Jojo Rabbit (2019 Taika Waititi & scr)

Displaying the same deft, warm and quirky humour as Hunt for the Wilderpeople, only in the much darker milieu of Nazi Germany, Jojo Rabbit manages to pull off something exceptional (the screenplay, adapted from the novel 'Caging Skies' by Christine Leunens, won the Oscar and BAFTA).

From The Beatles version of 'I Wanna Hold Your Hand' to Bowie's 'Heroes' ('Helden') at the end, both performed in German, we're in uncharted and exceptional waters. Roman Griffin Davis is the little Nazi, Waititi himself plays Hitler, and he really knows what to do with Scarlett, who's terrific as the resistance-member mother (she was also Oscar and BAFTA nominated). With Thomasin McKenzie (from Leave No Trace), Sam Rockwell as the sympathetic German (he continues to amaze me in everything), Rebel Wilson, Alfie Allen, and a splendidly sinister Gestapo member in the shape of Stephen Merchant. And of course Archie Yates as the young friend.

Clever visual writing (mother's shoes, shoe laces), humour and unexpectedly lyrical moments - the ragtag assembly of children, cripples and shepherds who attempt to defend the city, to the stirrings of Michael Giacchino, is profound and reminded me of a Leone / Morricone scene (e.g. from Giu La Testa).

Nicely photographed by Mihai Malimare, edited by Tom Eagles. Filmed in the Czech Republic.