Jojo Rabbit

So many great things about this movie. Been wanting to watch it for a while. Story: There were some great themes in this movie of equality, humanity, and what happens when we become fanatically blind followers of something because everybody else is. There were so many likable characters, even some Nazis which goes to show there is more to it all. Lots of tension throughout the movie about whether or not Jojo and his mother would face the consequences of hiding a jewish girl. When they did I was so caught off guard, and the way it was planted throughout the movie with the shoes was powerful. That scene changed so much in the movie. It was a reality check from all the comedy that is very important in this type of film. Acting: Waititi did such a good job as imaginary Hitler, being silly with it but also historically accurate and showing change by the end. Loved how he had a bullet wound at the end after Jojo heard he died. The actor for Jojo was an amazing child actor, and Waititi must have done a great job directing him as well for such a serious topic while also playing out that humor. You could also see so much change inside of him throughout the movie as he realizes everything he believes is wrong. Scarlet Johansen had some phenomenal moments acting like when she smeared black soot on her face going back and forth as Jojo's mother and father. And just her little interactions with Jojo like tying his shoes, dancing, chastising him, and at the same time being carefree of so much terrible things because she has to. It was so refreshing compared to her other types she's usually cast into. The jewish girl (whose name I cannot remember right now) was well written and well executed. I feel like in Nazi Germany movies we don't get to see Jews more as bold and heroic rather than sympathetic and weak. She was very strong and was great at controlling her situations. Her dynamic with Jojo was really funny and I felt like realistic for siblings. On another note I never thought I would ever see Rebel Wilson in a WWII movie, she was hilarious, as well as Jojo's little friend and the camp captain who saves his life at the end. Cinematography: I loved the shots of the book at the end being flipped through. I loved the shots with Jojo and his mother especially, they seemed untainted from the rest of the darkness. Also so many good ones at the beginning with Jojo buckling up and Hitler leaning into frame. Not to mention when Hitler would suddenly disappear. The shot of the Jewish girl hiding was striking, and when Jojo is scared of her as well. Also the POV shot of Jojo going to the hospital was tragically hilarious. The scenes with the dust and explosions were great at causing fear. Sound: I don't remember a ton but I'm trying to get better at recognizing it so I'm writing it down. The war sounds were good. The soundtrack was great, had some Beatles and Beatle-esque music in it and the dancing to it seemed appropriate for the time period. Production Design: There was something with the color green, I don't know what it was exactly so I'll have to look into it more, but the daughter/Jewish girl's room was green, and the dress she wears at either the midpoint or the end is green. I want to say there was something with the mom's character and blue that I don't quite know yet either. Lots of symbolism in the costume design. Jojo is seen slowly getting rid of his Nazi uniform. And uniforms play in important role on who lives and who dies at the end.