Where was Jojo Rabbit filmed?
2019
City Locations
Žatec, Prague, Ustek (Czech Republic)
Location Types
House, Museum, Office
Location Styles
Greek/Neoclassical, Building Dated/Retro, Foreign, Gothic/Victorian, Rustic
About Jojo Rabbit
Take a journey into the unique world of Jojo Rabbit, a masterful blend of comedy and drama directed by the multi-talented Taika Waititi. The film, released in 2019, takes a daring, satirical look at Nazi Germany through the eyes of young Johannes "Jojo" Betzler (Roman Griffin Davis). As Jojo confronts the harsh realities of war, he also contends with a colorful cast of characters, including his mother (Scarlett Johansson) and an imaginary Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi).
This imaginative plot is further brought to life by a notable ensemble, including Thomasin McKenzie, Sam Rockwell, and Rebel Wilson. Jojo's world is upended when he discovers his mother is harboring a Jewish girl in their home, prompting a profound reevaluation of his beliefs and an intimate exploration of love, friendship, and nationalistic fervor.
Jojo Rabbit skillfully blends comedic elements with a moving examination of the influence of WWII propaganda on vulnerable minds. The film won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival owing to its moving narrative that captivated critics and audiences. Its six nominations for the Oscars are an authentic reflection of the high quality of its story.
Waititi's Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay was a career-defining achievement and tribute to his creative genius. Nominations for the picture at the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice, and Costume Designers Guild Awards are just a few more accolades that have helped establish its status as an exceptional piece of cinematic art.
A must-see, Jojo Rabbit employs satire to shatter preconceived notions about a bygone age. This thought-provoking investigation of ideology's insidious impact has received critical acclaim and grossed $90.3 million worldwide, proving that it resonates with viewers around the globe.
Jojo Rabbit Locations
The picturesque Prague region in the Czech Republic was the setting for the Oscar-winning picture Jojo Rabbit. The city, which served as the setting for multiple sequences, provided a significant background that gently accentuated the plot with its magnificent architecture and historical sites.
Historical landmark Petschek Palace, the Gestapo headquarters in Czechoslovakia from 1939 until 1945, was one of the most famous sites. In addition to acting as a silent character, this massive structure offered a realistic setting for the picture.
The town of Zatec, northwest of Prague, also played an essential role in the production. It is a fitting location for a WWII film because its architecture and landscape bear the marks of the conflict. Not to be missed is the Sokol Královské Vinohrady sports hall, which houses the one-of-a-kind swimming pool featured in the film. In addition to its historical importance and peaceful atmosphere, the gorgeous Hořín lock, which lies close to the town of Mělnik, served as a counterpoint to the film's darker themes.
Traveling to these places is well worth it since they all have exciting stories to tell and add nuance to the critically acclaimed film. Visiting these locations is like touring the Jojo Rabbit set; it allows fans to be there when the magic happens. Uncovering the places used to film Jojo Rabbit is guaranteed an exciting journey for anyone interested in history, cinema, or seeking unusual vacation spots.
Jojo discovers Elsa scene in Jojo Rabbit
Mírové nám. 18, 411 45 Úštěk-Vnitřní Město, Czechia
The movie spins the tale of a young German boy named Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) who finds his world turned upside down when he stumbles upon Elsa Korr (Thomasin McKenzie), a Jewish teenage girl and the former classmate of his deceased sister, hidden in his home. Alone and threatened, Jojo considers turning Elsa over to the Gestapo. However, Elsa warns him of the severe consequences his mother (Scarlett Johansson) would face for sheltering her.
The scenes set in Jojo's house came to life at Mírové nám. 18 in Úštěk, a quaint town known for its well-preserved medieval center. While not open to the public as a formal tourist site, this location offers fans a chance to walk through the streets and soak up the town's atmosphere, which plays a significant role in the film. The town center, characterized by Mírové Square and its environs, is protected by law as an urban monument reservation. Visitors can admire the preserved houses with Gothic gables lining the square and the late Baroque-style Church of Saints Peter and Paul built between 1764 and 1772.
Take a train or hire a car from Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. The journey is approximately 1 hour by car or 1.5 hours by train, making it a feasible day trip for those staying in the capital.
Jojo goes to the library scene in Jojo Rabbit
Petschek Palace, Politických vězňů 931/20, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) reveals Elsa's (Thomasin McKenzie) "Hebrew secrets" for a book he's writing for Klenzendorf, finding humor in the situation. The narrative takes him to a library where he conducts his research, adding depth and complexity to his character.
The historical Petschek Palace in Prague provided the backdrop for these library scenes. Originally constructed as a bank in the early ‘20s, the building received a makeover, including state-of-the-art features like air conditioning and tube posts. Its darker history reveals that during the Nazi occupation, it served as the headquarters of the Gestapo. In 1989, it was declared a National Cultural Monument.
