After WWI ended in 1918, Germany was declining, between losing the war, the terms of surrender, and economic woes. One year later, a recently discharged soldier saw the potential to rise in power through propaganda and strongarming political leaders. That man was Adolf Hitler, who rose to power from 1921 until 1933 when he was declared chancellor of Germany. He would go down in history as one of the most tyrannical and genocidal dictators to ever live. Over the years, there have been various films made about Hitler, ranging from serious dramas to hilarious satires. Some examples of satire include Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator in 1940 and Mel Brooks’ The Producers in 1967. Flashforward to 2019, where New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) has brought us his form of Nazi mockery. Based on the book Caging Skies by Christine Leunens, we have the comedy-drama Jojo Rabbit.
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Synopsis
In 1940s Germany, a young boy named Johannes “Jojo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) dreams of being Hitler’s right-hand man. So much so that he even has an imaginary friend who happens to be Hitler (Taika Waititi) offering sagelike advice. He attends a Hitler Youth camp run by Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell), where an accidental grenade blast leaves him scarred. Thanks to his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson), Jojo manages to get work from Klenzendorf, mostly small tasks like spreading propaganda. One day at home, Jojo discovers a Jewish girl named Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie), who’s been hiding out in the attic. Though initially frightened because of his teachings, Jojo reluctantly starts spending time with her, mostly learning about the “Jewish secrets”. He starts having feelings for her, which goes against what he believes as a Nazi and starts frustrating imaginary Hitler. Will he hold onto his beliefs, or will he be changed?
Review
Jojo Rabbit is the perfect film to come out now, especially given much of the hatred that’s been spreading. It’s a very sweet and touching film that shows how love and compassion can conquer fear and hate. Roman Griffin Davis, for such a young actor, delivers a fantastic performance as a boy trying to prove himself. Thomasin McKenzie is also great, being both really funny and even showing her more dramatic side in some scenes. As per usual, Sam Rockwell steals just about every scene he’s in, easily one of the film’s highlights. Scarlett Johansson is both charming and sweet as a single mother trying to raise her son by encouraging love. Both behind and in front of the camera, Taika Waititi shows just how talented he is as a filmmaker/actor. As an imaginary Hitler, he can be really funny and simultaneously really intimidating, especially near the end.
In terms of problems, Jojo Rabbit has a few that hinder it slightly, but not enough to ruin the film. Perhaps the biggest problem is that this film has very odd tonal shifts throughout, bouncing wildly between satire and drama. One minute, you’re laughing at some of the goofier moments between Jojo and either Elsa, imaginary Hitler, or his mother. But then, almost out of nowhere, there will be some dark and heavy scenes that seem out of place. Given the subject matter, it’s fair to expect that there would some darker elements in Jojo Rabbit. But the way it’s handled feels like tonal whiplash as if trying to remind you of the horrors going on. Granted, that might’ve been the intent, but it could put some audiences off, especially if they’re going in blind. Overall, while somewhat flawed, Jojo Rabbit is still worth your time.
Buy Jojo Rabbit on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dI9wSe.
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