Nazi’s aren’t usually funny, but director Taika Waititi shows that through a child’s innocence and Nazis’ naivety, it is possible.
“Jojo Rabbit” starts off with Jojo Betzler, played by Roman Griffin Davis, who is a 10-year old fanatic of Adolf Hitler and swastikas. Jojo goes to a training camp to become a Nazi soldier where he earns his rabbit nickname after refusing to kill an innocent bunny.
With the help of his imaginary friend, Adolf, Jojo’s inner turmoils are settled in a childish and sarcastic manner. Played by Waititi, Adolf is a supportive but immature comrade.
Rosie, played by Scarlett Johansson, is Jojo’s single mother who is secretly anti-Nazi and is hiding Elsa, a Jewish teenager played by Thomasin McKenzie. Jojo finds out about Elsa after hearing noises coming from his dead sister’s room. Being a Nazi, Jojo becomes terrified and is unsure what to do with this new piece of information.
Elsa, knowing Jojo is not the sharpest crayon in the box, uses her wit to trick him into keeping her presence a secret.
Along with actors Sam Rockwell, Alfie Allen and Rebel Wilson, this movie is a rollercoaster of laughter and tears. While “Jojo Rabbit” pokes fun at imagination and fanaticism, the film does pull at your heartstrings. It’s a celebration of the gift of life that’s inviting you to dance with it, so dance.