Movie Review: Jojo Rabbit 乔乔的异想世界

Jojo Rabbit
Johannes “JoJo” Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis) is a young boy who is a member of the Hitler Youth. While aspiring to be a faithful member, he discovers his mum (Scarlet Johansson) is harboring a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie). As he gets to know the Jewish girl, he starts to question him what is ethically right.

Written and directed by Taika Waititi, based on the book “Caging Skies” by Christine Leunens. Waititi also stars in the film as JoJo’s imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler. Sam Rockwell appears as a disgraced soldier placed in charge of the Hitler Youth.�The film also stars Stephen Merchant, Rebel Wilson and Alfie Allen.

The film is very humorous and the atrocities of the war are depicted from the young child’s point of view. While there is some offensive remarks made towards Jewish people, the film sensitively handles the issues rather well and directs a positive outcome as it reaches its conclusion.

Wonderful performances are on show from all the leads and the scenes with Griffin, Johansson and McKenzie are captivating. I love the strong use of humor and the style of humor is very Wes Anderson-ish.

If I had any gripes, it would be the use of pop music (German cover versions of hit songs) that are from a later time period than the 1940s.

Despite that, this warm-hearted take on a child’s perspective of the war handles itself very well and it has many great performances.