“People used to say a lot of nasty things about me. Oh, this guy’s a lunatic! Oh, look at that psycho! He’s gonna get us all killed!”
Adolf Hitler – Taika Waititi
Where to start. Waititi’s bold approach to a rather sensitive topic is a refreshing tale that doesn’t fail to impress. While some may scorn at its mockery of such a delicate narrative, I for one think it hits a mark that hasn’t been hit before. Starting off fairly tamely, I was convinced Waititi’s rendition of Mr Hitler was to be his best Charlie Chaplin routine, but I was proven quickly wrong after the first fifteen minutes when the humour struck the dark side. This became the pattern for much of the film; a little bit of silliness here, and sprinkling of casual racism there. As a fan of the inappropriate, I fondly chortled my way through the film and at one point, had the audience give me some questioning side-eye after I spat my popcorn across the auditorium for laughing at a joke involving bacon and Jewish Hell… The point of the film is simply to shine a more jovial light on a very morbid topic and it does so wonderfully. The costumes are great, the script is brilliant, the acting is fantastic particularly from Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) and his chum, aptly named Yorki (Archie Yates). Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, and another future star Thomasin McKenzie add a level of convincing professionalism, while Taiki Waititi just about hits the mark without being too annoying, and an absolutely fantastic cameo from Stephen Merchant. The production design overall is very good, as is the score although it’s certainly one of the less memorable parts. All in all, a very enjoyable film.
Unlike its cinema rivals, Jojo Rabbit relies more on its wit and charm, rather than its beautiful cinematography or powerful storyline. Although it is based in a time period where one would expect an emotional plot, viewers are instead met with Jojo, a ten year old member of the Hitler Youth who is guided by his imaginary friend Hitler on how to be a real Nazi. After finding out his mother is harbouring a Jewish girl in their house, Jojo starts to discover the propaganda he has been indoctrinated with is total rubbish and he begins to lose faith in his ideology. Jojo and Elsa’s (Thomasin McKenzie) relationship rather dubiously tiptoes the line between plutonic and romantic, but in all honesty, I don’t think anyone cares. In fact one of the film’s strongest elements is its total mishmash of emotional responses from the characters to various events and what that does for the viewer – Yorki’s charming response to the *SPOILERS* American invasion of their town goes from the fearless bravery of firing a Panzerschreck (a German bazooka), to wanting a hug from his mother. This is very much the theme of the film, a mixture of humour, childish innocence, and lighthearted racism.
There is very little I can find to criticise in this film. Hitler can be a little annoying at times but actually pops up relatively infrequently so doesn’t get too repetitive, the same can, surprisingly, be said about Rebel Wilson (I can’t believe I’m writing that). The plot is, well, it’s history but with a sprinkling of hilarity, charm, wit, and an occasional pluck at the heart strings. It makes you laugh at times you think you perhaps shouldn’t be laughing, laugh at times you should absolutely be laughing, and exhale forcefully through your nose most of the rest of the time. Really a very very good film.
Awards
1 Oscar
Best Adapted Screenplay
1 BAFTA
Best Screenplay (Adapted)
Ratings
Cinematography – 7/10
Storyline – 9/10
Editing – 7/10
Sound/Score – 7/10
Acting – 9/10
Overall – 8/10
Just Another Man's Blog 