Debbie Schlussel: Thumbs Down on "Borat": Hebrew Speaking Anti-Semitic Kazakh?
I saw the much-hyped (actually, overhyped) "Borat" movie, last night. (Full title: "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan")
You need not be a prude to note that the movie is not funny and goes beyond all acceptable bounds of good taste (and even the bounds of bad taste). I'm prohibited by Twentieth Century-Fox from reviewing it, until it comes out in early November. But one question:
Since when do they speak Hebrew in Kazakhstan?
Kazakh and Russian are the official languages of Kazakhstan. I speak and understand both Russian and Hebrew, and Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen) is clearly speaking Hebrew (when he's not speaking English) during the entire film. If you're going to make fun of two entire countries (the movie mostly makes fun of us, Americans, FYI) and play an anti-Semitic Kazakh, at least get it right.
There's not much right about "Borat." I now know why the Kazakhs hate Cohen. I second that emotion.
Stay tuned for my review, when the movie is released, next month.
Posted by Debbie on October 4, 2006 07:25 AM to Debbie Schlussel