This movie is so offensive, I could barely stand it. NOT.

Rating: 8/10 (29 November 2006)

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is, quite simply, one of the most hilarious films ever released on American soil. Armed with nothing but brilliant inspiration, Sacha Baron Cohen (SBC) goes fearlessly into the mockumentary realm, emerging triumphant where many, MANY others have failed. Why? For one thing, he knows his territory: his character is perfected, going in - he understands who this guy is from the inside out, he's thoroughly comfortable in his skin, which allows the audience to instinctively relax, sensing that collectively, it is in good hands.
Ironically, although this film has been called offensive by a lot of people, I thought it was not offensive at all. Why? It's too over the top to be offensive, and it's done with such obvious tongue-in-cheekery and glee, that it automatically diffuses the sexism and bigotry, replacing it with a subtle and wise knowingness which only a few can pull off. I was reminded, in fact - and this is a supreme compliment - of Woody Allen's earliest films: Take The Money And Run, Bananas, and the like. Not because of the material but because of the tone, which rendered me giddy, as very few films are capable of doing. High five, SBC, high five.