Reflections on the Compelling Anti-Hate Satire Film JOJO RABBIT

ByPhyllis Zimbler Miller

I highly recommend you see this anti-hate satire film JOJO RABBIT in a theater now (or later online if no theater near you is showing the film). The compelling points of the viciousness and uselessness of hate are engagingly portrayed through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy who starts out as a fanatical member of Hitler Youth during WWII and whose imaginary friend is Hitler. (Yes, although this sounds weird it is a very effective story device.)

The film is written and directed by Taika Waititi based on the book CAGING SKIES by Christine Leunens (available on Amazon). The acting, especially by Roman Griffin Davis as the 10-year-old boy, is outstanding.

My only concerns with the film are these:
  • The film’s viewers are probably NOT people who engage in hate against the “other” so the film may be preaching to the choir as the expression goes.
  • Once a viewer finishes seeing the film, there is no call to action as to what each individual can do to combat vicious and useless hate.
This is why Susan Chodakiewitz and I are working so hard on our THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE theater project for schools. By offering for free a play written for students (including college students) to perform for their schools, we hope to encourage discussions around anti-Semitism and racism. (See sample discussion questions.)

Read the THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE script of the play excerpts and contact the THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE project if you are interested in the entire script.