MORAL OF THE MOVIE

In special times like the ones we live in nowadays, the same issues that were present before a global pandemic will still remain during and after it. Even so many years after the first Borat “moviefilm”, the same highlighted issues of intolerance are still very much a part of American society. This one, however, decides to show more of the good than the bad and focuses on the particular topic of sexism. One can attribute whatever they like to “cultural differences”, but one thing is universal across all cultures of the world: no matter what we choose to believe, we are all equal and equally capable regardless of identity, religion, gender, race, etc. Some will not agree, but that doesn’t change the fact. It is up to us to show this fact through kindness like the babysitter and the synagogue women did.

WHO I THINK WOULD MOST ENJOY THIS MOVIE

Quite simply, if you liked/loved the first one, then you’ll like/love this one too as it has everything you’re looking for in a movie featuring Borat Sagdiyev. Otherwise, it really is a coin flip as to whether or not you’ll like Sacha Baron Cohen’s polarizing humor.

ADDITIONAL NOTES/COMMENTARY

By this point, Sacha Baron Cohen has perfected the art of getting people around him to either be the worst or most ridiculous version of themselves. So, in this movie he adds to that and does something we haven’t seen him do yet: share the spotlight. This film introduces Maria Balakova as Borat’s daughter in order to convey a feminist message in addition to the critique of xenophobia and anti-semitism that was such a big part of the first Borat installment. While the first film highlighted the prevalence of intolerance, xenophobia, anti-semitism, and sexism in the U.S., this sequel has put a particular focus on misogyny and the patriarchal oppression of women in American society. Interestingly enough, this movie will most be remembered for the scene with Rudy Giuliani, but the scenes that made this film the most memorable to me were the ones that featured human decency and altruism. Without going into spoilers, those scenes had the most powerful messages out of the entire movie without feeling preachy. For those who have seen it, I’m specifically talking about the synagogue scene and the babysitter scene. They showed how we can overcome the prejudice and intolerance that is highlighted throughout the film. In a time full of fear and hatred, those slivers of hope are what I hold on to when I think about a better future. As polarizing as Sacha Baron Cohen’s humor and movies may be, Borat 2 features something universal: hope. In the end, Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm is made for fans of Sacha Baron Cohen antics that they’ve grown to love with a particular 2020 twist. Ps. I know it’s been a minute. For some reason, I’ve had this review written for a while and never posted it! Expect weekly posts from here on out! Always grateful for the support!