Da Ali G Show - The Complete First Season Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Steve Ellington
DVD - 2 Disc Set - Full Frame Learn more
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- DVD Release Date: 08/17/2004
- Rating:
- Sales Rank: 35,001
FOR PARENTS
- Common Sense Rates this for Ages: More
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Features
Closed Caption; The unedited Spyz Movie that Ali G pitched in Hollywood; Unseen footage of Borat at the Hamptons Horse Show and the American Patriotism Event; Audio commentary with Sacha Baron Cohen and series producer/writer Dan Mazer; Glossary of Ali G jargon
Full Product DetailsEditorial Reviews
The alter ego of British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, Ali G has been a sensation in England since 1999. The joke is simple but has surprisingly long legs: a clueless, yellow-clad wannabe rapper, Ali G, interviews politicians, CEOs, and other public figures who are unaware it's all a hoax. After running out of people in England who didn't know who he was, Cohen brought Ali G to America -- and HBO -- to hoodwink such notables as Newt Gingrich, Sam Donaldson, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Ralph Nader. The humor comes not from making fun of these bigwigs but from their on-camera tolerance of Ali's endless stream of inane questions: After giving definitions for "legal" and "illegal," former U.S. attorney general Dick Thornberg is asked, "What is 'Barely Legal' then?" In Season 1's six episodes, Ali G also tries to pitch a movie to various Hollywood executives and sell a new business idea to Donald Trump, who is the only person that seems to sense that this big hip-hop banana may be full of it. Cohen additionally plays two other characters on the series, both of whom rival Ali G for laughs -- fashion reporter Bruno and Kazakhstan Television correspondent Borat. Wildly effeminate and camp, Bruno interviews a range of fashion and media types, all of whom are more than happy to say anything just to get some time on-camera. It is Borat, however, who is the show's secret weapon. His segments, "Borat's Guide to America," send the English-impaired personality to visit "real America": dating and etiquette experts, acting school, nature colonies, and town council meetings. Asking the most inappropriate questions possible, Borat pushes American hospitality to the limit. Borat also gives Cohen a chance to show off his gifts as a physical comedian. One segment in a gym suggests he could ably fill Peter Sellers' shoes in the Pink Panther series. Often rude, crude -- and surely offensive to the timid -- Da Ali G Show is one of the funniest things on television today. Enjoy it now before all of America is in on the joke, too. Bill Pearis, Barnes & Noble
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Why We Rated This Appropriate for Ages 16 and UP
What to watch out for
- Language:
Frequent use of strong curse words, including various incarnations of "f--k," "c--k," and "s--t." Sexist vernacular ("bitches," "hos") and racial slurs, too.
- Sex:
Ali G's naked butt is visible at the opening of each episode. Full-frontal nudity (male and female) is briefly visible in various segments, including a photograph of a woman exposing her vagina. The series also has lots of strong sexual ref... More
Ali G's naked butt is visible at the opening of each episode. Full-frontal nudity (male and female) is briefly visible in various segments, including a photograph of a woman exposing her vagina. The series also has lots of strong sexual references, including descriptions and discussions of various sexual acts. Close
- Messages
- Consumerism:
Ali G wears lots of bling and conspicuously branded clothing (particularly Tommy Hilfiger), and Bruno is pretty materialistic.
- Drugs:
Adults smoke and drink in some segments. Includes discussions and descriptive images of illegal drugs.
- Violence:
Ali G tries to present himself as a West London "gangsta," but in reality he's pretty peace loving. The show itself isn't violent, but there are some discussions of violence, including conversations about capital punishment, domestic violen... More
Ali G tries to present himself as a West London "gangsta," but in reality he's pretty peace loving. The show itself isn't violent, but there are some discussions of violence, including conversations about capital punishment, domestic violence, and war. Close
What Parents Need to Know
About Da Ali G Show - The Complete First Season
Parents need to know that while this show is extremely popular among teens in the United States and the United Kingdom (even more so since Borat was a big hit), it absolutely earns its TV-MA rating. Every episode is chock full of explicit language and contains occasional racist comments, strong sexual references, and brief moments of nudity. Star Sacha Baron Cohen is an expert at turning excruciating moments into laugh-out-loud humor, but some of the show's social commentary about culture and politics may be too subtle for most kids (and even plenty of adults) to catch.
Families Can Talk About
Families can talk about the ways in which television can serve as a source of social commentary on contemporary issues. Families can also talk about the ethics of "mock" or "spoof" interviews. Is it ethical to pose as a real journalist when you're not, even if it's meant to be funny? What point is the show trying to make? Does the satire help or simply entertain? How can you tell the difference?
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