Oskar and Jack recounts the extraordinary story of two twin brothers separated as infants and raised apart at both ends of the planet. Born in Trinidad from a Catholic mother and a Jewish father, their destinies took an implausible turn when the couple decided to separate, each keeping custody of one of them. Their respective upbringing turned out to be so diametrically opposite, it is easy to understand why media and researchers alike have been so intrigued and fascinated by their case. Flying back to Germany where she was originally from, the mother took 6 month old Oskar with her, before leaving him there to be raised by his grandmother. Having to adapt to the ideology of the time, and fearing for his life because of his Jewish paternal affiliation, Oskar got involved in the Hitler youth movement. Jack on the other hand was raised by his Jewish dad in Trinidad, before being sent to Israel at 16 to serve in the navy. Meeting for the first time in Germany when they were 21, both were struck by the physical resemblance and the little details in their clothing apparel as well as some mannerisms common to both. However, the bafflement quickly turned into angry annoyance, and it was 25 more years before they met again.
Half German half English, the film is separately narrated by its two protagonists, and transport the viewers back into the respective past life of Oskar and Jack up to their reunions. The juxtaposition of their individual thoughts and perspectives on life, will without doubt strike the viewer by their similarities. Although the images, sound and overall composition of the documentary feel pretty out of date to a contemporary viewer, the overall subject matter and the way it is directly narrated by its two protagonists makes it a must watch for anyone interested in social science, or simply by anyone with a taste for incredible stories.
Half German half English, the film is separately narrated by its two protagonists, and transport the viewers back into the respective past life of Oskar and Jack up to their reunions. The juxtaposition of their individual thoughts and perspectives on life, will without doubt strike the viewer by their similarities. Although the images, sound and overall composition of the documentary feel pretty out of date to a contemporary viewer, the overall subject matter and the way it is directly narrated by its two protagonists makes it a must watch for anyone interested in social science, or simply by anyone with a taste for incredible stories.
