Satire at its best

Rating: 9/10 (17 February 2020)

Jojo Rabbit is a great film in my view because it perfectly nails the balance between humour, emotion but also sensitivity. The sensitivity required to address the context of Nazi Germany.
The screenplay is brilliant (based on Christine Leunens' Caging Skies) as it drives the audience through a wide range of emotions. I laughed quite a bit, I nearly cried but I also spent plenty of time discussing the subject matter after the final scene. A fair BAFTA and Oscar winner.
The film follows the main character Jojo, a Nazi-party-loving 10-year old. Through him, we see the power of education and context in creating hate and admiration for a leader. The fact that same leader, Hitler, is Jojo's trusted imaginary friend is genius. Their relationship is incredibly refreshing from a story telling perspective.
When Jojo finds out that his own mother is harbouring a Jewish girl, all of his beliefs are questioned.
"Supporting" actors are a joy to watch in this movie - from Scarlett Johansson's devote and resolute mother, to Sam Rockwell's disgruntled Nazi officer and the touching Thomasin McKensie as the the Jewish refugee. Not to mention the director's Taika Wakiki own take on Adolf Hitler as a supportive yet firm imaginary best friend.
I definitely cherish living in a time where this movie can get made (apparently despite many struggles since 2011). Where humour and satire are valued as a lenses for an incredibly dark part of human history. And it does not hurt your emotional attachment to the characters one bit.