A romantic war melodrama based in Rome and Sarajevo during the Bosnian conflict, Twice Born is a family affair, directed by Italian Sergio Castellitto based on a novel by his wife Margaret Mazzantini, and starring his son.
The film begins in the present day with Gemma (Penelope Cruz) taking a phone call from Gojco (Haskovic), an old acquaintance from Sarajevo in 1984. He invites her back to Sarajevo for an exhibition by Diego (Emile Hirsch). An American photographer who died during the Bosnian War, Diego was also the love of her life and father of her teenage son, Pietro.
Gemma returns to Sarajevo with Pietro (Pietro Castellitto) and revisits her past, played out for us in flashbacks. The story initially follows the rhythm of Gemma and Diego's relationship before it slowly unravels as Gemma becomes obsessed with having a baby. The pacing ebbs and flows but there's just enough mystery surrounding Pietro's birth to keep you guessing.
When war breaks out in Bosnia the couple return to Sarajevo to help their friends, and the story becomes more about their experiences during the siege of Sarajevo.
Cruz is convincing as both a 22-year-old student and middle-aged mother and, although at times her delivery is melodramatic and self-centred, her performance as a mother gives the story some maturity. In contrast, Hirsch tries a little too hard and doesn't quite convince as the charismatic young Diego, although he looks more comfortable as Diego becomes quietly sombre and distraught. They're an unusual pairing, awkward as actors and as characters.
