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The W - Movies & TV - "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" Discussion
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The Vile1
Lap cheong








Since: 4.9.02
From: California

Since last post: 5456 days
Last activity: 5188 days
#1 Posted on | Instant Rating: 1.76
OK well . . . I saw it at a screening on Halloween night.

The movie is pretty funny. But it's also . . . very gross. One scene in particular is just freaking beyond nasty and it just keeps going on and on, but it had the audience all over each other and on the floor so it gets a strong reaction.

Cohen is a very talented and competent performer I certainly can't deny that. I think he went too far in some places, despite my knowing he's Jewish and that he's trying to "take the piss out of bigots" I felt a bit put off by some of the anti-Jew humor.

The latest I've heard is that Cohen has now been invited to Kazakhstan to see what it's "really like".

Also, stay through the credits for this one.
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HrdCoreJoe
Potato korv








Since: 29.4.02
From: Jax, FL

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#2 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.00
Just got back from our screening here in Jax and I have to say, next to Jackass 2, this is probably the funniest movie of the year. For me at least, your mileage may vary.

I never watched the Ali G show, but I can only imagine this is that multiplied by 100. I would have gladly paid to see it, but free is awesome too.

Also, speaking as a Jew myself, the anti-Jew humor was not off putting at all. Because I realize it's a joke and he's a Jew and all that jazz. But I'm sure Jews as a whole appreciate your concern Vile.



Andy Richter does indeed control the universe.
StingArmy
Andouille








Since: 3.5.03
From: Georgia bred, you can tell by my Hawk jersey

Since last post: 2957 days
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#3 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.89
Just got back from seeing this movie. My friend and I had to drive all over town to find somewhere where it wasn't sold out. And boy was it worth it. I really think this may be the funniest movie I've ever seen, and I *know* I've never laughed this hard in a movie theater in my whole life. What makes it all the more ridiculous is knowing that almost everything* is 100% real. Go see this movie!

* I say "almost everything" because I can't imagine the book signing wasn't staged or that Baron Cohen would really allow a wild bear to get that close to small children. But who knows?

- StingArmy
Cerebus
Scrapple








Since: 17.11.02

Since last post: 2460 days
Last activity: 2182 days
#4 Posted on | Instant Rating: 0.97
We went to an early showing yesterday, before all the school kids went and crowded the theater and it was still about 3/4th packed.

What's good about seeing movies during the day is that this is the time where you get the real people in there, not just young kids who want to go see the new 'cool' movie.

There were a few walkouts, about 6 people left the theater, one older guy left running during the naked scene (no spoiler because I couldn't stop laughing at that shit and I don't want to ruin it for anyone just yet...) which was funny cause he was sitting with two women and they stayed. He didn't come back.

Here are a few things I over heard during the film...

Older black couple behind us to the left: "OH NO HE DIDN'T!" for almost the entire film EXCEPT when he was in the camper with the three white guys talking about slavery, which the female then said "That shit ain't funny." Also "That ain't funny." was said when Borat said his was producer was dressed like Hitler and he couldn't stay mad at him.

Older white couple who had to be in thier 60's who were right in front of us: "That's not funny." was said about fifty times by the female but the guy was laughing from start to finish.

Middle aged male sitting a few seats over from me: Complete silence! This was kinda disturbing actually cause he was creeping me out. It was like he didn't know it was a comedy or something.

Myself: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh shit this hurts!" I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. The Rodeo, the bed and breakfast scene, the reaction he had to the Pamela Anderson sex tape... this was easily the damned funniest film I've seen in years.
The Vile1
Lap cheong








Since: 4.9.02
From: California

Since last post: 5456 days
Last activity: 5188 days
#5 Posted on | Instant Rating: 1.76
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/daily/chart/

The movie had a pretty staggering opening BO day. Estimated $9 million while being in only 837 theatres! I can only imagine what the final weekend take would be.
JustinShapiro
Scrapple
Moderator








Since: 12.12.01

Since last post: 1764 days
Last activity: 1416 days
#6 Posted on | Instant Rating: 8.58
Holy shit. Borat, the man, was getting dangerously overexposed in the lead-up to the release, but it was ultimately for a good cause -- I thought the movie was amazing. SBC is one of our straight up geniuses. His improvisational mind blows me away and his fearlessness is, well, terrifying. I mean, the balls on that man. Which we saw.

To nitpick, I would've preferred that the movie had more sociocultural exposé/satire than Kazakh-derived wackiness, and (even) more of Borat interacting with the real people as opposed to the 'regular' comedy scenes. The percentage for the formers probably tilts a good bit higher on Da Ali G Show. But this was a movie and had a loose narrative to tell, and the gags certainly deliver huge. Turning an antique store into a real life set piece for physical comedy was particularly astounding. And it's not like we didn't get our money's worth of certain people's idiocy and/or awfulness being immortalized in a major hit motion picture. This I love so very, very much.

During the movie, I was thinking that it was a shame that, unlike Borat, "Funkyzeit mit Bruno" probably didn't have enough depth to get a whole movie. As it turns out, Borat's remarkable success means a Bruno movie is actually gonna happen. OMG. Crank it up.

