By Emilio Frenk.
Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Archie Yates, Sam Rockwell and Scarlett Johansson
Rating: Excellent.
Taika Waititi, director of “Thor: Ragnarok”, brings “Jojo Rabbit”, a comedy with a sordid theme that brings unique and original results.
During the Nazi Germany in World War II, the movie tells the story of Johannes "Jojo" Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a young boy who has the desire of being a soldier and constantly talks to Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi).
Everything will change for Jojo when he meets Elsa Korr (Thomasin McKenzie) a young Jew who is being hidden in his house by Jojo´s mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson).
Evenutally Elsa and Jojo will form a unique friendship and will also help each other to survive the harassment of the Nazi Army.
What makes "Jojo Rabbit" an authentic movie is how Taika Waititi used satire to The Holocaust, which is considered on of the most tragic in the history of mankind.
In the films such as "Schindler's List", "The Pianist", "Sophie´s Choice" among many others we have always seen we saw how sordid and tragic this real event was. Here on the other hand you see a funny and somehow innocent side from a child´s point of view.
Waititi wrote the script based on the book "Caging Skies" by Christine Leunens with a theme that some people would never think would be in the mood for what really took place in that time.
From the first moment it starts as audience members we felt identified with the characters and I think that is essential for a movie to have positive dividends.
The performances of Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie are exceptional and I think this two can have a promising carreer.
Sam Rockwell, Waititi himself with his portrayal of Hitler is very funny and really portray their characeters with a lot of realism and humor.
Scarlett Johansson gives a great performance too and I think we could see very good things for her this year since she has another movie coming up at the end of the year called "Marriage Story" that could give her a possible Oscar nomination.
To be honest I didn't know what to expect from "Jojo Rabbit" and I really came out with great satisfaction when I saw it.
The film is a clear messag about being optimistic and cheerful regardless of the circumstances in which we are subject and most importantly: Always take things with humor, since it´s what gives us life as human beings.
Overall “Jojo Rabbit” is a delightful film and I highly recommend it due to the direction of Waititi, Script and Performances.