A World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.
09 Apr Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Multipurpose knives
I think I would like to hang out with Taika. At any rate, I believe him to be a genuinely good man in a business fraught with otherwise. I actually like when a personal style is deeply reflected in a film or collection, and in his case, the style is pleasant.
Also, who doesn’t think we need to be reminded of what happened, and that it was half the ordinary citizenry who enabled Hitler. Also there is no deeper insult than to make fun of Hitler in much the way Taika does. Sign me up.
There are some deeply touching moments here. I have to say it is well delivered.
So what’s the problem, Ted? The problem is that the comedic distance comes at a cost — it allows us to stay comfortably outside. I saw this with another of his small films and had the same impression. With genocide, you have to be in or out. I could easily imagine a Trump MAGA watching this and not being in the slightest affected.
So it comes down to a value I have long held in film experience. I want to be changed. It doesn’t have to be radical. But I want a film to be effective enough to not only lure me, but to convey me or confront me. The talent and craft are there in this one, but not the fearlessness to step over the line.
Posted in 2024
Ted’s Evaluation — 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
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