From the corner of my eye I noticed two walkouts. A very sophisticated couple in their late 20s left during the battle sequence. Dorks!

One of the NOT funniest movies ever.

(edited by JustinShapiro on 5.11.06 0407)
StaggerLee
Scrapple








Since: 3.10.02
From: Right side of the tracks

Since last post: 937 days
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#7 Posted on | Instant Rating: 2.28
I laughed so hard in this movie. The nude scene with the "big black box" had me rolling.

The line Chocolate Face while totally NON PC, (especially who they were talking about) made me chuckle. And look of revelation and disgust on his face after he asks about the man with the rubber fist, made me laugh for a solid minute.

The telegram from home, at least where I was at, got the biggest laugh.

Terrific movie.



(edited by StaggerLee on 5.11.06 1211)
Freeway
Scrapple








Since: 3.1.02
From: Calgary

Since last post: 3749 days
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#8 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.07
A little birdie told me that Borat's numbers will mean that it expands to more screens next week, so if you're in an area where you don't have a showing yet...it's probably on its way.



DVDs; Blog
oldschoolhero
Knackwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: nWo Country

Since last post: 5431 days
Last activity: 5365 days
#9 Posted on | Instant Rating: 9.00
I think Fox were always planning to expand this out to 2000 screens after the initial 800 run. It's a canny move on their part-they've built up so much momentum for a niche film that it'll probably cruise past $100mil.

Awesome movie, by the way. I can't recall a time when I've laughed harder in the theatre.



To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires, and lights, in a box.-Edward R. Murrow
AWArulz
Scrapple








Since: 28.1.02
From: Louisville, KY

Since last post: 99 days
Last activity: 99 days
#10 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.50
I guess I am old. I went and saw this and mostly didn't laugh and was mostly embarassed and disgusted.



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Jericholic53
Boerewors








Since: 18.3.03
From: Honolulu, HI

Since last post: 1897 days
Last activity: 1312 days
#11 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.29
    Originally posted by AWArulz
    I went and saw this and mostly didn't laugh and was mostly embarassed and disgusted.


Same here.



It says so right here in the wcw handbook!
oldschoolhero
Knackwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: nWo Country

Since last post: 5431 days
Last activity: 5365 days
#12 Posted on | Instant Rating: 9.00
What did you find embarrassing/disgusting? Borat himself?



To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires, and lights, in a box.-Edward R. Murrow
Zeruel
Thirty Millionth Hit
Moderator








Since: 2.1.02
From: The Silver Spring in the Land of Mary.

Since last post: 1675 days
Last activity: 1675 days
#13 Posted on | Instant Rating: 4.05
Borat opened at #1.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061106/ap_on_en_mo/box_office;_ylt=Ap5UzYnqxO1mP0075nQgKMOs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3OTB1amhuBHNlYwNtdHM-


    "Borat" played in only 837 theaters, fewer than one-fourth the count for "The Santa Clause 3" and "Flushed Away." Averaging a whopping $31,511 a theater, "Borat" easily outdistanced "The Santa Clause 3," which averaged $5,784 in 3,458 cinemas and "Flushed Away," which averaged $5,152 in 3,707 theaters.

    Fox plans to expand "Borat" to as many as 2,500 theaters this Friday.


I took a friend that thought it would be the stupidest movie all year and she and I laughed pretty much non-stop through the whole flick.

Highest possible recommendation.

(edited by Zeruel on 6.11.06 0335)


"I enjoy cocaine because it's a fun thing to do. I enjoy the company of prostitutes because it's a fun thing to do. If you combine the two together, it's probably even more fun."
-- Representative Robert Wexler (D - FL)

AWArulz
Scrapple








Since: 28.1.02
From: Louisville, KY

Since last post: 99 days
Last activity: 99 days
#14 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.50
    Originally posted by oldschoolhero
    What did you find embarrassing/disgusting? Borat himself?


Pretty much. All the sex/genetalia references, "kissing" his sister prostitute, - it was not just stupid, it was foolish.

Until I read this thread, I didn't know he was on Da Ali G show, if I had, I probably wouldn't have gone. I feel pretty much the same way about that show the few times I have caught parts of it.



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oldschoolhero
Knackwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: nWo Country

Since last post: 5431 days
Last activity: 5365 days
#15 Posted on | Instant Rating: 9.00
I tihnk dismissing it as offensive comedy is to miss the cultural and societal points it makes. But if it's not your type of comedy I can certainly see why you hated it. Different strokes for different folks.



To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires, and lights, in a box.-Edward R. Murrow
AWArulz
Scrapple








Since: 28.1.02
From: Louisville, KY

Since last post: 99 days
Last activity: 99 days
#16 Posted on | Instant Rating: 6.46
    Originally posted by oldschoolhero
    I tihnk dismissing it as offensive comedy is to miss the cultural and societal points it makes. But if it's not your type of comedy I can certainly see why you hated it. Different strokes for different folks.


