O Clone
O Clone is a Brazilian telenovela. The eponymous character is Leandro, a clone of a deceased man. When syndicated to Spanish-speaking countries it is known as El Clon.
Directed by Jayme Monjardim, the director of the successful Terra Nostra, it tells the story of Jade and Lucas, starting in 1980 in Morocco and spanning to the present in Rio de Janeiro. It is the story on an impossible love between the son of a magnate, Lucas, and a Brazilian of Moroccan descent, Jade, who constantly has to fight against her family's conventions to pursue true love alongside Lucas. It also reflects the ethical problems posited by human cloning and the differences between the islamic and western worlds.
The telenovela was widely popular not only because of the passion between the protagonists and their determination to confront obstacles, but also because the plot addresses current issues such as human cloning and drug addiction.
Major characters
- Diogo Ferraz - a pilot who died whilst flying a helicopter near the Sugar Loaf.
- Lucas Ferraz - Diogo's twin brother.
- Augusto Albieri - genetic scientist who knew both brothers well.
- Leandro - a clone of Lucas.
- Jade - Brazilian of Arab descent.
Cast & Crew
- Murilo Benício - Lucas Ferraz / Diogo Ferraz / Leandro Edvaldo
- Giovanna Antonelli - Jade
- Vera Fischer- Yvete
- Juca de Oliveira - Augusto Albieri
Major Storylines
There are two major storylines. The first revolves around Leandro growing up and trying to find the truth from his surrogate mother and Augusto about his origins.
The second storyline is a love story between Lucas and Jade. They meet in Morocco in the early 80's and have a passionate affair. Years later, Jade is forced to live in Rio de Janeiro with her arab husband and his second wife. Lucas and Jade try to leave their respective spouses and get back together.
This first storyline starts from the mother (Deusa) being artificially inseminated by doctor Albieri. We go on to see the clone growing up in a different environment from his "father/brother" Lucas, which makes him a totally different individual, even though they both share the same genes and even the same thoughts and interests.
The second storyline revolves about Lucas (who doesn't know that he has a clone until later in the novela) and Jade. The clone also falls in love with Jade. There are also very interesting minor storylines that surround the drama of this telenovela such as drug addiction.
Syndication
O Clone is produced in Brazil by Rede Globo. The actors speak Portuguese. However, the programme has been dubbed into other languages and syndicated internationally. Spanish versions can be seen in most South American countries and in the United States.