Jojo Rabbit [DVD] [2019]

A seamless blend of hilarious and deeply moving. Gorgeous cinematography, outstanding performances. Reference quality picture. A must own.

Jojo Rabbit is not the first film to approach the subject of WWII era Germany and the Holocaust with humor, but it does so in a uniquely effective way. Some criticized the film as being overly simplistic and not biting enough in its satire, but I think those critics don't understand what the film is actually trying to do and miss some of the complexities of how it accomplishes this. It may be the fault of the marketing and some of the writer/director's comments in labeling it as satire as that term has come to suggest a sort of edge that the movie isn't really aiming for, but I think it's important to accept a piece of art on its own terms. Jojo Rabbit does a tremendous job of showing how even basically decent people can be driven to commit unspeakably evil and hateful acts through misinformation and pressure from the people and institutions they trust. The titular character is an innocent boy who has been taught to revere Hitler and all the dictator stands for, doing so unquestionably. As is often the case, it's not until he actually meets a Jewish person and is forced to reckon with the incongruity of what he has been told and who this person really is that he begins to question his beliefs and let go of the hate injected into him. At a time when it's easy to dismiss people who commit hateful acts as beyond redemption, it's nice to have a message put out there suggesting that even though it's hard, and sometimes impossible, it's always worth trying to reach those seemingly irredeemable people. On top of all of that, this is also an incredibly funny, imaginative, and heartbreaking piece of cinema. It juggles so many seemingly disparate tones, creating a singular experience that's well worth seeking out. The 4k presentation is excellent and there's added value in also receiving a Blu-ray disc and digital copy.

When I first heard my brother and dad talk about this movie I didn't really think it was for someone like me. Still, I have this movie a watch since I was buying it for father's day for my dad. I'm glad I watched it! It's a really hilarious movie. Taika Waititi is an actor that I was previously unfamiliar with but he was hilarious in this movie. Sam Rockwell I was familiar with from 3 Billboards and he was both funny and also a very genuine character looking out for his young friend. Scarlett Johannsen is not a favorite actor of mine, but I think she really nailed the role as a caring mother protecting her son and a Jewish friend of her late daughter. There are moments in this movie that will make you cry. I don't share spoilers so I won't share it but I will say it's a heartbreaking moment that also demonstrates the core theme of sacrificing one's self to protect others and fight for what's right. Overall, this movie is a story about promoting tolerance and love in the face of dangerous hate, with plenty of jokes thrown in to offset an otherwise dark subject matter.

The biggest surprise of 2019 seemed to come from some alternate reality of craziness: “Jojo Rabbit”, a World War II comedy that tells of the coming of age of a 10-year-old German boy of the Hitlerjugend whose imaginary playmate is his idol Adolf Hitler (played by the writer/director Taika Waititi). There’s lots of hilarity (some of it priceless in its satirical silliness) but what surprises beyond the wild inventiveness of the storytelling is the underlying serious reality of the horrors of the fascist regime that at unexpectedly moments unearths profound emotional responses in the viewer. Quite frankly, I often found myself laughing one minute and crying the next. The acting is uniformly excellent, especially Sam Rockwell as the one-eyed training camp captain and Scarlett Johansson as the boy’s unfailingly dauntless mother, but it is really Roman Griffin Davis who steals the film as the boy Johannes who earns the disparaging nickname ‘Jojo Rabbit’ when he finds he can’t obey an order from Rockwell to kill a rabbit with his bare hands. Brilliantly edited, it may not be as polished as the usual by a master filmmaker but it more than compensates for it by its inspired creativity and emotional resonance which are the main reasons I love this film as much as any of 2019. Don’t let its wacky title fool you: this is a little gem you won’t easily forget

I am amazed how well done this movie is considering the content... Rebel Wilson not withstanding. I will just get this out of the way now and never mention it again. Rebel Wilson is a major distraction she looks like she didn't want to be there and was actively trying to sabotage the film. But the truth of the matter is she cannot hold a candle to Sam Rockwells - nonchalantness. I wish they would of swapped her role with ScarJo. Now the good. The writing is very well done. Sam Rockwell kills it! The child actors were exceptional (as far as child actors go) and not only is the story told via dialogue but visual... meaning you can watch the progress of the war thru what people are doing, what they say, and the change to the town. I will just say, this film is up with Dr. Strangelove in terms of black humor. If I could adjust one thing in the film, I kind of feel that Scarlett Johansson and Rebel Wilson should of switched roles. I will warn you though, this film does have pretty dark tones. There is a very well setup event that is pretty dark in the end.

These release has been a bit pricey since it came out. Even with 3 different versions (4K / BD + Digital), anything over $25 is a high. Recently went on sale for $22 so I picked it up. Quality is there on all 3 versions, but the audio on the 4K disc is phenomenal. BD is loaded with extras plus an hour documentary on the production of the film (which is always a big plus for me).

This is certainly not your typical World War 2 movie, much less a typical National Socialist film. I could see some being put off by the concept, or even offended, but this should not bother those with open minds.

I remember reading a review and decided to take my wife to see it. I thought it was great. The dialog is so funny and the lines so deftly delivered. I have seen all the best picture nominees from the Oscars this past season, in fact I own most of them, but I think Jojo Rabbit should have won. The story, the comedic acting, the idea of making a comedy in the midst of the bloodiest was mankind has ever witnessed... and pulls it off! This movie just might become a cult classic on the order of A Christmas Story.