Monday, November 18, 2019

Movie Review Madness: JoJo Rabbit

The previews to JoJo Rabbit may look a tad bizarre, maybe even off putting. On the contrary this is a nifty little artsy film that will touch your heart.

Written, directed, and acting - Taika Waititi - has truly hit the right notes in regards to confronting nationalism. Johannes (JoJo played by Roman Griffin Davis) is ten and totally psyched to go to Hitler youth camp. He's got the uniform, the knife, and his imaginary "friend" Adolf Hitler (played by Waititi) pops in to pump him up.

Never fear, JoJo is truly a kid with a heart and soul. Stuff occurs at the camp that make him question mob mentality. Back home, different walks with his mother and things she says (Scarlett Johansson) demonstrate she's working with resistance. And after hearing strange sounds, JoJo discovers his mother's been hiding a 17 year old Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in a cupboard space in his sister's room. He's not sure what to do with this information and in talking to her he has to acknowledge to himself that she's okay - not a monster.

A lot happens in this ninety minute movie - there are some funny bits just because JoJo is so dorky, and Hitler is so ridiculous. But trust me, it's poignant, deep, and the kid is SO darn good in this film.


11 comments:

  1. I don't see how you could pull off that story and not be quirky.

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    1. it's quirky in a good way with the right message

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  2. I'm not familiar with this one. Sounds intriguing.

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  3. How do you find such obscure, little known winners, Joanne? I don't know, but I'm grateful. This sounds deep yet palatable.

    Be well, and have a great week.

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    1. I read the paper and keep up on movie reviews - always looking for entertainment and stuff that makes me think. Glad to share

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  4. Loved the review Joanne although late in my day as workmen have started their repairs here.
    Enjoy your week.

    Yvonne.

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  5. As soon as I heard about it quirky sure came to mind.

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  6. Hi Joanne - if it comes here I'll check it out - but may have missed it ... cheers Hilary

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