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LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies

Jun 21, 2020

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

2019 | Comedy, Drama, War

8.0

(40 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

I was not expecting to love Jojo Rabbit as much as I did. I would argue that it's one of the best films of 2019!
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.

Kudos

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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock in Books

Jan 15, 2018

This was a very moving and insightful book. It tells the story of Leonard Peacock who decides that he has had enough of this world. He makes up his mind to end his suffering on his 18th birthday, but first he has to give presents to his friends. In doing this, he begins to doubt his choices as he flashes back to why these people are in his life in the first place. But then he delivers the last gift & heads to his former best friend's house with a Nazi P38 to of his former BFF & then himself. I found myself laughing & crying throughout the entire book. It offers a rare view into the mind of a confused, depressed teenager. It was both funny, heart wrenching, & compassionate. The characters are very well written & believable. The story flowed nicely & kept me engaged all the way to the end. This was a great read!