The chemistry between the hyper-masculine Aladeen and the feminist activist Zoey (Anna Faris) provides a hilarious "culture clash" that drives the second half of the film. Cultural Legacy

The film earned its reputation for being "hot" not just through its adult themes, but through its blistering critique of world politics. Sacha Baron Cohen uses Aladeen to hold up a mirror to both Eastern dictatorships and Western democratic hypocrisies.

From the "Wadiyan Games" where Aladeen shoots his competitors to the infamous helicopter scene, the movie is a masterclass in cringe-comedy.