After its Oscar nomination and attention, my wife and I watched “Jo Jo Rabbit” yesterday. While it is an unusual film, it is entertaining and will take you through a range of emotions. Did I say it was unusual?
Without giving too much away, the story is about a Nazi brainwashed boy of ten whose imaginary friend is his version of Adolph Hitler. The boy discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish teen girl in the attic who helps him pick away at what he has been erroneously taught to dehumanizs Jews.
The film is a parody, but is poignant and powerful as well. It is written by Taika Waititi who also plays the imaginery Hitler. It should be noted, Waititi won the Oscar for his screenwriting. Newcomer Rowan Griffin Davis stars Jo Jo with Thomasin McKenzie starring as Elsa, the Jewish girl. Scarlett Johansson plays Jo Jo’s mother Rosie with Sam Rockwell playing an odd mentor role. Rebel Wilson offers an over-zealous Nazi instructor. Johansson waa nominated for Best Supporting Actress in the role.
Strange as it sounds, the movie is worth watching. Its mission is to reveal how hatred is taught and how interaction with people can change even the most strident of beliefs. There are several poignant moments between mother/ son, Jo Jo/ Elsa and Elsa/ Rosie.
If you have seen it, please let me know what you think (caution to those who have not to beware of the comments for spoiler alerts).
I haven’t seen it but it sounds most interesting!
Hugh, I think movies like this can expose through humor how hatred is based on fear not fact. Keith
Note to Readers: Hugh wrote a recent post that summarizes why such a movie as “Jo Jo Rabbit” is so necessary. Here is a link:
https://hughcurtler.com/2020/02/13/doubt-leads-to-thought/
Sounds like an interesting plot line. Haven’t seen it yet.
VJ, if you get a chance let me know what you think. Keith
I will!
I haven’t seen it … in fact had not heard of it until just now … but I watched the trailer on Amazon as I read your post, and I definitely want to see it. Thanks for the heads up!
Jill, let me know what you think. It ties in well with Hugh’s recent post. Keith
I will. And thanks for the reminder … I hadn’t read Hugh’s post yet, so I went back and read it today.
Thought you might enjoy this clip where Kimmel interviews Taika Waititi. https://youtu.be/ioe7AAbzot8
Jill, I watched this interview. Thanks for sharing. I love the discussion on why he played Hitler. Keith
Thanks for the review Keith. I’ve heard a great deal about this film. Pre-ordered DVD.
Roger, let me know what you think. Keith
I will, I hope it comes out soon.
The story does sound strange indeed and therefore very intriguing.
Erika, it is on both counts. Keith
Thanks for the movie tip, Keith 👍
Erika, you are welcome. Of course, I am not sure how a German boy gets a name Jo Jo, from Johann with the “y” sound. Keith
That must be a typical director’s error… lol. But then again… my two younger children’s names are Jason and Joe… I call them Jay and Joey (although Joe doesn’t like it anymore… lol). But I always loved English names and Jason was even born in the US. Sorry, I digressed here… haha.
Erika, I love your personal vignettes. Jason was a popular name for awhile. Keith
We’ll try to catch the movie if it is on any of our streaming channels.
Marilyn, I hope you enjoy it. Keith
That sounds very interesting. For some reason (lack of interest?) we missed the Academy Awards this year. I guess I should see what was nominated and what won and add a few titles to my Netflix list.
Janis, this year had several movies we had not seen on the list. I guess we watch for the pomp and circumstance. Keith
I need to see this. I saw previews and thought it had promise. Then I read a pretty scathing review from someone whom I respect. I put it on the backburner. You’ve moved it to the front again.
Linda, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. We were going to pass until it got the Oscar for screenwriting. Keith