Christine Leunens' novel now an acclaimed Taika movie

Christine Leunens' novel Caging Skies was released eleven years ago to rave reviews - at home in New Zealand and overseas. It's since been translated into twenty languages. Set in Austria during the Second World War, it offers that very rare thing - the point of view of a keen young member of the Hitler Youth. But one thing it isn't is wacky - and it seemed an odd choice for comedy master Taika Waititi to adapt as his latest film Jojo Rabbit. But is it such a stretch for Taika to tackle some weighty subjects, assisted by an A-List cast, including Scarlett Johanssen, Sam Rockwell and young Kiwi star Thomasin McKenzie? Simon Morris asked Christine Leunens when Taika first expressed an interest in the novel Caging Skies? Jojo Rabbit opens around the country on Oct 24.