Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Ken Davitian

4.5 stars

“Jagshemash! My name Borat. I like you. I like sex. Is nice!”

This line opens Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan and lets Borat, originally a sketch character on Da Ali G Show, make his highly anticipated silver screen debut.

Borat is played by Sacha Baron Cohen, who also plays Ali G and Bruno on Da Ali G Show. Ali G lndahouse was a tragedy, but Borat exceeds all expectations.

Borat takes viewers on an emotional roller coaster — well actually, you laugh, and laugh, and laugh, feel a little bad, and laugh some more.

The flick begins in Kazakhstan, where Borat discusses his life, hobbies, job as a reporter, and the country’s economic, social, and “Jewish” issues.

The government sends Borat to “the U.S. and A.” to discover why Americans are so successful. Leaving Kazakhstan with only two suitcases, one containing a hen and shoes, Borat relies on his reporting skills, a small sum of money, and gypsy magic to protect himself from AIDS.

Though Borat planned to stay in New York City with his cameraman and producer, a beautiful, blonde Canadian actress prompts Borat to drive from NYC to Malibu. Yes, that’s right — Borat falls in love with Pamela Anderson.

While travelling across the U.S. in a discount ice cream truck in search of love, Borat learns how to “improve” his own country.

Borat’s many eccentric behaviours are systematically eliminated, or at least reduced, through humor, driving, etiquette, “dating” and feminism coaching. The results, not surprisingly, are absolutely hilarious.

“America is a very different place for women,” Borat explains. In Kazakhstan, “it is illegal for more than five women to be in one place except a brothel or a grave.” At a mid-western rodeo, Borat tells the crowd he supports America’s “War of Terror.”

Borat also faces some hardships; after an intense argument with his cameraman, Borat must fend for himself.

There are a few graphic nude scenes, so you may want to rethink the popcorn, fries or pizza you’d normally eat at the theatre.

Although Borat pokes fun at Americans and is exposed to racism, he meets many Americans who respect him. Borat even manages to find love, adding a chick flick element to the movie.

It’s interesting to note that when Borat is speaking “Kazakhstani,” he is actually speaking Hebrew with a Russian accent, and though his words don’t match the subtitles, the subtitles are usually funnier.

Cohen has created the must-see comedy of the year. Taking on racism, cultural disparities, and plain old randomness, Borat can be described in one word: genius.