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We’re closing in on the time of year when World War II movies become more prevalent. After all, the last few months of the year are when all of the big, dramatic award contenders hit theaters—and this devastating war provides all kinds of dramatic possibilities. But director Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit is far from the usual war drama.
Jojo Rabbit follows the story of 10-year-old Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), an enthusiastic young Nazi whose best friend is an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler (Waititi), who gives him encouragement and questionable advice. After a grenade accident at his Nazi training camp keeps him from the real work, Jojo spends much of his time volunteering for the cause, working with disgruntled Captain K (Sam Rockwell). But when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been secretly hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home, Jojo is faced with a serious decision.
Despite the serious topic, though, this Nazi satire is about as absurd as it gets. From the opening scene, in which an excited Jojo prepares for his Nazi training camp with help from his pal Adolf—followed by a Beatles-like introduction to the Nazi regime—you’ll know that you’re in for something that’s completely madcap. Admittedly, that can be a little uncomfortable at times—since the basis of the story is anything but funny. But once you get caught up in the insanity, it makes for a wildly wacky comedy.
The film is filled with strong characters and memorable performances. Davis is adorable as the overeager little boy who joyfully joins in without thinking too much about what it means. McKenzie stands out as the young woman who’s so much more than just a cowering creature in hiding. Rockwell and Rebel Wilson offer up plenty of craziness as eager Nazi leaders. And director Waititi pushes it all completely over the top with his performance as Hitler—a flamboyant and often childlike (or maybe just childish) imaginary friend.
In spite of all of its kookiness, though, Jojo Rabbit doesn’t completely overlook the seriousness of the situation. There are times when reality hits surprisingly hard—and, really, underneath the wacky characters and ridiculous situations, it’s the story of a boy’s journey from blind acceptance to doubt to understanding and how he grows up in the process.
Though it certainly has some challenges and bumps along the way, Jojo Rabbit will make you laugh harder and more often than you’d expect to laugh while watching a movie about Nazis. It’s totally ridiculous, but it’s also strangely charming, too.
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