Ali G Indahouse

Ali G Indahouse 2004

Runtime

85 min

Language

English

English

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Plot Summary


Ali G, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen, heads the fictional gang known as Da West Staines Massiv, a band of aspiring gangsters from the suburban town of Staines, situated to the west of London. Their main competitors are Da East Staines Massiv. The gang faces a significant blow when they discover that their cherished local leisure center—where Ali often relaxes and conducts his “Keep it Real” classes—is set to be torn down by the local council.

In a bid to protest this unjust decision, Ali and his crew decide to take action. When Ali goes on a hunger strike and is spotted chained to some railings, he catches the attention of the unscrupulous Chancellor of the Exchequer/Deputy Prime Minister, David Carlton (played by Charles Dance). This encounter pulls Ali into a murky world of political manipulation, as Carlton aims to use Ali as a pawn in a scheme to undermine the Prime Minister.

The situation escalates when Ali is unexpectedly put forward as a candidate for the upcoming MP election in Staines, which sparks chaos as he alienates nearly everyone he meets, including feminists and senior citizens. In a heated debate with his rival, he attempts to humiliate him by proclaiming that he “sucked off a horse.” Ironically, it is later revealed that his rival indeed has such a scandal in his past but attempts to justify it by claiming it was an accident during a hunting trip, which only adds to the absurdity of the situation. Consequently, Ali secures victory.

Initially appearing outmatched in his role as a Member of Parliament, Ali’s eccentric tactics surprisingly begin to yield results. He embarks on a visit to a Customs checkpoint at Dover under the pretense of compiling a report, yet he ends up pilfering confiscated drugs and adult materials. His proposals, which include fostering “relatable” education and selectively allowing immigration of attractive women, surprisingly resonate with the public, leading to a surge in his popularity and a substantial increase in polling numbers.

In light of his unexpected success, the Prime Minister offers to rescue Ali’s leisure center, but first, Ali is enlisted to join the Prime Minister at a United Nations peace conference aimed at diffusing potential conflict between Chad and Burkina Faso. As tensions mount, and with both the USA and Russia threatening nuclear conflict, Ali stealthily enters the catering area and dumps a bag of marijuana—which he had swiped earlier—into the delegates’ tea, thus inadvertently forging a bond between the two opposing African presidents, who begin to express affection for each other.

As a result of his actions, the Prime Minister touts Ali as a hero who has saved the world. However, the truth of Ali’s escapade comes to light when Carlton’s secretary, Kate Hedges, uncovers evidence of Ali’s mischief. She sends the incriminating empty bag to the press, leading to Ali’s fall from grace in Parliament upon his return to the UK.

To make matters worse, an explicit video surfaces, showing Ali engaged in an intimate act with his girlfriend while wearing the Prime Minister’s clothing, causing a public frenzy that forces the Prime Minister to resign. Consequently, Carlton, harboring animosity towards Ali, ascends to the role of Prime Minister and promptly orders the demolition of the leisure center. Moreover, he has strategically acquired real estate in Staines, anticipating the town’s impending destruction for a new Heathrow terminal that would grant him immense wealth.

Declining an offer from Hedges to remain silent about the video in exchange for their own liaison, Ali and the West Staines Massiv embark on a frantic mission to secure the master copy of the CCTV footage that could absolve the former Prime Minister. They extend an olive branch to rival gangs throughout Staines and neighboring Berkshire, including the East Staines Massiv, to unite in their quest to acquire the tape from a vault.

Through teamwork and determination, they successfully retrieve the tape, allowing for the restoration of the former Prime Minister to his position, the saving of the leisure center, and a joyful resolution for all. Ultimately, Ali is appointed as the British ambassador to Jamaica, sparing Staines from the brink of destruction, while the reinstated Prime Minister decrees that Slough shall face demolition instead. This film also features a cameo from one of Baron Cohen’s other famous characters, Borat, in a meeting with Ali G, showcasing the unique comedic styles that have become a hallmark of his work.

Timeline


Introduction of Da West Staines Massiv

Ali G, who is the leader of the fictional gang Da West Staines Massiv, introduces us to their aspirations as a bunch of suburban gangsters from Staines. This sets the tone for the comedic elements of the film, highlighting their local rivalries, particularly with Da East Staines Massiv.

Staines, London

Threat to the Leisure Center

The gang faces a major setback when they find out that their beloved local leisure center is set for demolition by the council. This leisure center is not just a hangout spot for Ali, but also a venue where he conducts his 'Keep it Real' classes.

Staines, London

Ali's Hunger Strike

In an attempt to protest against the demolition of the leisure center, Ali G goes on a hunger strike. He is seen chained to some railings, catching the attention of influential political figures including David Carlton, unbeknownst to him that this moment will change his life.

Meeting with David Carlton

Ali's encounter with David Carlton, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, leads him into a web of political manipulation. Carlton has his own agenda and sees Ali as a useful pawn in his plans to undermine the Prime Minister, setting off a series of comic political events.

