Run Lola Run

Shown: 12 March 2001

Germany 1999 (subtitles)
80 minutes
Directed by Tom Tykwer
Leading players - Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup

Synopsis

Lola has a mere 20 minutes to raise 100,000 Deutschmarks and reach her panicking criminal boyfriend who has (amazingly!) left these funds on a train, which belong to a very nasty gangster, before he does something seriously stupid. The choices she makes will affect her and those around her.

Writer/Director Tom Tykwer has the basic sequence of events play out three times, showing how easily a split-second decision can alter your life, each section unfolding as a mini-adventure. The viewer spends the majority of the film 'running' on the heels of the energetic Lola (portrayed by the appealing and frequently breathless Franka Potente), the super-gutsy anti-heroine, but we also have momentary diversions to glimpse the changing fates of those with whom Lola comes into contact on her rescue mission. Stunningly shot with great energy, mixing all types of film formats, and using an infectious and original dance sound- track, even the opening credits of Run Lola Run, spring a surprise so be awake from the start when watching. The storyline apart, there is so much of interest which makes this film a 'must-see'. We even have the ancient 'huge sheet of plate glass' scenario put to sly use.