The best way to watch Borat (officially Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan) is with an open mind, a strong sense of humor, and a willingness to be challenged. The film’s satirical brilliance relies on its shock value, but appreciating it fully requires understanding its commentary on American culture and its exploration of prejudice.
Understanding Borat’s Impact
Borat isn’t just a funny movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Sacha Baron Cohen’s character, Borat Sagdiyev, a fictional Kazakhstani journalist, interacts with real people, often eliciting revealing and uncomfortable reactions. The film uses guerilla filmmaking techniques and improvisational comedy to expose hypocrisy and prejudice lurking beneath the surface of everyday interactions. To truly appreciate Borat, you must understand its context within the broader landscape of satire and social commentary. It’s about holding a mirror up to society, and that reflection isn’t always pretty.
Where to Find Borat
Finding Borat these days is relatively straightforward. Options range from digital streaming to owning a physical copy.
Streaming Services
Currently, Borat and its sequel, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, are exclusively available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This is the most convenient option for most viewers, as it requires a Prime subscription but offers instant access. Be sure to check your region’s availability, as content libraries can vary.
Renting or Buying
If you don’t have Amazon Prime, you can rent or buy Borat through various digital platforms, including iTunes, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. These platforms offer both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) versions. Buying the digital copy allows you to watch it whenever you want, while renting provides temporary access.
Physical Media
For those who prefer physical media, Borat is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Owning a physical copy ensures that you can watch the film regardless of internet access or streaming service subscriptions. Plus, physical releases often include bonus features like deleted scenes and behind-the-scenes footage.
Preparing for the Viewing Experience
Before pressing play, it’s helpful to mentally prepare yourself for what you’re about to see. Borat pushes boundaries and often uses offensive humor to make its point.
Managing Expectations
Understand that Borat is provocative and intentionally uncomfortable. It aims to shock and challenge viewers, so be prepared for scenes and jokes that may be offensive or politically incorrect. The humor often relies on stereotypes and controversial topics.
Finding the Right Audience
Borat isn’t for everyone. Consider who you’re watching it with. Some viewers may find the humor too crude or offensive. Choose your viewing companions wisely. A group of friends who appreciate satire and dark humor will likely enjoy it more than a group expecting a traditional comedy.
Setting the Mood
Dim the lights, grab some snacks, and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Borat is best enjoyed when you’re relaxed and open to experiencing the film’s unique brand of humor.
Analyzing the Film’s Themes
Beyond the shock value, Borat explores complex themes related to prejudice, ignorance, and cultural differences.
Understanding the Satire
The film’s humor derives from its exaggerated portrayal of Borat’s character and his interactions with unsuspecting Americans. It satirizes everything from American patriotism to gender roles to religious beliefs. By exaggerating these aspects of society, the film exposes their inherent flaws and contradictions.
Recognizing the Commentary on American Culture
Borat offers a critical commentary on American culture, revealing both its strengths and weaknesses. It highlights the contradictions between American ideals and the realities of everyday life. The film also exposes the prejudices and biases that often remain hidden beneath the surface.
Discussing the Ethics
Borat‘s use of unsuspecting participants has raised ethical questions. Some argue that the film exploits these individuals, while others believe that their reactions reveal important truths about society. It’s important to consider these ethical implications when watching the film.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Watching Borat
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching Borat, designed to further enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the film:
FAQ 1: Is Borat available on Netflix?
No, Borat is not currently available on Netflix. Its streaming rights are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video.
FAQ 2: What is the difference between Borat and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm?
Borat (2006) is the original film that introduced the character of Borat Sagdiyev. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020) is the sequel that follows Borat as he attempts to deliver a gift to Vice President Mike Pence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sequel maintains the same satirical style but tackles contemporary issues.
FAQ 3: Is Borat appropriate for children?
No, Borat is not appropriate for children. It contains strong language, sexual content, and offensive humor. It is rated R in the United States.
FAQ 4: Is Borat offensive?
Borat is intentionally offensive. Its humor relies on stereotypes and controversial topics. Whether or not you find it offensive depends on your personal sensibilities. However, it’s important to remember that the offensiveness is often used to highlight underlying societal issues.
FAQ 5: How much of Borat is scripted?
While Sacha Baron Cohen has a basic outline for each scene, much of Borat is improvisational. Cohen interacts with real people and reacts to their responses in character. This improvisational style contributes to the film’s raw and unpredictable nature.
FAQ 6: What is the real name of the actor who plays Borat?
The actor who plays Borat is Sacha Baron Cohen. He is a British comedian, actor, and writer known for his satirical characters.
FAQ 7: Are the people in Borat actors?
Most of the people in Borat are not actors. They are ordinary individuals who interact with Borat in real-life situations. This is a key element of the film’s comedic and satirical effect.
FAQ 8: Why is Borat so controversial?
Borat is controversial because it uses offensive humor to address sensitive topics such as race, religion, and politics. It also raises ethical questions about the use of unsuspecting participants in the film.
FAQ 9: Is Borat a documentary?
Borat is not a documentary. It is a fictional film that uses a mockumentary format to create a satirical commentary on American culture.
FAQ 10: Is it safe to watch Borat at work?
Watching Borat at work is generally not recommended. Due to its offensive content, it could be considered inappropriate and potentially violate workplace policies.
FAQ 11: What are some other films similar to Borat?
Films similar to Borat in terms of satirical style and mockumentary format include Bruno, Da Ali G Show, and This is Spinal Tap. These films also use humor to explore social and political issues.
FAQ 12: Is there a director’s cut of Borat?
There isn’t a widely known or officially released director’s cut of Borat. The version available on streaming and physical media is generally considered the definitive version. However, some deleted scenes and alternate takes may be available as bonus features on DVD and Blu-ray releases.
By understanding these aspects of Borat, you can approach the film with a greater appreciation for its comedic brilliance and its insightful commentary on society. So, prepare yourself for a wild ride, and enjoy the satirical journey!