A few days ago I watched the DVD of what I now consider to be the best movie of last year: Jojo Rabbit (PG-13, available on DVD, rent on Amazon Prime for 5.99, on Aug. 1 will be on HBO).
Favorite Young Man saw Jojo Rabbit in a theater right after it came out and he loved it. Said it was hilarious.
FYM and I usually like the same movies, so although the premise of the film sounded nuts, I watched it, hoping for a good laugh and wondering if it was worthy of its nomination for The Academy Award for Best Motion Picture of the Year. Scarlett Johansson, who plays Jojo's mother Rosie, was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Jojo Rabbit is indeed worthy of its many nominations and awards. I laughed, but Jojo also has some poignant moments.
Young Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) carries on in Germany with his mom during World War II. Jojo is excited to join the Hitler Youth. Jojo is also a sensitive little boy who is often frightened. He relies on his imaginary friend––Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi, who also directed)––to advise him and share his adventures.
But Jojo comes upon a piece of information and doesn't know what to do about it. His mother is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their house. Will Jojo share the secret of the girl in the attic with the Hitler Youth or its idiot leader, Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell)?
I'm concerned that some of you will say I could never watch a movie with Adolf Hitler as a funny character. You have to keep in mind that this movie is a satire. It has plot points that are relevant in our current political climate.
I hope you'll give Jojo Rabbit a chance.
Adolf Hitler to Jojo: Sure, you're a little bit scrawny and a bit unpopular and you can't tie your shoelaces even though you're ten years old. But you're still the bestest, most loyal little Nazi I've ever met. Not to mention the fact you're really good-looking.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug