It's What Stories Should Be

Rating: 10/10 (30 December 2019)

If any film or story can brilliantly define the absurdity of racism with humour and emotion, Jojo Rabbit is the bomb. Taika Waititi takes us on a spiritual journey of WWII Nazi Germany with a whipping sharp wit screenplay adapted from Christine Leunens's (Caging Skies). It will make laugh till you drop then in the same breath will have you crying as the story hits you in the heart. Taika also directs and acts which adds to how incredibly insane this film is.
We meet the ten year old Jojo who is keen to be part of the Nazi party and impress his hero and "imaginary friend" Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi). Jojo goes off to train with the Hitler Youth and Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell). Through "funny" circumstances Jojo is injured and discharged. We meet mother (Scarlett Johannsen) who is hiding a secret, a Jewish girl Elsa (Thomasin Mckenzie). This is where the story really goes to the next level as Jojo is caught between his beliefs and life unexpectancies. The friendship that eventuates is heartfelt and memorable.
All the actors are fantastic with standouts from Rockwell and Mckenzie (whom should get an award nod). We are going to witness the making of a new pioneer in cinema. You will not forget the name Taika Waititi.