Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Satire, unfortunately, is a dying breed. In today’s social and political climate, people are quick to assume the worst intentions when someone says or does something offensive, and rightfully so. With this in mind, how does one make a hilarious, horrifying and equally wholesome film about a young German boy whose imaginary friend is Hitler?

A good way to start is to have a man of Maori and Jewish heritage not only direct, but play Hitler as well.

I knew going in that “Jojo Rabbit” was going to be good. But I didn’t expect a film that would so exceed my expectations that I would have a smile on my face hours later. I still have one writing this review. This film is easily one of the best of the year, if not the decade. It conveys a much needed message of love and acceptance while making you burst out laughing and break down crying.

At the forefront of the film is Johannes, or Jojo, played by newcomer Roman Griffin Davis. At his young age and small stature, he commands the scene moving the film along at a perfect pace and has seemingly such a deep understanding of the subject matter. While in my heart, I know comedies don’t typically do well in award season, I would not be surprised if he gets some deserving acting nominations this upcoming season.

Each character is unique and has a specific view on the political climate of WWII-era Germany. The writing and direction that Taika Waiti takes is a masterclass in political satire. His performance as the terrible dictator is a perfect representation of the young protagonists view on the war and changes appropriately throughout the film.

Whenever I write a review, I try to point out flaws, inconsistencies or negative points about the film, but as much as I would like to have some for this, I just don’t. For the world that it creates and the style, emotional beats and performances, this is a perfect film in every sense of the word. Every performance, from Scarlett Johansson and Thomasin McKenzie to Sam Rockwell and even Rebel Wilson, this is a solid film. It is to the point where I cannot see why anyone would dislike it and the negative reviews I do see for it seem to be missing the point completely or just like being contrarians.

Written and Directed by Taika Waititi

Based on the novel by Christine Leunens

Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Scarlett Johansson & Taika Waititi

Go see this film. Pay money to see it. See it multiple times. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t.

My Rating: A+