Waititi had the idea for Jojo Rabbit in 2010, when his mother, Robin Cohen, introduced him to Christine Leunens' 2008 novel Caging Skies. Bored of generic World War II stories that were told through the perspectives of soldiers and survivors, and aided by the background of his grandfather once fighting against the Nazis, he decided to adapt the novel. The taboo subject matter did not prevent him from pursuing the project: he looked at it as a motivation and thought of it as a challenge to be bold in filmmaking. He also considered the film a "love letter to all mothers", with a loving mother character present in the film. Waititi compared the premise of the screenplay with the Nickelodeon cartoon Rugrats, which portrays violence through the fantastical lens of a child: "In a lot of ways I wanted to keep some sort of innocence around that stuff." A juvenile lens also meant an honest depiction of Nazism for Waititi: "Children, they don't fuck around. They will straight-up say to you, 'You are ugly.' Or, 'You are a bad dad,' or 'you betrayed me.' Some of it makes no sense, but at least they're being honest about their feelings." Another inspiration came from reading that 66% of American millennials had never heard of or had no knowledge of the Auschwitz concentration camp; with Jojo Rabbit, he hoped the memories of the victims would remain forever and that conversations about the topic would not stop.
Movie's ratings
Production
Soundtrack
Jojo Rabbit (Original Score)
Different stars
- 1 Michael GiacchinoJojo's March 1:01
- 2 Michael GiacchinoRabbit Got Your Tongue 1:20
- 3 Michael GiacchinoHow Jojo Got His Name 0:30
- 4 Michael GiacchinoAdolf Einleitung in Cheek 1:03
- 5 Michael GiacchinoCatch the Antelopers 0:34
- 6 Michael GiacchinoGrenade and Bear It 0:45
- 7 Michael GiacchinoJojo's Infirmary Period 0:53
- 8 Michael GiacchinoA New Uni-deform 1:13
- 9 Michael GiacchinoFrom Poster to Postest 0:25
- 10 Michael GiacchinoThe Secret Room 5:14
- 11 Michael GiacchinoPickled Pink 0:44
- 12 Michael GiacchinoNegotiate Your Heart Out 1:06
- 13 Michael GiacchinoBeyond Questions 1:07
- 14 Michael GiacchinoNo Weak Jews 0:50
- 15 Michael GiacchinoThe Elsa Prophecy 0:20
- 16 Michael GiacchinoA Boy of Letters 0:28
- 17 Michael GiacchinoA Game of Names 0:31
- 18 Michael GiacchinoMother Joker 1:16
- 19 Michael GiacchinoA Few of My Shiniest Things 1:39
- 20 Michael GiacchinoEye of the Tiger (String Quartet Version) 2:08
- 21 Michael GiacchinoGet to the Back of the HQ 0:16
- 22 Michael GiacchinoProving Your Metal 0:49
- 23 Michael GiacchinoElsa's Art Appreciation 1:55
- 24 Michael GiacchinoGestapo Making Sense 4:02
- 25 Michael GiacchinoDon't Speech Your Pants 1:02
Jojo Rabbit
(2019)34
| Country | |
| Spoken Language | english, deutsch |
| Runtime | 1 hr 48 min |
| Budget | $14 000 000 |
| Premiere: World | $93 598 180 October 24, 2019 |
| USA | $33 370 906 |
| Other countries | $60 227 274 |
| Box Office – Budget | $79 598 180 |
| Premiere: USA | $33 370 906 October 16, 2019 |
| first day | $142 110 |
| first weekend | $349 555 |
| theaters | 1173 |
| rollout | 441 days |
| Digital: World | February 4, 2020 |
| Parental Advisory | Frightening & Intense Scenes, Profanity, ... |
| |
| Production Companies | |
| Also Known As | Králíček Jojo Czechia |
Description
A young German boy in the Hitler Youth, whose hero and imaginary friend is the country’s dictator, is shocked to discover that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.Сast and Crew
Director
Camera
Writer
Author
Composer
Videos Stills Posters Filming Screenshots
About the Book
The film "Jojo Rabbit" is based on the book Caging Skies by Christine Leunens. This novel is a dark, historical fiction that delves into the complexities of war, identity, and morality.Author: Christine Leunens
Christine Leunens is a New Zealand-Belgian author known for her thought-provoking narratives. Her work often explores themes of human nature and the impact of historical events on personal lives.Comparison Between the Book and the Film
- Plot and Themes: While the film captures the essence of the book, it takes a more comedic and satirical approach compared to the novel's darker and more serious tone.
