comedy. The TV show is a 10 and compared to the show, the movie can only disapoint in my eyes, hence the 5.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BilB.Dec 10, 2006
Cute and original but nothing to write home about. Some scenes were truly funny, others showed a disturbing view of just how backwards the USA really is, and some scenes were just plain old stupid.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BillD.Dec 30, 2006
Sometimes the most hysterically funny, sometimes the rudest and most offensive piece of celluloid I've seen in my life. Not for the PC crowd (which appears to be 7/10ths of the world) or for the young (the film should have been rated Sometimes the most hysterically funny, sometimes the rudest and most offensive piece of celluloid I've seen in my life. Not for the PC crowd (which appears to be 7/10ths of the world) or for the young (the film should have been rated NC-17). And not deserving of Globes or Golden Men...but it WAS funny!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
GeoffB.Dec 6, 2006
I find it most useful in thinking about Borat to imagine it as a fully scripted movie (and judging from the lawsuits it might well have been) as opposed to the "reality movie" it was billed as. Would the New York times have called a scripted I find it most useful in thinking about Borat to imagine it as a fully scripted movie (and judging from the lawsuits it might well have been) as opposed to the "reality movie" it was billed as. Would the New York times have called a scripted scene mocking drunk mysognistic frat boys "brilliant...social satire"? I imagine the phrase would have been "tired old cliche". Or how about those stuffy southerners? They totally freak when you bring your own feces to the dinner table. I think I have seen about half a dozen similar scenes in those teen comedies so deliciously panned. That isn't to say it wasn't funny. It was very very funny. But so was Jackass, American Pie, Harold and Kumar. Those movies took my nine bucks and made me laugh, but they did not pretend to have brilliant insights of American mores. Borat on the otherhand, he took my nine bucks, he made me laugh, and the only insight I got was that America loves a bandwagon. They just cant wait to jump on.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
BethC.Dec 7, 2006
I have never seen Da Ali G Show, so I can't make comparisons. I do think that the film was overrated. There is very little plot, mainly a series of scenes, ranging from almost brilliant (the rodeo scene) to flops (the New York I have never seen Da Ali G Show, so I can't make comparisons. I do think that the film was overrated. There is very little plot, mainly a series of scenes, ranging from almost brilliant (the rodeo scene) to flops (the New York feminists). I'm also not a fan of bathroom humor or slapstick, so I didn't appreciate these parts. The conglomeration of languages used in the film (Polish, Armenian, Romanian) made it clear that they weren't really talking about Kazakhstan, but it did tend to generally denigrate people from Second/ Third World countries. I did enjoy the few times that the joke was actually on Borat - his portrayal as a homophobe who really enjoys hugging, kissing and wrestling with other men. But mainly, there just weren't enough good laughs and I got bored with it by the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MikeDOct 30, 2007
Whereas the small-screen Borat was a daring and revealing hidden-camera concept, brought to the big-screen he is reduced to a gross-out comedy bastion. The film starts off promisingly, but then the jokes become somewhat weaker, and then it Whereas the small-screen Borat was a daring and revealing hidden-camera concept, brought to the big-screen he is reduced to a gross-out comedy bastion. The film starts off promisingly, but then the jokes become somewhat weaker, and then it all feels really set-up. Not nearly as good as it could have been.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
SamMar 19, 2007
There are some laughs here and there, but overall, this is the epitome of "the stupid-funny" movie. Cohen gives a great performance, though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JohnOApr 18, 2007
Outrageous social satire. It
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
WillH.Jul 2, 2008
It really wasn't that great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JgloverNov 13, 2006
A disappointing attempt at converting Borat to the big screen. Felt like it was aimed at the american audience more, simplifying things. Love Borat on the TV, but just so many boring and repeated gags from the TV show. The gross-out has A disappointing attempt at converting Borat to the big screen. Felt like it was aimed at the american audience more, simplifying things. Love Borat on the TV, but just so many boring and repeated gags from the TV show. The gross-out has never been something i enjoy, so overall, just bitterly bitterly bitterly disappointing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
LukeF.Nov 19, 2006
No surprises in this movie. Everything is fairly predictable and you get the gist from the previews. Great movie for mindless entertainment, but is it really anything more than a Tom Green movie?
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
LuisG.Nov 4, 2006
I cant believe how close this film is to a perfect 100 ...looking forward to it was part of my problem... yes it was funny but not hilarious... crude and offensive on behalf of some still ignorant individuals... the mockery was lost about 20I cant believe how close this film is to a perfect 100 ...looking forward to it was part of my problem... yes it was funny but not hilarious... crude and offensive on behalf of some still ignorant individuals... the mockery was lost about 20 mins into the film then i wasnt buying any of either as a film nor a joke... i dont recommend this film because again it was funny but not hilarious like all those promising reviews ..… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
RayK.Nov 5, 2006
Borat it bases its laughs on low-grade toilet humor. I don't think for one second believe that its a "social satire" or a "smart comedy" as some are claiming. This is frat-boy humor, period. Not only that, but most of the laughs come Borat it bases its laughs on low-grade toilet humor. I don't think for one second believe that its a "social satire" or a "smart comedy" as some are claiming. This is frat-boy humor, period. Not only that, but most of the laughs come from the xenophobia implied by the 'weird Eastern bloc foreigner' who has incestuous relationships, is rude beyond belief, and has no social grace. It's a bit funny, but mostly it's just cheap high school grade yucks. Haha, look at that guy, he has sex with his sister. Isn't that HILARIOUS?? Actually, no-- it's not that funny. The funniest elements are mostly products of the embarrasing situations that come up, but many of these situations are excruciatingly painful to watch, especially when Borat is a jerk to people who are genuinely being kind to him. That's not very funny, in my opinion. It's rather mean-spirited. Yes, you'll laugh, but it's all cheap, fleeting humor. Despite all the hype, this movie isn't anything special, it's not a timeless classic, and most of all, it's not a "smart comedy" as some are claiming. This is cheap, fleeting humor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JimmusM.Dec 22, 2006
Mean-spirited, vulgar, pointless and juvenile. It is disappointing to notice how many "critics" rated this highly. I wonder if the Ku Klux Klan put out a "comedy" like this if those same critics would be laughing so loudly. Disgusting, Mean-spirited, vulgar, pointless and juvenile. It is disappointing to notice how many "critics" rated this highly. I wonder if the Ku Klux Klan put out a "comedy" like this if those same critics would be laughing so loudly. Disgusting, puerile stuff.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
RMDec 27, 2006
It wasn't that good, and a lot of it was obviously acted. The genuine, real reacions were the funniest, like on tv. Yeah I was a bit disappointed. Still, those that say its mean spirited, get outta here.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
MattV.Dec 28, 2006
This movie features such extremes that it is hard not to give it an average rating. The gangsta scene was wonderfully done and there were othere good scenes too but that wrestling scene went for way too long. That left a bad taste in your This movie features such extremes that it is hard not to give it an average rating. The gangsta scene was wonderfully done and there were othere good scenes too but that wrestling scene went for way too long. That left a bad taste in your mouth after seeing that. This movie should have been rated NC-17.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
DanielC.Dec 5, 2006
Borat's an interesting one. Borat tries to be many things, a parody, satire, pure comedy and mockumentary, however, it succeeds at neither, but does a good job all around. The movie relies on the premise of the stereotyped Baltic man, Borat's an interesting one. Borat tries to be many things, a parody, satire, pure comedy and mockumentary, however, it succeeds at neither, but does a good job all around. The movie relies on the premise of the stereotyped Baltic man, unfortunately, that doesn't resonate with the audience, as no-one really believes that a Kazakh would be like Borat, so that parody is lost. Secondly, as a satire, it hits and misses. It illustrates the differing cultures and oddities in America yet fails to really highlight the prejudice of America, partly because these prejudices are fueled by Borat himself, a crude person that no-one would like. Sure, some frat boys said something, but they were drunk and were some random bigots. Deep. Moreover, we see more of Borat's prejudices (like about women, Jews and homosexuals, which doesn't illustrate anything because no-one in their right mind would think that a Jew would need money thrown at it. In a way, this movie comments more on Sasha's prejudices than America's. As a mockumentary, it works as well as any other mockumentary out there, nothing groundbreaking. As a comedy it works. This is a movie that is supposed to make you laugh, yet make you feel bad for laughing. Yet half of the gags were slapslick, [***SPOILER***] like his driving, the bear and the naked scene--no social commentry there. So if you laughed at them, it doesn't really illustrate your prejudices, just that like everyone, you may find humour in a bear making little kids terrified. In all, this hits and misses as a commentary on American and worldwide prejudices. It would be better if Borat wasn't some crude stereotype and went around and asked people questions about their beliefs. Sure it wouldn't be as funny, but it would highlight the bigotry in this world a lot better. When I saw Borat, the people in the cinema didn't treat it as a satire, a comment about society, but simply a gross out film. If it tried to be a commentry on our world, it has failed. I gave it a four, 8 for a comedy, 2 for a satire.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
ReidF.Jan 27, 2007
No, this is not the funniest movie ever made, as some have suggested, and it is certainly not a highbrow comedy, but star Sasha Baron Cohen and director Larry Charles took some chances that no one has taken before. In doing so, they No, this is not the funniest movie ever made, as some have suggested, and it is certainly not a highbrow comedy, but star Sasha Baron Cohen and director Larry Charles took some chances that no one has taken before. In doing so, they humorously exposed America… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
TomMar 24, 2007
I was disappointed... highly overrated film. Parts of it are definitely funny, but for the most part, it is simply an uncomfortable movie to watch, not just because of the underlying racism that is so prevalent in America, but because of how I was disappointed... highly overrated film. Parts of it are definitely funny, but for the most part, it is simply an uncomfortable movie to watch, not just because of the underlying racism that is so prevalent in America, but because of how he interacts with people. It's humor at the other's expense, and while some people in the movie are despicable, many are actually very welcoming of the foreigner and yet are insulted relentlessly.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AdamP.Mar 26, 2007
I personally thought this movie was ok. I found more enjoyment from listening to the self-righteous people around me tell me how ashamed I should be for laughing occasionally throughout. It was refreshing to see everyone get laughed at for once.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
K.DepNov 11, 2006