Candidacy for MP Election

Unexpectedly, Ali is thrust into the spotlight as a candidate for the upcoming MP election in Staines. His campaign is chaotic, as he manages to offend a wide range of constituents, including feminists and older citizens, yet continues to push forward with crude humor.

Election Season Staines, London

Debate with Rival

During a debate with his political rival, Ali attempts to embarrass him by claiming outrageous scandals. The twist comes when it is revealed that his rival actually has a controversial incident in his background, enhancing the absurdity and humor of the political environment.

Surprising Victory

Despite his unconventional approach and questionable campaign tactics, Ali miraculously wins the election. This victory is a huge surprise to everyone, marking the beginning of his unpredictable tenure as a Member of Parliament.

Staines, London

Visit to Customs Checkpoint

Ali G visits a Customs checkpoint in Dover under the guise of gathering information for a report. However, instead of fulfilling his duties, he engages in petty crimes by stealing confiscated drugs and adult materials, all in the name of humor.

Dover, England

Political Proposals

Ali proposes ludicrous policies, such as fostering 'relatable' education and selectively allowing immigration for attractive women. Surprisingly, these proposals strike a chord with the public, earning him unexpected popularity and a rise in poll numbers.

International Peace Conference

In a twist of fate, Ali is invited to a United Nations peace conference to help alleviate tensions between Chad and Burkina Faso. His antics at the conference inadvertently lead to a bonding moment between the two African leaders, showcasing his absurd influence.

At the Conference United Nations

Ali's Heroic Reputation

Following his unexpected success at the peace conference, Ali is celebrated by the Prime Minister as a hero who has seemingly saved the world. His reputation quickly rises, but the truth behind his actions remains a secret.

Fall from Grace

Ali's climb to fame turns disastrous when evidence of his mischief is uncovered by Carlton's secretary. A scandalous bag of marijuana from the conference is leaked to the media, resulting in Ali's disgrace and loss of credibility.

Explicit Video Surfaces

The situation worsens when a private video of Ali with his girlfriend, in which he wears clothing belonging to the Prime Minister, is released to the public. This scandal not only impacts Ali but drives the Prime Minister to resign amid public outrage.

Carlton Becomes Prime Minister

With the Prime Minister's fall, David Carlton seizes the opportunity to ascend to power. His first act is to push for the demolition of the leisure center while anticipating profits from the new Heathrow terminal.

Staines, London

The Quest for the CCTV Tape

To salvage the former Prime Minister's reputation and save the leisure center, Ali and the Da West Staines Massiv unite rival gangs in Staines. Their mission leads them to retrieve a master copy of CCTV footage that could clear the former PM’s name.

Restoration and Resolution

After a successful retrieval of the tape, the former Prime Minister is reinstated, the leisure center is saved, and harmony returns to Staines. Ali is ultimately appointed as the British ambassador to Jamaica, turning his fortune around.

Staines, London

Characters


Ali G (Sacha Baron Cohen)

Ali G is a satirical character known for his outlandish behavior and unfiltered views. He embodies a blend of ignorance and charisma, which both alienates and charms those around him. His journey from a local gangster leader to a Member of Parliament illustrates both the comedic absurdity and illogical nature of politics.

😄 Comedy 🕵️‍♂️ Anti-hero 🎤 Satire

David Carlton (Carlos Ayala)

David Carlton is the power-hungry Chancellor of the Exchequer who sees Ali as a pawn in his political game. His manipulative nature is central to the plot, looking to exploit Ali's popularity for his own gain. This character represents the darker side of politics, showcasing how personal ambition can overshadow moral integrity.

💼 Manipulation 🏛️ Politics ⚡ Ambition

Setting


Time period

The film takes place in contemporary times, reflecting the societal norms and political climate of the early 2000s. This era is marked by political satire and the rising influence of unconventional characters in politics, accentuated by media sensationalism. The plot serves as a comical commentary on modern governance, drawing parallels to real-world events.

Location

Staines, Dover, United Nations

Staines is a suburban town located to the west of London known for its local leisure center, which becomes the focal point of a community protest. Dover serves as a Customs checkpoint that plays a crucial role in Ali's misadventures, highlighting the absurdity of political decisions. The United Nations setting underscores the global impact and scrutiny that arise from local actions, blending both humor and politics.

🏙️ Staines 🌍 International 🏛️ Political

Themes


🎭

Political Satire

The film humorously critiques politics and political figures through the absurd actions of Ali G. By placing a comically inept character in a position of power, it explores themes of manipulation, media influence, and public perception. Ali's outlandish ideas resonate within the political landscape, revealing the absurdities of real-life governance.

🏆

Unexpected Success

Despite his lack of experience, Ali's unconventional approach leads to surprising results in politics. His chaotic methods challenge traditional expectations and reflect the idea that unorthodox strategies can lead to success. This theme highlights the unpredictability of political success and the impact of grassroots movements.

🤝

Unity in Comedy

The film underscores the power of humor to unite disparate groups, as Ali seeks collaboration among rival gangs to achieve a common goal. Throughout the chaos, comedic elements serve as a bridge, promoting cooperation even in the face of conflict. It emphasizes that humor can break barriers and foster unexpected alliances.

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