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The World Wars - Season 1
TV Season
The World Wars tells the story of three decades of war told through the eyes of various men who were...
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The Producers (1967)
Movie Watch
Down and out producer Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel), who was once the toast of Broadway, trades...
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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.
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The Producers (2005)
Movie Watch
Failing producer Max Bialystock (Nathan Lane) and his accountant, Leo Bloom (Matthew Broderick),...
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Downfall (Der Untergang) (2004)
Movie Watch
In 1942, young Traudl Junge (Alexandra Maria Lara) lands her dream job -- secretary to Adolf Hitler...
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Shining Through (1992)
Movie Watch
Spirited New Yorker Linda Voss (Melanie Griffith) goes to work for international lawyer and secret...
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Digging for Victory: Gardens and Gardening in Wartime Britain
Twigs Way and Mike Brown
Book
Beans as bullets', 'Vegetables for Victory' and 'Cloches against Hitler': these slogans convey just...
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Letters from Iceland
Book
In the summer of 1936, W. H. Auden and Louis MacNeice visited Iceland on commission to write a...
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Guderian: Panzer General
Book
Born in Kulm, Germany, on 17 June 1888, Heinz Wilhelm Guderian was the son of an army officer. He...
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Lindsay (1727 KP) rated Until Leaves Fall in Paris in Books
Feb 8, 2022
At this point, we have to meet Lucille and Paul. Will they learn to work together and see if they are made for each other? Will Lucie’s friends influence her to stay away from the new friend she meets and enjoy the company of?
Hitler and Germany are now really somewhat abetted in Paris, France. Is America still unaligned, or are they getting ready to jump in and fight? Both Paul and Lucie have stayed in Paris for two different reasons. The other was convinced to remain; and help the US, while the other chose to help her fled friends.
We are dealing with more resistant and some Germans. The Germans are occupying more of Parisians. Lucille and Paul are doing some dangerous work. Will they be found out?
Paul seems to have detected bad things in his factory. But Will his worker blackmail him? Lucille finds out Paul is working for the US. Paul finds out the bookseller is involved.
What will happen to Josie? Will they all get out safely?