Europe 1990, the Berlin wall has just crumbled: Katrine, raised in East Germany, but now living in Norway for the last 20 years, is a “war child”; the result of a love relationship between a Norwegian woman and a German occupation soldier during World War II. She enjoys a happy family life with her mother, her husband, daughter and granddaughter. But when a lawyer asks her and her mother to witness in a trial against the Norwegian state on behalf of the war children, she resists. Gradually, a web of concealments and secrets is unveiled, until Katrine is finally stripped of everything, and her loved ones are forced to take a stand: What carries more weight, the life they have lived together, or the lie it is based on?
Two Lives (original title Zwei Leben) is a German-Norwegian drama directed by Georg Maas, set against the backdrop of the post-WWII and Cold War era. The film follows the complex life of Katrine Evensen Myrdal, a woman who seemingly escaped East Germany and was reunited with her Norwegian mother, Åse. The plot takes a deep dive into the lives of war children born during the German occupation of Norway, part of the Lebensborn program, a Nazi initiative that involved the forced removal of children born from relationships between German soldiers and Norwegian women. The film uncovers Katrine’s carefully constructed identity and the secrets of her past, suggesting that her escape to Norway might have been orchestrated by East Germany’s Stasi intelligence to use her as a spy.
The story unfolds in two distinct timelines: the present, where Katrine lives a comfortable life in Norway, and the past, as flashbacks reveal painful truths about her origins. The film centers on Katrine’s struggle as a lawyer presses for reparations for the children born out of this program. Her mother, Åse, who had been shunned and imprisoned for having a child with a German soldier, confesses the painful truths about her past, including the forced separation from her child. As Katrine’s identity unravels, the tension escalates, revealing the manipulation by intelligence agencies and the personal cost of wartime and Cold War politics
Themes in Two Lives
- Identity and Deception: A central theme of Two Lives is the exploration of identity—how it is shaped by history, trauma, and external forces. Katrine’s life is a facade, built on lies and espionage, highlighting the tension between personal truth and the roles forced upon her by larger political forces.
- The Legacy of WWII: The film focuses on the aftermath of WWII, especially the often-overlooked Lebensborn program, which involved the forced relocation of children born of relationships between German soldiers and Norwegian women. It examines how history continues to haunt the descendants of those involved in such traumatic events.
- Family and Secrets: The strained relationship between Katrine and her mother, Åse, as well as Katrine’s secret life, forms a core emotional layer of the film. Family bonds are tested as secrets from the past come to light, and Katrine is forced to confront her true identity.
- Cold War Politics: The Cold War backdrop brings an additional layer of complexity, with the film examining how both the East German Stasi and Norwegian authorities manipulated the lives of individuals during this period. It shows how geopolitical struggles affected ordinary people’s lives, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and deception.
- Post-War Trauma: Two Lives addresses the trauma experienced by Norwegian women who had relationships with German soldiers during the war. These women, who were ostracized and imprisoned, represent the silent victims of history, whose suffering is only now being acknowledged in the film.
10 Reasons to Watch Two Lives
- Complex Storytelling: The layered narrative reveals a deeply personal story set against the larger context of historical events, keeping the audience engaged with both emotional drama and historical intrigue.
- Historical Importance: The film sheds light on the Lebensborn program, an often-overlooked chapter in WWII history. It provides an insightful look at the post-war repercussions for the women and children involved.
- Strong Performances: Juliane Köhler and Liv Ullmann deliver powerful performances, particularly Ullmann, whose portrayal of Åse provides emotional depth and nuance to the story.
- Suspense and Thrills: The film includes elements of a spy thriller, with Katrine’s life unravelling as secrets are revealed, creating a suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere.
- Rich Visuals: Beautiful cinematography captures the Norwegian coast and German settings, immersing the audience in the contrasting environments of peace and wartime trauma.
- Emotional Depth: The exploration of mother-daughter relationships and the painful truths of the past creates an emotionally gripping narrative that resonates with audiences.
- Cultural and Historical Insight: The film offers a rare perspective on the impact of WWII on Norway and the role of the Lebensborn program, making it an educational experience as well as an emotional one.
- Character Development: The gradual unraveling of Katrine’s character and the development of her relationships provide a compelling reason to follow her journey throughout the film.
- Relevance to Contemporary Issues: While set in the past, the themes of manipulation, identity, and the long-lasting effects of war are relevant today, touching on issues of personal history and political manipulation.
- Critical Acclaim: The film was shortlisted for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and received critical praise for its storytelling and performances
How Will You Feel After Watching Two Lives?
After watching Two Lives, you might feel a deep sense of reflection and emotional weight. The film’s exploration of identity, family secrets, and the legacy of war will likely leave you pondering the long-lasting impacts of historical events on individuals. The emotional performances, especially from Liv Ullmann, will likely resonate deeply, evoking empathy for the characters who are caught in the web of history’s injustices. The tension between personal choices and political manipulation will leave you with a somber understanding of how personal lives can be overshadowed by larger historical forces. Ultimately, the film will likely stir feelings of sadness and contemplation about the complexities of identity and the difficult truths people must confront to move forward.
