Hi guys, its Laura. I’m here to breakdown one of 2019’s most talked about films: JoJo Rabbit. Here are my thoughts:
JoJo Rabbit was written and directed by Taika Waititi and stars Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie and Scarlett Johansson. The film tells the story of ten-year-old Johannes “JoJo” Betzler who dreams of being a part of Hitler’s army. He idolises Hitler to such an extent that a childlike version of Hilter is his imaginary friend and all seems well in JoJo’s world until he returns from camp to find out that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl named Elsa in their house. As JoJo spends time with Elsa, his world and faith begin to fall apart all whilst the German army are in the final stages of war.
Cineworld offered an unlimited screening for JoJo Rabbit meaning that all with an unlimited card got to see the film almost two weeks before its general release here in the UK in the new year. I jumped at the chance, this has been one of my most anticipated films of the year and I was not disappointed, in fact, it was even better than I expected.
I think the first thing to say about this film is that it’s brave. Taika Waititi has created a satire about one of histories most hated leaders and turned Germany’s stance in the war into a comedy and surprisingly it works. Waititi was very clear that this film is an anti-hate satire and that is the perfect way to describe it. Every single joke works and some are absolutely hilarious; they will have you crying with laughter. Only Taika Waititi could create something like this and only Taika Waititi could pull of not only the film but an incredible portrayal of a child’s version of Hitler that is blind to all the sorrow he created.
Not only is the cinematography beautiful, the performances are nothing short of brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is fantastic as JoJo. He perfectly balances the seriousness of JoJo’s obsession and the stress he goes through as his world collapses (he is fully deserving of his golden globe nomination). Thomasin McKenzie and Scarlett Johansson are the clear standouts as Elsa and JoJo’s mother Rosie. Both women are incredibly complex, smart and are facing their own issues alongside the war. Elsa can’t believe the things JoJo thinks are true about the Jewish community and so decides to play on this in order to get the upper hand and Rosie is shocked at how fast JoJo is growing up and is not happy about the person he’s becoming. Through these performances you are completely sucked in to the story and having genuine care for the characters as the film progresses.
Despite the laughs and the silliness, the film does highlight the seriousness of what Germany did during world war two and manages to balance both of these elements perfectly. There is one particular scene in the third act of the film that made me cry (to the point where tears were streaming down my face). It is absolutely heart breaking and is the catalyst for JoJo to realise that the world isn’t as wonderful as he thought it was. There are many scenes that will upset audiences and that will make them think. Its hard to imagine that there were probably children like JoJo during world war two.
I have no complaints about JoJo Rabbit. I don’t think there are any issues worth mentioning other than the fact that this could offend some people and you have to enter the film with an open mind. Taika Waititi highlights the seriousness of the issues but also lets the audience know its okay to laugh at the things the Germans believed as we know it’s not true.
I would give JoJo Rabbit a 10/10. It is heart-warming, clever and highlight how ridiculous it is to hate on those that are different to you. It balances the tears with laughter and creates a film experience you will never forget. This is a film that I think everyone needs to see.
And that’s my review of JoJo Rabbit. Thank you for reading it and I hope it gives you an insight into the film and that you will consider going to see it in the new year. Have a lovely day and I’ll see you next time. If you would like to keep up with the latest reviews and insights on Film talk then head over to the official Facebook page, I’ll leave the link below. Thanks again for reading.
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