Richie’s (Classic) Review: Run Lola Run

The German techno is pumping, her fire red hair is fluttering and everyone around her is affected by her actions. “Run Lola Run” or “Lola Rennt” is a German action/thriller that surrounds the situation of Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) and Lola (Franka Potente) when Manni loses the money of a gangster on a train; whilst having limited time. Once Lola (Franka Potente) is informed of the situation over the phone, she springs into action and runs for her life looking for a way to find the money. With the movie’s central message being about choices and consequences, the same situation is re-told three different times. Every time showing the differences in people’s lives when Lola crosses their paths.

There are many reasons why this is such a classic film, one being the non-stop energy it gives off. Every shot and scene has something interesting to be watched. The cuts are quick, the cinematography is edgey, and the music is intense. When there isn’t a cool shot on screen, there are 90’s animation cutscenes that make the actions seem even crazier than they already are. When Lola is running through the streets of Germany, her pace never stops unless something physical makes her. The fast-paced camera movements infused with the non-stop bumping soundtrack creates for an adrenaline like movie.

Another reason why I enjoy this movie is for its originality. This movie was released late 1990’s, but until this day there isn’t another movie quite like it. Stylistically and conceptually this film has no predecessors. The camera movements of zooming up to a phone-booth and the shots of Lola running through Germany are something fresh to appreciate. The idea of replaying the same situation of trying find the money in one movie is unusual. The reason what makes this such a classic movie is the unorthodox methods of storytelling director Tom Tykwer decides to use.

Not many films these days try to be as daring as “Run Lola Run”. The risks that the movie takes make the viewing experience all the more enjoyable. The actors are casted perfectly, the pace is relentless, the message is thought-provoking, and the soundtrack is badass. This is an ideal example of why we love films. Audiences don’t want to see something they already know, rather something they’ve never seen before. These are some reasons why I acknowledge this bold stand alone film, “Run Lola Run”.