Reviews & Ratings for
Jojo Rabbit (2019)

During the collapse of Nazi Germany in the city of Falkenheim,[a] ten-year-old Johannes "Jojo" Betzler joins the Deutsches Jungvolk, the junior section of the Hitler Youth (HJ). Heavily indoctrinated with Nazi ideals, he has an imaginary friend named Adolf, a buffoonish version of Adolf Hitler. The local HJ training camp is run by the conflicted Captain Klenzendorf. Though a fanatic, Jojo is nicknamed "Jojo Rabbit" after refusing to kill a rabbit to prove his worthiness. Pepped up by Adolf, he returns to prove himself, throwing a Stielhandgranate by himself that explodes at his feet, leaving him scarred and limping. His mother Rosie insists to the now-demoted Klenzendorf that Jojo still be included, giving him small tasks like spreading propaganda leaflets and collecting scrap for the war effort.

The writing is brilliant, the visual aspects were picturesque, just about everything in this film is lovely. Every character is unique and human and complex. I don't like Scarlett Johansson all that much yet I couldn't help but love her character in this. Elsa, the Jewish girl hidden in the home of JoJo, is a funny, likable and realistic character. I love her so much. While generally comedic, charming, and light-hearted there are moments in this film that pull you back into reality and the seriousness of Nazi Germany and the war. There wasn't a single uninteresting moment. I understand if you have doubts about this film but I recommend seeing this if you have even just a slight interest. It's a beautiful film about a friendship that overcomes hate, as Roman Griffin Davis has put it. (He's a brilliant actor. I can't wait to see what he does next!) It's so nice to see an original take on WW2. I admire Taika Waititi so much.