Make arrangements seven days in advance to see the rooms in the basement formerly used by the Gestapo, now on Politických vězňů Street. The Ministry of Industry and Trade currently occupies the building. Tours run from September to June, but only in Czech.
To reach the Petschek Palace, you can use public transportation if you're staying in Prague. It's near the Namesti Republiky metro station. From there, it's just a short 13-minute walk to the palace.
Rosie and Jojo's walk scene in Jojo Rabbit
Hořín lock, Vraňansko-hořínský plavební kanál, Hořín, Czechia
Rosie (Scarlett Johansson) and Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) decide to spend quality time together exploring their city. On a set of steps, viewers are treated to a delightful moment where Rosie dances, her feet moving gracefully in a close-up shot. The scene is both tender and poignant, as Rosie later tells Jojo that he will someday meet someone special, hinting at life's possibilities beyond their current circumstances.
The Hořín Lock in the Central Bohemian region's Mělník District was the setting for this scene. This lock system is the oldest in the Czech Republic and remains a well-preserved technical monument since its establishment in 1902. The lock comprises two chambers, housing some of the original machinery. The Hořín Lock is near the Nejsvětější Trojice church and the Funeral Chapel of the Lobkowicz Family.
You can take a train from Prague to Mělník to visit this unique location. From Mělník station, it's a short bus ride to Hořín. The journey from Prague to Hořín by public transport takes approximately 1.5 hours. This site offers fans a chance to walk in the footsteps of Rosie and Jojo, reimagining the scene amidst the historic charm of the Hořín Lock.
Jojo finds his mother at the square scene in Jojo Rabbit
nám. Svobody, 438 01 Žatec 1, Czechia
There's a scene that leaves viewers in tears. Young Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis) discovers his mother (Scarlett Johansson) has been hanged in the town square. Overwhelmed by grief, he returns home and, in a fit of rage, stabs Elsa (Thomasin McKenzie) in the shoulder. However, his anger soon gives way to sorrow, and Elsa, despite her injury, comforts him. This emotional rollercoaster is a pivotal point in the film, highlighting the harsh realities of war and the bottomless human capacity for empathy and compassion.
This powerful scene was filmed at Svobody Square in Žatec, a historic town in Louny District in the Czech Republic. Žatec is renowned for its over-700-year-long tradition of growing hops used in several breweries. The city celebrates this heritage with Dočesná, an annual hops-related harvest festival on the town square. It's easy to imagine the movie's backdrop when visiting this site, making it a must-visit for fans.
Getting to Žatec from Prague is straightforward. You can take a train from Prague's main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Žatec. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. From the Žatec train station, it's a short 18-minute walk to Svobody Square, the filming location.
Klenzendorf saves Jojo scene in Jojo Rabbit
Lenešice Sugar Refinery, Husova 279, 439 23 Lenešice, Czechia
The scene of intense drama and emotion occurs when the Soviets force several captured Germans, including Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), into a backyard. Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell) steps up to save Jojo despite being wounded. He informs Jojo that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) was an honorable woman. Following this, he takes off Jojo's coat, identifies him as a Jew, and spits on him. This act prompts the Soviet guards to haul him off, effectively saving Jojo from the destiny that awaits the other prisoners. Upon being released, Jojo flees the scene, with the chilling resonance of gunfire trailing behind him.
This powerful war sequence, distinguished by the setting of demolished structures, was shot at an erstwhile sugar refinery called Cukrovar Lenešice, located in the Louny District of the Czech Republic. The village of Lenešice holds a significant place in history, as it was home to one of the largest Czech sugar factories, built in 1880 during the onset of the industrial age.
The factory's chimney became a regional landmark. However, the factory was closed in 1982, and today, its premises are an industrial brownfield covering about one-sixth of Lenešice.
While the site might not be accessible for visitors due to its status as an industrial brownfield, fans who wish to visit should contact the administration beforehand. To reach Lenešice from Prague, you can take a train or bus to Louny and then a local bus to Lenešice. The total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
Conclusion
Upon embarking on a novel and daring venture, Director Taika Waititi has crafted a narrative encapsulating the essence of a Nazi-themed coming-of-age comedy in Jojo Rabbit. The film undertakes a tightrope between comedy and poignancy, with Waititi ambitiously attempting to strike an elusive balance between humor and gravity.
At the forefront, the performance by Roman Griffin Davis as Jojo is impressively mature, carrying the weight of the complicated narrative effortlessly. Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of Rosie, Jojo's mother, adds a tender and loving layer to the film.
Regarding its impact on the cinema business, the picture displays an audacious effort to combine comedic elements with historical settings. While Waititi succeeded in introducing a new kind of humor set in a complex period in history, he needed to provide the type of consistency and depth that would have made the combination work.
The gorgeous Czech Republic city of Prague provided the backdrop for most scenes. The medieval town of Zatec, northwest of Prague, also served as a crucial setting for the film. As the buildings and landscape still bear the marks of its occupation, it is an appropriate setting for a movie about WWII. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit these sites and walk through actual movie sets while learning about their fascinating history.