Borat
By Cynthia Fuchs,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Hilarious but raunchy mockumentary has sex, language.

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Borat
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Based on 15 parent reviews
haha
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Hilarious movie contains crude and potentially offensive humour.
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What's the Story?
Borrowing from Andy Kaufman, John Waters, and Steve-O, BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN is a faux documentary that tracks the cross-country antics of Kazakh TV reporter Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen). Borat and his hairy, camera-shy producer Azamat (Ken Davitian) are sent to America to learn about "the glorious country U, S, and A" and make a documentary for their local TV station. While almost everyone (real people) Borat meets on the way goes along with his contorted language and vulgar behavior, it's not always easy to tell where their awareness begins and ends. Some appear to wholly buy his routine (a loudly homophobic and patriotic cowboy advises him to shave off his mustache so he doesn't look like a "terrorist"), but most seem at least vaguely conscious of his strangeness. Borat interviews feminists (he laughs at their suggestion that women might be equal to men), talks to politicians Bob Barr and Alan Keyes (Borat makes a racist joke about Keyes), spends time with gay Pride revelers (with whom he drinks, showers, and spends the night) and Pentecostal churchgoers (where his behavior is, suddenly, the least outrageous in the room). Borat repeatedly proclaims his love for all things American. A rodeo audience goes along when he lauds "America's war of terror" ("May George Bush drink the blood of every man, woman, and child in Iraq"), but ultimately becomes uncomfortable when he hijacks the U.S. national anthem in order to praise Kazakhstan.
Is It Any Good?
Director Larry Charles' movie is less innovative and subversive than it is observant, but it does show that laughing at ignorance constitutes its own kind of bliss. The case might be made that Borat picks (on) easy targets: frat boys, rodeo cowboys, hotel desk clerks, Southern dining club members. Although the government of Kazakhstan has protested publicly against the character, Baron Cohen's fans (familiar with Borat's origins on Da Ali G Show) will appreciate Borat's comedy. Baron Cohen never breaks character, steadfastly maintaining the persona of an outspoken, misogynistic, homophobic, racist, antisemitic man.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the purpose of satire and deliberately offensive humor. Does Borat's mockery of ignorance and prejudice help the people he targets understand his point, or are they clueless victims of his humor? What point is the movie trying to make?
Ask your kids if they think viewers who identify with some of the intolerant or over-earnest people Borat interviews will see themselves in a new light. Or will they feel upset by the on-screen encounters?
Does satire help or simply entertain? How can you tell the difference? When can satire cross a line?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 2, 2006
- On DVD or streaming: March 6, 2007
- Cast: Ken Davitian, Luenell, Sacha Baron Cohen
- Director: Larry Charles
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 82 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic nudity, and language
- Last updated: May 17, 2023
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