Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

8/10

Starring

Roman Griffin Davis

Thomasin McKenzie

Taika Waititi

Sam Rockwell

Scarlett Johansson

Directed by Taika Waititi

It’s not every day we get to see a movie like this, one whose visual style comes out almost perfect. The movie has some magnificent timing in its comedy and thrilling moments. If, like me, you get to see this movie without reading much about the plot, get ready for a fun, dramatic ride.

Taika Waititi’s artistry in this movie is worth every accolade it gets. His way of making movies both comedic and engaging is something he has mastered, and I have to say with confidence that he is a filmmaker to watch. He’s already doing well—for me, he and Rian Johnson are filmmakers who have burst onto the scene and are fun to follow. I hope they continue on this course.

Jojo Rabbit is not a movie for everyone, and that’s because of where the movie takes place. The plot is set during World War II and centers on making fun of the Nazi era. That alone, for many, will be something they won’t like to see or want anyone to take lightly. The movie is based on the book Caging Skies by Christine Leunens. Waititi directed, produced, developed the screenplay, and also had a supporting role as imaginary Hitler in this movie.

With the above cleared up (on what the movie is about), I guess now you can decide if you want to read further. The movie has a good message, but if such a subject bothers you, maybe this isn’t the movie for you.

The movie’s plot is about a young boy, Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), who has an imaginary friend—an eccentric Hitler. Jojo dreams of becoming a soldier for Hitler. His desire leads him to join the army as a young boy, where we see them being trained to hate and kill. After we witness him not really being cut out for the life of a soldier, an incident lands him in the hospital.
He gets back on his feet and still has the same focus, but soon discovers something that his mum (Scarlett Johansson) has been hiding, which challenges everything about what he wants to be in the future.

The movie was a critical and commercial success. It wasn’t made with a huge budget, but it does enough to make back its money. It earned six Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe awards. It won Waititi the BAFTA and Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and is seen by many as one of the best movies of 2019.

It’s a fun movie to see and enjoy.