Jojo Rabbit (2019 Film) Review
In the later stages of World War II, Jojo, a lonely German boy, discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic, forcing him to question his idolization of Nazis and Adolf Hitler, who serves as his imaginary friend.
Roman Griffin Davis stars as Johannes "Jojo" Betzler while Thomasin McKenzie plays Elsa, the Jewish girl living in Jojo's attic. Taika Waititi plays a goofy version of the infamous Adolf Hitler and Scarlett Johansson plays Rosie, Jojo's mother and secret anti-Nazi.
Based on Christine Leunens's "Caging Skies," Taika Waititi wrote and directed "Jojo Rabbit." He also co-produced the film with Carthew Neal and Chelsea Winstanley. Fox Searchlight Pictures distributed "Jojo Rabbit."
Overall Thoughts
Honestly, it's funny to imagine Taika Waititi at home, having struck box office gold with "Thor: Ragnarok," saying to himself, "I want to make this film." When you think about it, however, the idea of making a mockery of the Nazis through a film has been done before by many other artists, from Charlie Chaplin, to even Disney Animation. Though just because it's been done before, it doesn't mean it can't be done again through a new perspective, and that's what "Jojo Rabbit" does, though not necessarily as a comedy.
Now, there are certainly funny elements in "Jojo Rabbit," but to simplify it as a comedy would be a mistake. It is a coming-of-age story, only way more serious and poignant than you think. Waititi does include many laugh-worthy jokes, but there are more crucial points to "Jojo Rabbit" that the marketing has saved for the actual film. It delves into themes such as prejudice and blind allegiance, and its implementation in this story builds a cautionary tale, with the message having strong applications to today's youth.
You don't see many child actors given roles as complex as Jojo Betzler, but Roman Griffin Davis was up to the task. Though Jojo's obsession is often portrayed as hilarious and absurd, on another level, it's tragic to see this kid's devotion to an organization he does not fully understand. There are many conflicting thoughts going through his head that Davis is able to convey through simple facial expressions. You can see the complex situation he finds himself in, and that inner conflict is developed very effectively. In every scene, Davis has a mature sensibility that you normally see in most adult actors, though he still retains a childlike innocence.
Thomasin McKenzie's Elsa provides Jojo with a look at what Jews are actually like, and the actress fills her character with an expressive personality. She and Roman Griffin Davis share a special chemistry, which makes their character's many conversations so captivating. I'm glad this film didn't go the typical romance route with their characters. Instead, the story takes a more original route, which also suits the film's story and style.
Scarlett Johansson gives the best performance in the film as Jojo's mother, Rosie. She and Jojo share a loving yet somewhat dysfunctional relationship. She wants her son to be a kid, arguing that someone so young shouldn't be so involved with politics. Johansson is full energy and emotion. Her character has such a beautiful and poetic outlook on life, one that she wishes her son would have. We quickly grow to care for their relationship, which makes what happens later on so heartbreaking. I won't spoil the new developments, but there is a scene, my favorite part of the film, that I couldn't stop thinking and crying about even after leaving the theater. It let the visuals and emotion speak for itself and I didn't expect such a scene from a seemingly preposterous satire. Bravo, team!
Lastly, there's Taika Waititi as the infamous man himself, Adolf Hitler. As advertised, this Hitler is a doofus. Not a word he says isn't humorous on some level and Waititi clearly takes great pleasure in making this horrible figure a laughing stock, even going so far as to make the most absurd facial expressions. He's not intending to offend; he wishes only to entertain. His ridiculous antics generate the right amount of comedy to balance out the serious nature of the film's other story elements. He has less and less screen time as Jojo becomes more distant from the Nazis, but he does leave an impression. In fact, in the long run, Waititi's Hitler will likely go down as one of the most memorable aspects of this movie.
Although "Jojo Rabbit" delivers on its humor, it surprises and amazes with its drama, heart, and outstanding acting. I highly recommend seeing it and let us hope Taika Waititi continues making films as great as this in the years to come.
Thomasin McKenzie's Elsa provides Jojo with a look at what Jews are actually like, and the actress fills her character with an expressive personality. She and Roman Griffin Davis share a special chemistry, which makes their character's many conversations so captivating. I'm glad this film didn't go the typical romance route with their characters. Instead, the story takes a more original route, which also suits the film's story and style.
Scarlett Johansson gives the best performance in the film as Jojo's mother, Rosie. She and Jojo share a loving yet somewhat dysfunctional relationship. She wants her son to be a kid, arguing that someone so young shouldn't be so involved with politics. Johansson is full energy and emotion. Her character has such a beautiful and poetic outlook on life, one that she wishes her son would have. We quickly grow to care for their relationship, which makes what happens later on so heartbreaking. I won't spoil the new developments, but there is a scene, my favorite part of the film, that I couldn't stop thinking and crying about even after leaving the theater. It let the visuals and emotion speak for itself and I didn't expect such a scene from a seemingly preposterous satire. Bravo, team!
Lastly, there's Taika Waititi as the infamous man himself, Adolf Hitler. As advertised, this Hitler is a doofus. Not a word he says isn't humorous on some level and Waititi clearly takes great pleasure in making this horrible figure a laughing stock, even going so far as to make the most absurd facial expressions. He's not intending to offend; he wishes only to entertain. His ridiculous antics generate the right amount of comedy to balance out the serious nature of the film's other story elements. He has less and less screen time as Jojo becomes more distant from the Nazis, but he does leave an impression. In fact, in the long run, Waititi's Hitler will likely go down as one of the most memorable aspects of this movie.
Although "Jojo Rabbit" delivers on its humor, it surprises and amazes with its drama, heart, and outstanding acting. I highly recommend seeing it and let us hope Taika Waititi continues making films as great as this in the years to come.
Rating: ★★★½
Conclusion
This has been my review of “Jojo Rabbit." I hope you enjoyed it. Have you seen the film? If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below. Should you feel inclined, recommend a film for me to review next. Thank you for reading, I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review.
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