Is this the new trend to make movie studios money? Overrate movies to make people go? While I'll admit this movie was pretty funny, it was largely crude scripted humour as opposed to the off the cuff, humour from the people/observers in Is this the new trend to make movie studios money? Overrate movies to make people go? While I'll admit this movie was pretty funny, it was largely crude scripted humour as opposed to the off the cuff, humour from the people/observers in the film. I was expecting more from this movie. I laughed quite a bit, but more out of stupidity than anything else. I also groaned a lot too. I'm not sure if this movie was worth seeing or not. It depends on what kind of humour you like. If you don't like vulgar, bathroom oriented humour, do NOT see this movie - that's all there is.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JohnH.Nov 12, 2006
I am 15, so was not offended by these gags. But they were not as inspired as I had expected. I saw the feminist part in a clip online before the movie came out. Just based on that I considered it a flop. But the reviews were so great, I had I am 15, so was not offended by these gags. But they were not as inspired as I had expected. I saw the feminist part in a clip online before the movie came out. Just based on that I considered it a flop. But the reviews were so great, I had to go see what I was missing. It does come across a little better as a whole, but it was generally crude humor. Others seem to be finding a significant cultural agenda in this movie, but I can't see it. He is at a house for dinner, goes to the bathroom, then carries back a bag of poo. The other people at the table become uncomfortable and decide to go home. Later, in a scripted scene, he rumbles naked through the hotel with his 400 pound producer in an extended fat-gag. Is this making a social comment about American prejudice? I don't think so. Is it comic genius? Hardly. Sort of like the South Park Movie, critics seemed to decide the crudeness was satire, and overrated a movie that should have been relegated to television.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
WadeT.Nov 16, 2006
Borat, for all of its high-praise and commercial success, is a one-trick pony of a movie. Here is the basic set-up: Take an offensive character, who is forgiveable for his low brow behaviour because he doesn't know any better, and have Borat, for all of its high-praise and commercial success, is a one-trick pony of a movie. Here is the basic set-up: Take an offensive character, who is forgiveable for his low brow behaviour because he doesn't know any better, and have people react in shock or reveal themselves to be just as offensive. That is really the whole movie and is why many people who seeBorat will be disapointted. Because at the end of the day its humor is in its shock value. Nothing clever, or witty, just lowbrow beviour dressed up as satire.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
NobueI.Nov 16, 2006
I agree completely with Wade T.'s assessment. I went into this movie with high expectations, because of the reviews that praised it as an incisive satire; and was disappointed to find that all Cohen did was point out the obvious, and in I agree completely with Wade T.'s assessment. I went into this movie with high expectations, because of the reviews that praised it as an incisive satire; and was disappointed to find that all Cohen did was point out the obvious, and in such a repetitive manner that "Borat" could easily have been distilled into about twenty minutes with no significant loss. There are two great scenes: the Southern dinner party and the naked wrestling scene. Otherwise, the film is tiresome and unimaginative; the scatalogical and sexual stuff ceases to be funny after the second mispronunciation of "vagina", and the film makes no larger point about the sexism and anti-Semitism it exposes in Borat's unwitting victims-- it just gawks at them, and finds the gawking sufficient.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
AronR.Nov 25, 2006
simply put: it felt forced. i'm a huge fan of borat on the hbo because i laugh until it hurts everytime i see one(no matter how many times on a few of em) yeah it was funny but giving this character a plot to try to make him real leads simply put: it felt forced. i'm a huge fan of borat on the hbo because i laugh until it hurts everytime i see one(no matter how many times on a few of em) yeah it was funny but giving this character a plot to try to make him real leads to forcing a premise on original fans that just gets in the way of the true genius of borat. a lot of the jokes have been done before, but that doesn't matter to those introduced, i understand why most either laughed out of control or were disgusted (one guy next to me called us a bunch of racist and walked out with his wife, he obviously wasn't in on the joke). the laughs i had from "look, they've changed their shapes" and the dinner party paid for the price of admission. i guess i'm just bitter because now everyone knows about borat and that means no more new hbo specials. i look forward to new characters from cohen. fare the well borat, you will be missed.… Expand
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6
JasonJ.Nov 29, 2006
Anyone who gave this movie a score above 7 did not see Borat on HBO. The skits are much more funny on HBO and the movie is more or less an average "Cliff notes" compilation of the TV series.
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6
csw12Feb 24, 2013
Borat has some very funny scenes, especially in the beginning, but I began to notice a little past the half way mark the movie was starting to drag. You can only go so far with shock humor before it becomes redundant.
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6
KaptainHutchinoDec 12, 2013
So stupid it's funny. The titular character delivers many controversial laughs, so stay away if you're easily offended. I'm actually surprised it has such a high score.
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6
ZuqolynOct 2, 2014
I love Sacha Baron Cohen's works, and even though I'm truly amazed by the things he dares to do, Borat was a little uncomfortable to watch. At times it was simply disgusting, and I don't see how those scenes add any humor or meaning to the movie.
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6
annbdDec 26, 2017
Too much vulgarity. I give 6/10 like the times I laughed. Overall I don't recommend it.
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4
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well, first off, I can see why this is is seen by some as a controversial movie and why the people of Kazakhstan complained about the stereotypes the character put across, I'd be embarrassed if I came from there.

