LET'S DANCE

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2020)

Oh that Hitler!
Quiet an amazing feat, to create a context in which the most reviled character in history elicits smirks, guffaws, and out and out belly laughs. New Zealand film director wonder Taika Waititi not only tiptoes a dangerous minefield of comedy tragedy, but also inhabits a Stoogey Fuhrer in one of the most outrageous acting stabs in recent memory.
Everything revolves around giddy Hitler Youth Jojo (fabulously sincere and boyishly feverish Roman Griffin Davis), as he grows into his new double digit age, lapping up the local propaganda, eagerly striving to belong, and chumming about with his invisible chancellor pal. A sweet buddy-buddy picture? A vibrant coming of age story? A stunning moral tale? A slapstick comedy? A bloody war drama? It's all here. Plus Sam Rockwell!
Poking fun at historic tragedy with a short stick is dicey business, and though plenty of serious subplots run throughout, "Jojo Rabbit" works because the characters, from major to minor, are brilliantly developed, and impeccably acted. This is one crazy warm war film.
Much like Wes Anderson's best works, which this film sniffs of, "JoJo Rabbit" cleverly punctuates poignant moments with brilliant British invasion pop songs - using the German versions to great effect.
Go JoJo go!

hipCRANK