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Winnie-the-Pooh Deluxe Complete Collection
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The Matter of High Words: Naturalism, Normativity, and the Postwar Sage
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In a world of matter, how can we express what matters? When the explanations of the natural sciences...

Counting the Ways
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Grace Barnes, living in her subterranean one-room flat at the nether end of Earl's Court, feels out...

Billy and Me
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**ZOELLA BOOK CLUB 2016 TITLE** A gorgeously romantic novel about fame, friendship and falling in...

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2020
The subject of Nazis and Hitler is a touchy one to say the least, but it's also a subject that is ripe for satire, and one of the many aspects that stands out here, is how Taika Waititi has managed to craft a film that is absolutely hilarious, but never undermines how horrible this part of history was.
I laughed (a lot) before being slapped with a reminder of how bleak war is.
The main plot revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10 year old boy who looks up to Hitler, and is part of the Nazi Youth. He finds out that his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the attic of their house. Initially hostile, they begin to form a friendship as the Nazi regime begins to crumble.
Underneath all the goofiness, this main narrative is radiating in both warmth and sadness. I legit had a bit of a cry at one point.
The cast are brilliant. Roman Griffin Davis is one of the most likable protagonists in recent memory. His innocence and blind devotion to the war is humorous, and weirdly sweet. Thomasin McKenzie is great alongside him as well.
As well as directing, Taika Waititi also plays a version of Hitler, sort of like Jojo's imaginary friend, and he's honestly just the best, and provides the majority of the films comedy.
Elsewhere, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen, and Stephen Merchant all make up a pretty rock solid cast.
Screw it, I even liked Rebel Wilson (she usually makes me want to play in traffic.)
Jojo Rabbit is a truly wonderful experience. It evokes a whole range of emotions effortlessly, looks incredible throughout, and deserves all the praise thrown it's way.

From Deptford to Antarctica
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Pete Wilkinson grew up in Deptford, south London, in the 50s. Somehow he got to grammar school and...

The Notorious Mrs. Clem: Murder and Money in the Gilded Age
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In September 1868, the remains of Jacob and Nancy Jane Young were found lying near the banks of...

A Rage for Order: The Middle East in Turmoil, from Tahrir Square to Isis
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In 2011, a wave of revolution spread through the Middle East as protesters demanded an end to...