I wouldn't exactly use the term "offensive" so to speak. Few things offend me. I was embarassed for the many people around me (And I basically heard NO laughing in the half-filled theater I was in) who seemed to be squirming at some of the images and messages. I was embarassed that we have to sink so low to be "funny" today.

and I must admit, I saw no cultural or societal points. But I was probably just overwhelmed with thoughts of "I could have see "Flags of our Fathers" instead!"

Alternatively, "Napoleon Dynamite", a movie that was aimed at a similar audience, I believe, was a film I found hilarious - I have watched it many times. Of course, every other reference did not involve the main character's need to fulfil his personal, base, needs.

I think it's a bit of a commentary on our society that they would like this movie. I can understand how a couple minute skit on this subject would be amusing (I recall the "Wild and Crazy guys" from SNL and see how he borrowed heavily from those skits). But I still don't know how I lasted the whole movie. Skinflint, I suppose - I had paid my money, and was hoping for redemption - but none came.



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Deputy Marshall
Liverwurst








Since: 28.6.04
From: Troy, NY

Since last post: 3451 days
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#17 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.28
See, some of the parts I liked the most were the more subtle jokes. For example, when he's being interviewed by the local news station and he stands up from his seat so they're forced to cut to a different camera.

I could see where some would react the way AWARulz and others did to this movie...and actually, I expected it. I'm not shocked very easily (to put it lightly) and even I was covering my eyes during certain sequences.

That being said, I don't think the fact that some of the stuff he does is shocking should be discounted as him being cheap with the humor. Cohen's delivery and improvisational skills are fantastic. There's a lot of "comedians" out there that have and do use the same tactic of ambushing unsuspecting individuals for comedic purposes, but none of them are nearly as funny as Cohen. There's a lot to be said for his facial reactions as well, for example when taking the driving course and finding out that the old couple renting out the room in the boarding house were Jewish.

But yeah, totally understandable that some were offended or embarrassed more than anything else. Actually, I'm more surprised that more people I know that have seen it WEREN'T completely offended by it. As far as walk-outs in the theater, I didn't notice any, but it was also a mostly young crowd attending the screening.

"Gypsy, listen - you will give me your tears or I will take them. Understand?"


(edited by Deputy Marshall on 6.11.06 1101)


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oldschoolhero
Knackwurst








Since: 2.1.02
From: nWo Country

Since last post: 5431 days
Last activity: 5365 days
#18 Posted on | Instant Rating: 9.00
I would say that your theatre was one of the very few in the country experiencing that kind of widespread embarrassmant, AWA, as BORAT made $26mil on 800 screens. That's almost unheard of.

Borat's entire reason for being is to expose the deeprooted prejudices found in the Western world. When he succeeds in coaxing out those rather unpleasant viewpoints he becomes the least offensive thing on screen. Ad when he doesn't, it's endearing and sweet to see the politeness that some will extend to such an obviously backwards man. Most places have focused their discussion of the movie on how it underlines the uglier side of the USA, but I think it's much more even than that. I see it as a "best and worst" kind of thing-sure, there's the racists and the bigots that are all too keen to agree with Borat's odious views. But there's also the people who tolerate and even accept him, who are willing to engage and educate him. It both celebrates and denounces different aspects of the culture.



To those who say people wouldn't look; they wouldn't be interested; they're too complacent, indifferent and insulated, I can only reply: There is, in one reporter's opinion, considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right, and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate, then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires, and lights, in a box.-Edward R. Murrow
Reverend J Shaft
Toulouse








Since: 25.6.03
From: Home of The Big House

Since last post: 1438 days
Last activity: 21 days
#19 Posted on | Instant Rating: 5.02
    Originally posted by oldschoolhero
    Borat's entire reason for being is to expose the deeprooted prejudices found in the Western world. When he succeeds in coaxing out those rather unpleasant viewpoints he becomes the least offensive thing on screen. Ad when he doesn't, it's endearing and sweet to see the politeness that some will extend to such an obviously backwards man. Most places have focused their discussion of the movie on how it underlines the uglier side of the USA, but I think it's much more even than that. I see it as a "best and worst" kind of thing-sure, there's the racists and the bigots that are all too keen to agree with Borat's odious views. But there's also the people who tolerate and even accept him, who are willing to engage and educate him. It both celebrates and denounces different aspects of the culture.


"I just hope you didn't think it sucked."

CHAPLOW
Morcilla








Since: 14.5.04
From: right behind you

Since last post: 3572 days
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#20 Posted on | Instant Rating: 0.72
I basically agree with oldschool.

The film had its share of sophomoric "stupid" comedy, which I am not above of

and

very hard-hitting social commentary under the guise of stupid sophomoric comedy.

AWA... come on. Come aaan. Whats not funny? Yes there was some "offensive" stuff (I was only ALMOST offended by the jew crucifixion) but being offended so easily is just being sheeple.
I could write an entire essay on the actual foolishness of being offended by stuff like this!! (But will I? (No))

Taken very lightly, the movie is high-larious. It has to be taken lightly because it deals with some really heavy subject matter.



My favorite moments of WWF No Mercy for the N64:

1. Winning the tag team belts with a team composed of Cactus Jack and Mankind.

2. Winning the Women's Championship as Triple H. (i.e. Pedigreeing Mae Young through the announcer's table)
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