“Dancing is for people who are free.” —Rosie Betzler
The Nazi regime during the leadership of Adolf Hitler in 1920 to 1945, as most people understand, brought chaos and destroyed humanity among the people living in Germany. Jojo Rabbit, a film released in 2019, shows how the Nazi ideology affected people’s lives. Jojo Rabbit served an imaginative exploration about how people lived their life amid the war. Nevertheless, Jojo Rabbit also showed how kids are being part of the war with a lot of things to learn.
This film is directed by Taika Waititi. As a satirical comedy, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi) in this film is portrayed as the imaginary friend of Jojo Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis), a 10-year-old boy who is a supporter of the Nazi regime. Jojo’s idealized version of Hitler is a comedic and exaggerated character who represents Jojo’s blind loyalty to Nazi ideology.
Rosie Betzler (Scarlett Johansson) has caught my attention with her bold yet calm personality, particularly evident in her dialogues with other characters. She is portrayed as Jojo Betzler’s mother, with a cheerful yet brave personality. Despite living under the oppressive Nazi regime, Rosie remains optimistic and compassionate. She subtly resists the regime by hiding a Jewish girl, Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in their home, demonstrating her courage and moral strength.
The character of Rosie Betzler stands out as a symbolism of hope and resilience. She has a strong character even though she only had countable screen time. Rosie, as a mother, educates her son, Jojo, to be an individual who has love, caring, and courage. Besides that, Rosie is one of the people who are against Nazi’s ideology. Even though she knows that Jojo was obsessively loving Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi, Rosie teaches Jojo important human values, such as compassion and empathy.
In her mission to create a better and more peaceful world, Rosie’s ideology is fundamentally opposed to the Nazi’s. This is evidenced not only by her act of hiding Elsa in their home but also by her involvement in spreading anti-Nazi leaflets throughout the city.
Living amid the war does not stop Rosie from being a good mother. Even though she knows that Jojo idolizes his ‘imaginary’ friend, Adolf Hitler, Rosie teaches him to be optimistic and cheerful despite the chaos around them. She allows Jojo to participate in the Hitler Youth but also tries to subtly open his eyes to the cruelty of the Nazi regime, hoping he will eventually see the truth for himself. It proves that the character of Rosie Betzler is open minded and considering both sides.
Rosie’s cheerfulness and ability to stay positive, even in difficult times, helps balance out the fear and hatred around them. Her optimism isn’t naive; it’s a conscious effort to protect Jojo from the worst parts of the war and to fill his life with hope and love. Rosie’s method of influence is subtle yet impactful; she uses everyday interactions and the examples she sets to broaden Jojo’s understanding of morality and humanity.
When Jojo feels insecure and ostracized by others, Rosie stands by his side as a protector. She tries to understand his obsession with his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, and refrains from judging his beliefs. By teaching Jojo about love, empathy, and courage, Rosie helps him grow and mature. Tragically, in the midst of World War II, Rosie is eventually hanged for her resistance activities. Before her execution, she advises Jojo to remain brave when he witnesses the victims being hanged in the crowd.
Rosie’s story in Jojo Rabbit is a powerful depiction of a mother’s role in nurturing her child’s values amid an oppressive regime. Her strength, kindness, and resistance against the Nazi ideology highlight the profound impact one individual can have on the moral and emotional development of others, even in the darkest of times. Through her character, Jojo Rabbit emphasizes the enduring power of love and compassion in the face of cruelty and adversity.
Through her actions and teachings, Rosie not only safeguards her son’s innocence but also instills in him a sense of justice and humanity that ultimately guides his moral awakening. Despite the regime’s efforts to corrupt and control, Rosie’s influence helps Jojo navigate the complexities of right and wrong, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding that stands in stark opposition to the dehumanizing principles of the Nazis. Her legacy in Jojo Rabbit serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role of parental guidance and moral fortitude in shaping a better future, even when faced with overwhelming adversity.
Rosie’s motherhood role in Jojo Rabbit highlights the powerful impact a mother’s love and values can have on her child, even in a time of great oppression. Despite her son Jojo’s indoctrination into Nazi ideology, Rosie remains a patient and loving mother, continuously striving to instill values of kindness and open-mindedness in him. Her relationship with Jojo reflects the belief that love can transcend political ideologies and social barriers, providing a contrast to the hatred surrounding them.
Rosie also symbolizes resistance to oppression, quietly defying the Nazi regime. By hiding Elsa, a Jewish girl, in her home, she risks her life in an act of rebellion against fascism. Her defiance is subtle, but its impact is profound, representing the moral courage of those who opposed the regime, even in small, personal ways. Through her actions, she reflects the idea that resistance does not always need to be loud or violent—it can exist in everyday acts of humanity.
Petricia Putri Marricy
IG: @mricyls
E-mail: petriciamarricy@gmail.com
