# Jojo Rabbit

> 2019 film directed by Taika Waititi

**Wikidata**: [Q54862508](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54862508)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jojo_Rabbit)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jojo-rabbit

## Summary

Jojo Rabbit is a comedy drama, comedy film, drama film, and war film[1].

## Summary
*Jojo Rabbit* is a 2019 comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi, set during World War II. It follows a young German boy whose imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler, blending satire with poignant themes of war and humanity.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: Premiered on September 8, 2019 (Toronto International Film Festival), with theatrical releases on October 18, 2019 (United States), January 3, 2020 (New Zealand), January 23, 2020 (Germany), and January 31, 2020 (United Kingdom).
- **Director**: Taika Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian.
- **Genre**: Comedy-drama, war film, satire.
- **Country of Origin**: Produced in New Zealand, the United States, and the Czech Republic.
- **Awards**: Won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay (2020) and was listed in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films (2019).
- **Ratings**: IMDb: 7.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes: 80%, Metacritic: 58/100.
- **Box Office**: Grossed $90,335,025 worldwide.
- **Budget**: $14,000,000.
- **Runtime**: 108 minutes.
- **Language**: Primarily English, with some German dialogue.
- **Screenplay**: Adapted from Christine Leunens’ novel *Caging Skies*.
- **Production Companies**: Fox Searchlight Pictures, TSG Entertainment, Defender Films.
- **Distributor**: Searchlight Pictures (formerly Fox Searchlight Pictures).
- **Official Website**: [www.foxsearchlight.com/jojorabbit](http://www.foxsearchlight.com/jojorabbit), [www.searchlightpictures.com/jojorabbit](https://www.searchlightpictures.com/jojorabbit).

## FAQs
**What is *Jojo Rabbit* about?**
*Jojo Rabbit* is a satirical comedy-drama set in Nazi Germany during World War II. It follows Jojo, a young boy in the Hitler Youth whose imaginary friend is a buffoonish version of Adolf Hitler (played by Taika Waititi). The film explores themes of indoctrination, war, and humanity through dark humor and emotional depth.

**Who directed *Jojo Rabbit*?**
The film was directed by Taika Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker known for his work on *Thor: Ragnarok* and *Hunt for the Wilderpeople*. Waititi also stars in the film as Jojo’s imaginary Hitler.

**What awards did *Jojo Rabbit* win?**
*Jojo Rabbit* won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2020. It was also included in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films list for 2019.

**Where was *Jojo Rabbit* filmed?**
The film was primarily shot in the Czech Republic, with additional production in New Zealand and the United States.

**What is the significance of *Jojo Rabbit*’s genre?**
The film blends comedy, drama, and war genres, using satire to critique fascism and indoctrination while maintaining an emotional core. This unique approach sets it apart from traditional war films.

**How did *Jojo Rabbit* perform at the box office?**
The film grossed $90,335,025 worldwide against a $14,000,000 budget, making it a commercial success.

**What is the source material for *Jojo Rabbit*?**
The film is adapted from Christine Leunens’ 2004 novel *Caging Skies*, which explores similar themes of a young boy’s disillusionment with Nazi ideology.

## Why It Matters
*Jojo Rabbit* matters as a bold and unconventional take on World War II, using satire to challenge audiences’ perceptions of history and morality. By blending humor with the horrors of war, the film critiques indoctrination and extremism while humanizing its characters. Its success at the Academy Awards and critical acclaim highlight its cultural impact, proving that comedy can be a powerful tool for addressing serious subjects. The film also showcases Taika Waititi’s unique directorial voice, further establishing him as a visionary filmmaker. Additionally, its adaptation of *Caging Skies* brings a lesser-known literary work to a broader audience, bridging literature and cinema in a meaningful way.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Win**: Best Adapted Screenplay (2020).
- **Unique Satirical Approach**: Blending comedy with the grim realities of World War II.
- **Taika Waititi’s Dual Role**: Director and actor (as imaginary Hitler).
- **International Production**: Filmed in the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and the United States.
- **Critical Acclaim**: Included in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films (2019).
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $90 million worldwide.
- **Adaptation of *Caging Skies***: A novel by Christine Leunens.
- **Genre-Blending**: Combines comedy, drama, and war film elements.
- **Cultural Impact**: Sparks discussions on satire, history, and morality.

