The first film I saw in 2020 was Jojo Rabbit, and what a way to kick off the year!
Taika Waititi is firmly establishing himself as one of the Hollywood elite with his work in recent years, becoming one of those directors that will attract movie-goers by name alone. You always want to go and see the next Tarantino movie, well now I’m always wanting to see the next Taika movie.
Jojo Rabbit has a bit of everything, and when mixed in with Waititi’s unique, quirky style, it’s a perfect blend. The film follows a young child called Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), who is well ingrained into the Hitler Youth, who ends up going through a personal journey of inner-conflict when he learns that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home. Along the way, he is helped and advised by his imaginary friend, Hitler himself. (Taika Waititi)
The thing that struck me about Jojo Rabbit is just how moving it is, tackling very serious issues in a way that is entertaining, yet doesn’t feel like it is trying to make light of them. Jojo Rabbit is an incredibly funny, witty film that will make you crack up with laughter whilst highlighting the hypocrisies and atrocities of Nazi Germany. As someone who studied Nazi Germany back in school/college and found the subject matter fascinating, it was interesting to see such a clever take on things. Just when you think things are getting a bit ridiculous, the film brings you down to earth with deeply emotional moments that will undoubtedly make you think and reflect.
With a stellar cast, incredible performances, a deeply moving but funny story that is paced brilliantly, and Taika Waititi’s vivid imagination and brilliant mind, Jojo Rabbit is a must-see film and may well be featuring in my Top 10 by the end of the year.
Go and see it, now.
I give Jojo Rabbit an 8.5/10.
Wado Reviews 