The Twins (2002)

Directed by: Ben Sombogaart | 135 minutes | drama, war | Actors: Thekla Reuten, Nadja Uhl, Ellen Vogel, Gudrun Okras, Sina Richardt, Julia Koopmans, Betty Schuurman, Jaap Spijkers, Roman Knizka, Margarita Broich, Ingo Naujoks, Barbara Auer, Jeroen Spitzenberger, Hans Somers, Hans Trentelman

Two sisters are torn apart at a young age and come back years later. That sounds like a formula for a moving and gripping story, and it is. ‘The twins’, after the book by Tessa de Loo, is exactly as the story suggests; gripping, moving and impressive without being too gooey and sentimental.

The theme of twins and war are always good ingredients for a movie. The closeness of twins makes for many touching moments. But the war is also a familiar theme for everyone, this also increases the recognizability of the film, making it easier to identify with the main characters. Sombogaart made good use of this when filming Tessa de Loo’s book.

A strong story is a basis for a good film, but besides the fact that the story is very strong, Sombogaart had even more resources at his disposal to make this film a hit: the two very talented actresses Nadja Uhl and Thekla Reuten. Because of the fantastic play of these ladies, Anna and Lotte are both portrayed sympathetically and you don’t know whose side you should be on in the fights. It is even frustrating that the two still do not get together due to unpleasant circumstances. For example, you almost curse Anna when she makes a remark that doesn’t go well with Lotte, but at the same time you are furious with Lotte because she cares so much. A Dutch film in which two actresses can act at a high level and who are also perfectly attuned to each other is quite exceptional.

The young versions of Anna and Lotte also show that they have a lot of talent. They play perhaps the strongest scene of the entire film, namely the moment when the two sisters are separated. This moment grabs you by the throat and in one fell swoop you’re in the middle of the movie from which you can’t get out of the rest of the story.

Ben Sombogaart has chosen to use the same flashback structure as in the book. A wise decision, because little by little we learn more about the lives of the sisters. The film is a bit slow and that could be called the only downside of this film, but at the same time that is also the reason why the characters can be explored so well. And that is the strength of this film.

‘The twins’ never becomes a standard flat Dutch film, but distinguishes itself in this genre by responding much more to the emotional aspect and the family feeling. In short: ‘The twins’ is a Hollywood topper from Dutch soil.