Twice Born Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman drags her son back to war-torn Sarajevo to relive her tragic love story, only to find out that her entire life is basically a Maury Povich episode, Bosnian edition.

🍿 Twice Born: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Gemma and Pietro’s Return to Sarajevo

Gemma, an Italian woman, takes her teenage son Pietro to Sarajevo, a city scarred by war. Pietro’s father, Diego, died there during the Bosnian conflict years ago. The trip stirs up powerful memories for Gemma as she revisits the place where she experienced intense love and devastating loss.

Flashbacks to Gemma and Diego’s Love Story

The film interweaves present-day scenes with flashbacks to the early 1990s, showcasing Gemma and Diego’s passionate relationship. Their bond is tested by their struggle with infertility, leading them to explore difficult and unconventional options for conceiving a child. The backdrop of the escalating conflict in Sarajevo adds further strain to their relationship.

The Surrogate and the Horrors of War

Desperate to have a child, Gemma and Diego consider using a surrogate, Aska, a local musician. As war engulfs Sarajevo, their lives become intertwined with the brutal realities of the conflict. Gemma is forced to flee the city with Pietro, leaving Diego behind.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gemma (Penélope Cruz): An Italian mother who returns to Sarajevo with her son and confronts a tragic past love and devastating revelations.
• Diego (Emile Hirsch): An American photographer whose passionate relationship with Gemma is tested by infertility and the Bosnian War.
• Pietro (Pietro Castellitto): Gemma’s teenage son who accompanies her to Sarajevo and uncovers secrets about his parentage and the war.
• Gojco (Adnan Haskovic): Gemma and Diego’s Bosnian friend who becomes entangled in their lives and the unfolding tragedies of the war.
• Aska (Saadet Aksoy): A musician who becomes involved with Gemma and Diego’s desire to have a child, leading to unforeseen circumstances during the war.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Diego: “The weirdest love stories are always the best.” – Diego says this, foreshadowing the unconventional and tragic love story between him and Gemma.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,295
• Worldwide Gross: $9,075,131

💥 Twice Born Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a sappy romance, and I got… well, I got that, but also a gut-punch of historical drama. Penélope Cruz is incredible as Gemma, and you really feel her pain and confusion throughout the film. The flashbacks to Sarajevo were heartbreaking. I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster, and I definitely shed a few tears by the end. If you’re looking for something intense and thought-provoking, give it a watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Penelope Cruz and Emile Hirsch”
  • “Viewers interested in war dramas with a strong romantic element”
  • “Those who appreciate stories exploring themes of love, loss, and family secrets”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic depictions of war violence”
  • “Rape”
  • “Mature themes related to infertility and surrogacy”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the performances are strong, especially from Penélope Cruz, ‘Twice Born’ suffers from a convoluted plot and melodramatic excess that ultimately undermines its emotional impact.
• IMDb: “Sergio Castellitto’s direction of the movie is quite melodramatic at times and he is unable to make some of the scenes work. But still, Cruz’s acting and the intensity of the story do capture the audience.

Audience Reactions

Penelope Cruz’s performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.: Viewers generally agreed that the film effectively portrayed the devastation and complexities of the Bosnian War.

Overall Consensus: A deeply emotional but somewhat convoluted film exploring love, loss, and the enduring impact of war, carried by strong performances, particularly from Penélope Cruz.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel ‘Venuto al Mondo’ by Margaret Mazzantini, who co-wrote the screenplay with her husband, the director Sergio Castellitto.”
• “Filming took place on location in Bosnia-Herzegovina, adding authenticity to the portrayal of the war-torn Sarajevo.”
• “Pietro Castellitto, who plays Gemma’s son Pietro in the movie, is actually the real-life son of the director Sergio Castellitto and writer Margaret Mazzantini.”

🖥️ How to Watch Twice Born?

As of October 2024, “Twice Born” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as options may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Twice Born, you might like these similar films:

• The English Patient (1996): Both films explore love and loss against the backdrop of war and feature complex, interwoven narratives.
• Sophie’s Choice (1982): Deals with the long-term ramifications of war and impossible choices made during wartime.
• In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011): Focuses on a love story set during the Bosnian War, exploring the complexities of relationships amid conflict.

🛒 Twice Born Related Products

• Venuto al Mondo by Margaret Mazzantini (Italian Edition): The original novel that inspired the movie, offering a deeper dive into the characters and their motivations.
• The Fall of Yugoslavia: The Third Balkan War: This non-fiction book provides historical context for the Bosnian War, offering insight into the events depicted in ‘Twice Born’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Twice Born features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Funeral” – performed by D. Griffiths, D. Keeler, Fox-Harris
• “Something in the Way” – performed by Nirvana

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Penélope Cruz – Twice Born Interview with Tribute at TIFF 2012

Ever wondered what Penélope Cruz really thought about her role in ‘Twice Born’? She gets super real in this interview, talking about her character and even motherhood! It’s surprisingly insightful and makes you appreciate the film even more.

A Tribute to PENELOPE CRUZ

Want a quick recap of Penélope Cruz’s amazing career? This tribute video is perfect! It includes scenes from ‘Twice Born’ and highlights just how versatile and talented she is. Seriously, you’ll be impressed.

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