It's brilliant! And, I dare say, underrated and somewhat misunderstood.

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2020)

Never have I ever seen something like this. When I began this movie, I figured from the opening 10 minutes or so that this one is going to be a funny, ridiculing take on the well documented WW2 Nazi Germany. Sure, the ironic and farcical elements were to the point and actually quite hilarious at times, but I thought that would be that. I'll have a good laugh, then question myself for laughing, and then I'll forget this movie and move on. When I was done with this one, I could hardly think about anything else, and I still can't. This movie is a genius piece of art that needs more appreciation and acknowledgement.
I thought the concept of looking at the WW2 Nazi Germany from a child's point of view, and especially, from a pro-Nazi kid who wants to join the army and fight alongside Hitler was a brilliant idea. This allows the movie to depict the massive propaganda and brainwashing that was done to the youth of Germany to train their minds into an absolute loathing and hatred of Jews. This is exactly why Adolf Hitler is here a funny and ridiculous character who is an imaginary friend of Jojo. This is what the kids felt in those times, they thought of Hitler as someone they liked and wanted to be friends with because of the way they were taught about him. However, the artistic brilliance is, despite a funny portrayal of him, Hitler in the movie is hardly qualified to become a role-model. He dressing sense is not heroic, rather really stupid and buffoonish, his temperament is childlike and devoid of sense, and he is also portrayed as scared of many things. The cheerful fashion in which the kids are trained to throw grenades and burn books and are told all sorts of devilish fantastical things about Jews which to them are creatures quite different, is funny and also extremely satirical. The humour in this movie is never too-forced, albeit it stretches to the ridiculous but that's not of bad taste, at least for me. Special mention to the "German-Shepherd" moment and also, Rockwell's comical personality as a whole.
The fascinating concept of the movie is backed up and at times lifted up further by amazing individual performances by each and every member of the cast, even Rebel Wilson, who is her usual eccentric self. Now, all this aside, the real show-stealer in the movie is the truly heartfelt emotional moments which takes this movie to a different level altogether. The incredibly powerful "shoe-scene", the relationship between Elsa and Jojo, the "they love ugly people" followed by Jojo's reflection of his own face in the mirror, and special mention to Sam Rockwell's final scene. This scene truly describes Waititi's idea of this movie. Rockwell's character, despite being a Nazi Officer and portraying the bad guy, actually helps Jojo and Elsa out of a tight situation and ultimately, saves Jojo's life. Therefore, although he perhaps has taken many innocent lives based on his character, he does save one life at the end. This could be seen in the light that even the most-cruel people are capable of change. I thought this sends a wonderful message to the audience. The contrasting scenes of Wilson sending a young boy to "hug" a Russian enemy with a bomb on his back and this final scene of Rockwell saving Jojo's life and dying right after made me really thinking.
Finally, the all-important purpose of the movie, which has divided opinions among critics. Some say this movie is too casual and lighthearted in its approach towards very dark times, some believe it miscommunicates the identity and personality of Hitler. However, watching the movie closely makes it clear that Waititi, despite all the humour and ridicule, sends a strong message: Love triumphs Hate no matter what. This is quite well documented through the course of the film and the ridiculous and farcical elements in the movie only makes this message more vividly visible. Now, the question remains, are you ready for it?