It is quite funny and interesting to see the reaction of different Americans to him, including a group of feminists in NY and a humour coach. It is pretty uncomfortable viewing though, or it was for me anyway, knowing that the Americans in the movie had no idea about the character or anything, although of course it wouldn't really work had they known but it did seem somehow unfair on them and alot of people seemed very uncomfortable at such an over the top foreigner who says very outlandish and rude things. Some of the things that are said in response to him and what he says are quite surprising and interesting at times though, a scene involving Borat singing supposedly the Kazakh national anthem to the tune of the US anthem, at a rodeo show, springs to mind, where people were clapping though what he was saying wasn't very positive.

You can tell that some people are particularly homophobic/racist and wary of foreigners and its this insular part of US (or western in general I suppose) society that the movie is, I suppose, trying to highlight.

It is quite funny in a silly, over the top way in parts, the way Borat behaves, the things he does and says and in other parts of the movie, its really quite uncomfortable viewing, as I said. He uses very strong and sexual, sexist language quite frequently and so I'd say that this isn't recommended for those who are easily offended really (particularly jews).

I feel this probably does have something of a message or a moral behind it somewhere but its a bit too over the top for my personal liking in general, however I can see that some would find this very funny, like those who like to see reality TV contestants get humiliated and I did laugh at it in parts but I did also feel a bit guilty about laughing at it sometimes, considering its not particularly tasteful, really. Then again, if you know much about the character of Borat or the actor, then this shouldn't surprise you.

It also had me wondering near the end of the film, which set of stereotypes it was sending up or questioning but I guess its both, that of a foreigner in another country, otherwise known as being a 'fish out of water' and also of some particularly narrow minded natives, while showing that others are actually quite accepting and tolerant of what would normally be seen as very offensive talk or behaviour, thats almost so over the top in a sense that because he's clearly a foreigner, they let it pass.

I don't know if its particularly fair for him to make Kazakhstan seem such a 'backwards' country but I can see that its done as pure satire really, so it shouldn't, of course, be taken entirely seriously. Its certainly not a movie for everyone though, thats for sure.

Well this is clearly a movie that not everyone will laugh out loud at, or particularly enjoy. As I've said already, this isn't for those who are easily offended, if your not sure if you might be offended by this movie then I'd say its best you not try it really, it could be offensive to some, though I don't think it should be taken too seriously either.

I think if you like the character Borat or are a fan of Sacha Baron Cohen, then you should definitely watch this, if you haven't already. It is particularly over the top and zany in some parts and you can laugh at it from the sheer craziness of it, or at least I did at some parts but I equally felt kind of uncomfortable watching other scenes, given the situation and knowing (from what I remember reading in the press regarding the movie when it first came out) that the American citizens genuinely weren't aware about the movie being filmed etc. even if it was all acted, its still kind of uncomfortable viewing in a way but im sure some would find it quite funny, though given some of the sexist and anti semitic dialogue/'jokes', I wouldn't like to think people would laugh due to agreeing with it!

I think its alright, it is trying to make a point which is kind of fair enough and some parts of it is funny in a way. Obviously this isn't a movie for everyone, like I keep saying and its certainly not for kids (hence the 15 rating it has), there is a scene which features nudity and it almost shows too much, put it that way, so again it will be seen as offensive and over the top to some but to others it probably is really funny. I feel personally im somewhere on the fence about it (if you know what I mean lol), not being a particular fan of Sacha, though I'd heard people at work and most everywhere talk about this movie in the past, so I thought I couldn't not watch it eventually, it seems everyone has seen it, so, now I can be included in that statistic! that doesn't mean its an excellent film though.… Expand
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