- Character Development: The book provides a deeper exploration of the protagonist's internal struggles and the psychological impact of the war, which is somewhat simplified in the film adaptation.
- Artistic Interpretation: Taika Waititi, the director of the film, infuses his unique style and humor, creating a distinct narrative that diverges from the book's original storytelling.
What is “Jojo Rabbit” about?
It’s a satirical comedy-drama set in Nazi Germany during the final years of World War II. A young boy, Johannes (“Jojo”), is obsessed with fitting in and confides in his imaginary friend—a cartoonish Hitler played by Taika Waititi. His worldview collapses when he discovers his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.
Is it a comedy or a drama?
Both. It uses satire and absurd humor to mock propaganda and fanaticism, while still delivering an emotional coming-of-age drama about loss, empathy, and moral choice.
What is the movie based on?
The film is inspired by Christine Leunens’ novel “Caging Skies.” The adaptation significantly shifts the tone toward satire while keeping the core premise of a boy and a hidden girl. (The novelist is Christine Leunens.)
Why is there an “imaginary Hitler” in the film?
The imaginary friend externalizes how propaganda and a child’s need for belonging shape Jojo’s thinking. As he matures, the figure becomes less playful and more menacing—tracking the collapse of Jojo’s illusions.
How historically accurate is the film?
It’s not a factual reenactment but a satirical fable. The late-war atmosphere and ideological pressure feel grounded, yet many elements are deliberately exaggerated to expose the absurdity of Nazism and indoctrination.
Why mix humor with Nazism— isn’t that inappropriate?
The satire targets the ideology and its followers—not the victims. It mocks fanaticism, conformity, and propaganda tropes, while treating the core tragedies seriously and avoiding glamorization of the regime.
What is Jojo’s central conflict?
He’s torn between indoctrinated beliefs and lived human experience. Meeting the girl he’s been taught to hate forces him to reassess fear, friendship, empathy, and his own moral agency.
Who are Klenzendorf and Finkel, and what do they add to the story?
They provide the “adult” layer: war-weariness, survival within a collapsing system, and moral compromises. Captain Klenzendorf (played by Sam Rockwell) adds human complexity and shows that people inside a regime can behave in very different ways.
Why is the mother figure so important?
She’s Jojo’s moral compass and the opposite of propaganda—encouraging empathy and independent thought. Her storyline turns the film into a personal drama about family and the cost of courage. She is played by Scarlett Johansson.
Who is Elsa, and why does meeting her change Jojo?
Elsa is a Jewish girl hidden in Jojo’s home. She becomes living proof that the “enemy” described by propaganda is a human being with fear, wit, and dignity. Elsa is played by Thomasin McKenzie.
How does the film portray propaganda?
Through a child’s perspective: slogans and fears become “rules of reality,” and dissent feels like betrayal. Humor exposes how ridiculous propaganda clichés are when spoken plainly and pushed to extremes.
Is “Jojo Rabbit” suitable for teenagers?
It can work for teens, but it includes war themes, ideological intimidation, and emotionally heavy moments. It’s best viewed with conversation afterward—about propaganda, responsibility, and empathy.
What are the main themes?
Coming-of-age and critical thinking, the effects of propaganda, personal courage, recognizing humanity in the “other,” loss, and the ability to choose who you become.
Does the film have a message that’s still relevant today?
Yes. It shows how easily fear can be molded into hatred—especially when someone craves belonging—and how personal connection, learning, and skepticism are essential to resist it.
Why does the ending feel both bitter and hopeful?
Because it doesn’t erase the losses, yet it shows Jojo’s inner liberation: he steps out of an ideological cage and takes a first independent step toward a life without hatred.
Who plays Jojo, and why is that performance so crucial?
Jojo is played by Roman Griffin Davis. The character constantly balances childlike naivety with harsh reality, and that believable performance keeps the film from becoming either pure farce or relentlessly bleak drama.
Production
Sign up and you will see here
friends impressions of the movie.
Friends comments and ratings
Another great film from Taika. The guy knows how to beautifully mix funny jokes along with insightful drama, which ultimately creates intelligent satire. The presentation of the horrors of war by the younger generation is top.
