After watching the same WWII movies for years, I know I got really sick of the war stories being told and retold forever. But this past year, director, writer, and star Taika Waititi created a unique coming of age story, “Jojo Rabbit”.
The protagonist, tweenager Jojo Betzler is the biggest fan of Adolf Hitler. Now before you stop reading, let me explain why this movie is worth the watch. With great young acting, an original storyline, and a great soundtrack, “Jojo Rabbit” was far and away the best movie of 2019.
After Jojo and other young nazi children head off to a training camp, Jojo is injured by a hand grenade and sent away from training. After getting nicknamed “Rabbit”, Jojo fears he is too much like one; frightened, lost, and hides when afraid. Over the journey of his story, Jojo learns about Jews, war, and what it really means to be good or bad. Along, of course, with his imaginary best friend Hitler.
If you have a satirical sense of humor and open mind, you’ll enjoy it
Honestly, this movie probably isn’t for everyone. Certain scenes might be considered offensive, including but not limited to when the young Nazis described Jews as having horns and dragon tails. But if you have a satirical sense of humor and an open mind, you’ll enjoy it.
My favorite aspect of this movie was the soundtrack. Though most war movies have music based on when its time period, “Jojo Rabbit” included songs like “Heros” by David Bowie and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, both sung in German.
With a cast of Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Waititi and Golden Globe nominated Roman Griffin Davis, this movie shined with brilliant acting that made me laugh, cry, and empathize for every scene.
I won’t go into the story too much, but I absolutely loved “Jojo Rabbit” and I definitely recommend the watch. It is a quirky outlook on one of the darkest times in history, but it was told in such wit it may be the best war movie of all time.
