LogFAQs > #972503039

12. Gavs
The first film on this list had a duck in the title, so its fitting that the final film should have a rabbit in it. Jojo is a ten-year-old boy who is a fully indoctrinated card-carrying member of the Hitler Youth, despite him being a sweet-natured kid deep down. Jojos prejudices are challenged as he gradually bonds with Elsa, the young Jewish girl his mother is harbouring.

The gimmick that sets this film apart from other Holocaust / World War II themed films is that Jojo is a Stand user, and his Stand is none other than the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler himself! Although he doesnt have any powers besides, you know, being Hitler. Hes basically the Stand equivalent of the little boy from X-Men 2 who can change TV channels by blinking. Setting aside the lack of powers, this is Hitler as youve never seen him before, a quirky father figure, albeit one with the familiar menace lurking beneath the surface. Taika Waititi is able to become quite menacing as Jojo becomes less fanatical and the Fuhrer shows his true colours as he tries to regain Jojos adoration. He eventually falls victim to the greatest cinematic kick since King Leonidas shot the messenger, figuratively speaking. Literally, Leonidas kicked him.

Speaking of Taika Waititi, while his trademark quirkiness is here, its reined in a bit from usual, given the subject matter. There is plenty of comedy despite that. Its often understated, but its a welcome inclusion nonetheless. Jojos misconceptions about the Jews are funny in their exaggeration. There are also performances from actors known for primary comedic roles such as Rebel Wilson and Stephen Merchant who get to play against type, more villainous but still funny.

The emotional core of the film is Jojos mother Rosie, who laments the loss of her son to Nazi ideology and tries to redeem him while she helps the resistance. Luckily, Jojos friendship with Elsa means she is able to finish what Rosie started. I was a little concerned about this film, but I was pleased to see that this film knows when to be serious.

14. Plasma
When I watched 2019s Oscar nominees a few years ago, I ranked Jojo Rabbit dead last because I thought it was a total slog.

Needless to say, I came into this rewatch with putrid expectations. But when I actually sat down again with this one, I noticed the movies interesting family dynamic. Its fun to see how Jojo fills the shoes left behind by his father and sister. The former is replaced by an imaginary Adolf Hilter (and a Nazi solider who later saves Jojos life in a surprisingly emotional scene) while the latter is replaced by a Jewish girl who Jojo cant bring himself to hate. Throw in a rebellious, scrupulous mother played by Scarlett Johansen, and youve got a compelling domestic scenario.

Though I loved the family dynamic, the story itself still dragged for me during my rewatch. Part of the problem is the humor being hit-and-miss, while the other part is the lack of immediate stakes. I never got the sense that anyone was in serious danger until the Nazis visited Jojos house. And while I was surprised by the mothers death as a consequence of that search, the rest of the movie dragged for me (I mean, come on, by that point its obvious that Jojo isnt going to report or kill the girl). There really isnt much left in the tank once the mother dies, and while there are some heartstring-plucking moments near the end, the drama mostly dies with the mother. C+

14. Forty
Youre my second-best friend. First place is reserved for the Fuhrer. So, unless youre Hitler hiding in a fat little boys body, Id be happy with second place. Easily the film with the darkest underlying tone, JoJo Rabbit mixes Taika Waititis signature fun humor with the deadly serious nature of WWII Germany. It starts out as a fairly routine silly comedy and slowly evolves into something pretty powerful and at times heart wrenching. I will be interested to see where this one falls in the rankings mainly because of the glaring tonal clashes. One moment youve got imaginary friend Hitler prancing around saying goofy things, and the next our young, brainwashed friend is hugging the hanging legs of his executed mother. I found it exceptionally unique, and the subject matter well handled. Excellent performances top to bottom (particular shoutout to JoJos friend who was the BEST) with a cast that really delivered, from the hilarious to the poignant. The whole point of satire is to deliver a powerful message (in this case the absurdity of war and hate) under the guise of comedy, and this one does it really well.