Every once in a great while a film comes along that is fresh, funny, sad, beautifully filmed and is all around satisfying. That’s my take on Director Taika Waititi’s latest effort. Adapted from a novel by Christine Leunens, Waititi wrote the screenplay and cast himself as the zany, imaginary Adolph Hitler.
The story is set in Germany in the closing days of the war. Ten year old Jojo is an enthusiastic albeit timid member of the Hitler Youth. He dreams of becoming a member of Hitler’s personal guard, even to the point of creating Adolph himself as his imaginary friend. He’s been told that his father is fighting in Italy for the homeland. His Mom, wonderfully portrayed by the talented Scarlett Johansson dotes on him and helps to maintain some sense of normality in the most terrible of times.
Jojo is home alone a fair amount and upon hearing some noises in the attic discovers a young Jewish girl who his mother has been hiding from the Nazis. From here the plot unfolds with all kinds of crazy happenings. The terrific Sam Rockwell (Oscar winner for his role in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) plays a failed Captain in the German Army who had to leave the battlefield to train Hitler Youth. His performance is funny and touching. Jojo is played by British newcomer Roman Griffin Davis. I can’t imagine anyone who could play this role better. He even has teeth that resemble a rabbit in keeping with the title! His expressions and mannerisms are spot on and his scenes with the crazy and childlike imaginary Hitler are quite entertaining.
New Zealander Thomasin McKenzie is strong as the Jewish stowaway. She played opposite Ben Foster in last year’s “Leave No Trace”. She displays an ability to hold back just enough to make her scenes real and never forced or awkward.
This film is filled with satire and in some cases may make viewers a bit uncomfortable, not knowing whether to laugh or turn a head away. Waititi doesn’t shy away from anything to include atrocities of war.
Hats off to Waititi for being bold and brave enough to make a unique film with very dark subject matter, and to do so with love and humor, while delivering a message to humanity. He is from New Zealand and in addition to acting and directing he does stand up comedy of all things. His breakout directorial debut was the fun and successful “Thor:Ragnorok”. His talent doesn’t end in front or behind the camera. He is a painter and photographer who has exhibited in New Zealand and Germany and a fashion designer. When I discover someone with all of this talent I like to ask, “but can he juggle”?! Something tells me he can.
If you want to experience a fresh and thoughtful film I urge you to go to “Jojo Rabbit”.
