If it will take two kids to show us Kindness, then so be it

Rating: 9/10 (1 May 2020)

Jojo Rabbit is about a German boy named Jojo who at an early age already has blind fanaticism towards Adolf Hitler. He joins the youth branch of Hitler's army but succumbs to an injury that basically renders him unfit in their eyes. He later finds out that a Jewish girl named Elsa lives secretly in their house and tries to make her talk about her kind so he can write a book exposing them which will gain him favor once again from the youth army so he can stop being relegated to meager so he can be at the forefront of the war along with his second-best friend Yorki (because Hitler deserves the top spot.) In the process he falls in love with Elsa and becomes torn between blindly serving his country and his own realization that someone isn't necessarily evil because you were led to believe that they were. We know how World War II ended but how will it be for Elsa who wants freedom and Jojo who doesn't want to lose her?
While watching, I had my reservations whether this should've been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars this year. I have to admit that I initially rated it as an okay film midway through. But when that pivotal scene when Jojo was looking at Johannson's shoes, it sent shivers to my spine. It's non-stop rollercoaster from then on and for me it sealed its well-deserved nomination. Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) helmed the screenplay as well as direction and acted as Hitler. I love his decision to show how colorful Germany was in the WWII (which is backed up by research) as opposed to what we're used to, seeing it dreary in gray and black. Scarlett Johannson as Jojo's mother was likable but I failed to see the nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Sam Rockwell channeling Bill Murray was inspired, Rebel Wilson had the most memorable line, and Alfie Allen I felt was underused but I don't blame him if he wanted to be in on this. Thomasin McKenzie as Elsa was a picture of strength and elegance. But the movie really belonged to its child actors, Archie Yates as Yorki and Roman Griffin Davies as Jojo. Initially I did not like Davies but warmed up to him by the end and I realized it's because he convincingly played a loyal Hitler fan in the beginning that had a change of heart. Yates and Davies have good comic timing considering this is the first acting gig for both.
Waititi said one of the reasons he made this is because of the behavior of some who's forgotten how evil and ugly WWII was and he wanted this to serve as one of the reminders. It's true that historical revision is on the rise, Nazis being adored, Marcoses are back in power despite multiple references available to how they plundered the Philippines during Martial Law and many others. The saying we are bound to repeat history if we don't learn from it holds so much weight right now. While it is almost next to impossible to talk about opposing views without hurting each other's feelings, Jojo Rabbit reminds us to ask ourselves one question each time you're engaged in a debate: WERE YOU KIND? Because at the end of the day you may be wrong about your philosophy which others will forget eventually, but how you treated them will leave an impression that will last a lifetime. Hitler in the movie said it is up to you if you want to be remembered. He failed to say it's also important HOW and WHAT you will be remembered for.