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CREAM OF CREAM? : a quick second lick of Larry Charles's 'Borat' [7/10] |
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Friday, 10 November 2006 |
It's now nearly a month since I had another crack at Borat (this time with a "live" public audience, instead of at a very late-night press screening) and the purpose of this 'review' is simply to record that, after seeing the film a second time, I stand by what I said in my initial reaction - but am now that much more appreciative of the film's merits (Baron Cohen's very physical "performance" during the evangelical church-service is particularly astonishing) and more indulgent of its demerits (everything after that service is perfunctory stuff.) I laughed just as much second time as first time, perhaps more so, and, while I wouldn't put Borat in or near the year's top ten, it's clearly a cut above (in ambition, talent and execution) the vast majority of comedies served up in recent months.
Neil Young
3rd December, 2006
BORAT : [7/10*] : full title Borat - Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan : USA 2006 : Larry DAVID : 84 mins (BBFC timing).
seen at Empire cinema, Sunderland (UK), 8th November 2006 - public show (paid £5.50)
* original rating : 6/10 (seen at Empire cinema, Bromsgrove [UK], 6th October 2006 - press show [CinemaDays event] - click here for review)
We are a valiant people, sons of honour,
And all we've sacrificed to gain our freedom.
Emerging from malicious grip of fate, from hell of fire,
We scored a victory of glory and success.
Soar high up in the sky, oh, eagle of freedom,
Call up to harmony, agreement and accord!
For hero's might and strength is in the nation,
Just as the unity is nation's razing sword.
While honouring our mothers and respecting
The cream of cream of our rising nation
We welcomed all ill-starred and struck by ruin...
Our homeland, the steppe, a sacred cradle
Of friendship and accord
Gave all a shelter and a hearty refuge.
Soar high up in the sky, oh, eagle of freedom,
Call up to harmony, agreement and accord!
For hero's might and strength is in the nation,
Just as the unity is nation's razing sword.
We've overcome the hardships
Let the past serve bitter lesson
But ahead we face a radiant future.
We bequeath our sacred legacy implying our mother tongue
And sovereignty and valour and traditions
So dearly cherished by our forefathers
As true mandate to future generations.
Soar high up in the sky, oh, eagle of freedom,
Call up to harmony, agreement and accord!
For hero's might and strength is in the nation,
Just as the unity is nation's razing sword.
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