## Body

### Overview and Plot
*Jojo Rabbit* is a 2019 comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi, set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The story centers on Jojo Betzler, a young boy in the Hitler Youth whose imaginary friend is a cartoonish version of Adolf Hitler (played by Waititi). The film explores Jojo’s disillusionment with Nazi ideology after he discovers that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home. Through dark humor and emotional depth, the film critiques fascism, indoctrination, and the absurdity of war.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures, TSG Entertainment, and Defender Films, with a budget of $14 million. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2019, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 18, 2019. Subsequent releases followed in New Zealand (January 3, 2020), Germany (January 23, 2020), and the United Kingdom (January 31, 2020). The film was distributed by Searchlight Pictures (formerly Fox Searchlight Pictures).

### Cast and Crew
- **Director**: Taika Waititi (also stars as imaginary Hitler).
- **Screenplay**: Adapted by Taika Waititi from Christine Leunens’ novel *Caging Skies*.
- **Cast**: Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo), Thomasin McKenzie (Elsa), Scarlett Johansson (Rosie), Sam Rockwell (Captain Klenzendorf), Rebel Wilson (Fräulein Rahm), and Stephen Merchant (Deertz).
- **Production Design**: Ra Vincent.
- **Cinematography**: Mihai Mălaimare Jr.
- **Music**: Michael Giacchino.

### Reception and Awards
*Jojo Rabbit* received widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of comedy and drama. It holds a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb, an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 58/100 score on Metacritic. The film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2020 and was listed in the National Board of Review’s Top Ten Films for 2019.

### Themes and Style
The film uses satire to explore themes of indoctrination, war, and humanity. Waititi’s direction balances humor with poignant moments, creating a tone that is both irreverent and deeply emotional. The film’s visual style and performances contribute to its impact, making it a standout in the war film genre.

### Box Office Performance
*Jojo Rabbit* grossed $90,335,025 worldwide, making it a commercial success. Its performance at the box office, combined with its critical acclaim, solidified its place as a significant film of 2019.

### Adaptation and Source Material
The film is adapted from Christine Leunens’ 2004 novel *Caging Skies*, which tells the story of a young boy in Nazi Germany who discovers a Jewish girl hiding in his home. Waititi’s adaptation retains the novel’s themes while adding his signature comedic and satirical touch.

### Cultural and Historical Context
*Jojo Rabbit* is set against the backdrop of World War II, a period marked by the rise of fascism and the Holocaust. The film’s satirical approach challenges audiences to confront the absurdity of Nazi ideology while emphasizing the human cost of war. Its release in 2019 sparked discussions about the role of satire in addressing historical trauma.

### Related Entities
- **Taika Waititi**: New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian known for *Thor: Ragnarok* and *Hunt for the Wilderpeople*.
- **Christine Leunens**: New Zealand-Belgian novelist and author of *Caging Skies*.
- **Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay**: Awarded to *Jojo Rabbit* in 2020.
- **National Board of Review: Top Ten Films**: Included *Jojo Rabbit* in its 2019 list.
- **New Zealand**: Country of origin for Taika Waititi and Christine Leunens.
- **United States**: Primary production and release country.
- **Czech Republic**: Filming location for *Jojo Rabbit*.

### Technical Details
- **Runtime**: 108 minutes.
- **Language**: English (primary), German (secondary).
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.85:1.
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Digital.
- **Color**: Color.

### Legacy and Impact
*Jojo Rabbit* has left a lasting impact on cinema by demonstrating the power of satire in addressing serious historical subjects. Its success at the Academy Awards and critical acclaim have cemented its place as a modern classic. The film continues to be discussed for its bold approach to storytelling and its relevance in contemporary discussions about extremism and indoctrination.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. Jojo Rabbit. Rotten Tomatoes
4. [Source](http://nmhh.hu/dokumentum/198182/terjesztett_filmalkotasok_art_filmek_nyilvantartasa.xlsx)
5. BBC Things
6. Google Knowledge Graph
7. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2584384/)
8. [Source](https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/jojo-rabbit-2019)
9. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=1507532)
10. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/jojo-rabbit/)
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.eirin.jp/list/index.php?s_year=2019&s_month=10&e_year=2019&e_month=10&pageID=2)
13. film distribution certificate
14. Cineplex
15. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
16. [Source](https://sede.mcu.gob.es/webicaa/Ficheros/177819/34/177819/1/209.pdf)
17. SoundtrackCollector
18. [Source](http://fpbquery.fpb.org.za/erms/film_details.aspx?ref=83460)
19. Jojo Rabbit
20. Danish Film Database
21. [Source](https://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/RCQ212AfficherFicheTech.asp?intNoFilm=417868)
22. FilmVandaag.nl