"Lamp Hitlerism"… But seriously, the film is not even a satire, but the final battle and the rescue of the main character from captivity and the storyline of the fat bespectacled man were what I liked the most. Laughter and laughter, but in the end a powerful anti-war message emerged.
I see a lot of people are seriously riled up in the comments, even though it seems like these reviewers haven’t watched more than four minutes. As Guberman wrote, "It’s not a sin to laugh at something that’s not funny." The film somehow hit the heart-perhaps the same way Life Is Beautiful struck me back then. The cast, the soundtrack, the combination of absurdist humor and drama, the Wes Anderson-esque visuals-it’s just my thing, no holds barred. Sam Rockwell steals every second of the film, but newcomer Roman Griffin Davis should have at least received an Oscar nomination-the kid delivered arguably the best performance of his career. The Critics' Choice isn’t bad either, but it’s a bit disappointing.
Taika knows how to make absurd movies. And there is plenty of absurdity here. The film contains elements of anti-Nazism. Ridiculing the Nazis, ridiculing that time, everything that somehow related to all that horror.
The thought comes that Waititi has nothing else to film, but he needs to film something and attract some attention, so he takes on a story about fascists and Jews.
An excellent satire that skillfully balances between drama and comedy. I am glad that Waititi was not afraid to tackle such a topic not only with humor, but also with sincere humanism. Scarlett is especially good. I was particularly pleased with Heroes performed by Bowie himself in German at the end :)
War is horror. And you are either one of us or another. But some remain human even in such circumstances – heroes sometimes wear fascist uniforms. A film about growing up. We will never be children again. Childhood will end, like any war.
An excellent balance between drama and absurdity, a wonderful performance by Scarlett Johansson… but a little something was missing.
An excellent film that makes you laugh and cry at the same time and think about the war and the victims of Nazism
Everything about this film is great. especially the way he went from comedy to just giving you drama and that’s it. you just can’t breathe from crying
Anti-war, a movie with a complementary Jewish theme, evil Russian soldiers, with the Americans – the victors of Nazism, their Stars and Stripes in the finale. A satirical comedy with unfunny jokes and uncomical situations. The dramatic line of the picture is also unconvincing.
It is very noticeable that this is based on "The Tin Drum", but at the same time less dirty, fun in a Wes Anderson way. Scarlett is amazing here.
Sam Rockwell, in his patented form and palpable sexual attraction to Alfie Allen, broke my heart.
Making comedies about fascism is very dangerous, which is why there are few such films, although the theme of World War II itself is still relevant in cinema. Waititi made a wonderful film, funny and sad at the same time. And what is also important is that it is original in form and content.
High-quality satire from Taika, which allows you to experience the full range of emotions when watching. I would also like to mention Scarlett Johansson’s character, amazing work! Thai continues to please, let the guy film his Star Wars trilogy.
Great comedy. So many different jokes inserted at the right time, a well-told story of the main character, his experiences of thought and development as a person. How he grows up. In general, Taika again proved that he is a brilliant director.
A great film, I don’t understand where they get such laconic child actors. They alone make it worth watching. Sam Rockwell, Scarlet. I simply recommend it from the bottom of my heart
A good anti-war satire from Taika Waititi (who didn’t have to play Hitler here). Taika has always been able to perfectly select children for his films – and this is no exception. In some places his sense of proportion fails, but it is tolerable. And thanks for the great soundtrack
A light comedy with elements of drama about a difficult time for the whole world and the usual leisure of a little boy. I don’t know how much the character of Rockwell in the book is in sync with the film, but he was remembered more than the others. With all the villainous "shell" remains a man and of course his end
Definitely a movie to treasure. Waititi is great both as a director and as one of the main characters. There is a place to laugh and "think." But the balance between "haha" and seriousness is poor (or it’s just a weak second half of the picture). Maybe I should have definitely gone "haha".
Well, this is typical Taika. A quirky fusion of edge-of-your-seat comedy and drama with a wonderful cast and unsettling charm.
It was very difficult to rate the film. Some moments and the acting were absolutely delightful, while others made me want to turn off the viewing and send the film to the "I won’t watch" folder. After all, the topic chosen was very serious, but the authors did not find the necessary balance of tragedy and satire, drama and humor.
An incredibly beautiful fairy tale for adults, with a touch of humor. I am delighted!
The film balances awkwardly between drama and satire. As a result, the drama is weak and the satire is too satirical.
Add a short review
280 characters