A new movie from well-known British comedian Sasha Baron Cohen goes on general release in the UK. The film has provoked controversy in Kazakhstan and the U.S. Borat is the brainchild of British comedian – famous for his ‘Ali G show’.

His new creation – an eager Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev who travels around the U.S. making a documentary. He hopes to learn more about Western traditions – while shocking everyone with his racism, misogyny and backwardness.

The UK premiere took place in London in pouring rain. Those around the red carpet got soaked. But they got to see their favorite character arriving in a horse and cart – accompanied by supposed prostitutes and other characters from pseudo-Kazakhstan.

Borat speaks nonchalantly about fictionalized Kazakhstani cultural values – such as throwing Jews down the well, shooting dogs for fun and caging wives. That’s what attracts many and offends others.

Despite some critics saying Borat’s true target is the US with its ignorance about the world – many Kazakhs worry the image of Kazakhstan may suffer and they find the film offensive.