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C L
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Posted: June 3, 2008 at 12:00am
This movie was very strongly recommended to me by a close friend, and so I had high expectations as I watched it. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed. I have to say that "Run Lola Run" is probably not for everyone though. It makes extensive use of non-linear storytelling, in the style of Tarantino's films or "Memento" or "11:14" and I know a lot of individuals who are turned off by that. Personally, I enjoy these kinds of films and the unusual ways in which a story can unfold when not presented as a straight-forward narrative.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the basic plot is that Lola, played by Franka Potente (whom you may recognize from "The Bourne Identity" and "The Bourne Supremacy") gets a phone call from her boyfriend Manni, played by Moritz Bleibtreu, who is involved with a gangster to whom Manni is supposed deliver 100,000 Deutsch Marks in 20 minutes. Unfortunately Manni had a problem on the subway and the money got left behind. Lola has 20 minutes to come up with the money and get to Manni or very bad things will happen.
The film is presented basically as three separate acts, each of which shows a different outcome for the situation. It's presented in such a way that the viewer is forced to think about the consequences of very small choices and seemingly inconsequential decisions in the grand scheme of things.
I felt that this film was technically outstanding. The use of unusual camera angles, cut scenes and even animation at times was entertaining. I also thought the music added a lot to the film. It was a lot of thumping euro-trash techno music that I normally don't care for, but it worked for this movie because Lola really does run a lot, and that beat just felt right for the running scenes.
The two lead actors were good, especially the actor who played Manni. He was in a situation that it was hard to sympathize with, and yet I found myself rooting for him. And Franka Potente as Lola was outstanding. It was a VERY physical role but also with emotional nuances, and I felt she pulled it off perfectly.
My only complaints about this movie are that some more background material and fleshing out of the characters would have been welcome. But the counterpoint to that is that it would most certainly have slowed down a movie which is virtually defined by its fast, almost frenetic pace.
In summary, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed "Run Lola Run", and I think most readers of this site will as well. If you're a fan of suspense thrillers and you don't mind non-sequential storytelling I have to recommend that you see this film. 8.5/10.
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bluemeanie
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Posted: June 3, 2008 at 3:44pm
I understand that I am going to likely be in the minority on this one, but \"Run Lola Run\" just got on my nerves. I enjoy Tom Tykwer's work, especially what he did recently with \"Perfume\", but I just couldn't get into this one very much. I give it 5/10 just for creativity alone.
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Chad
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Posted: May 19, 2009 at 5:59am
Excellent movie. 9/10.
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Greg Follender
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Posted: May 19, 2009 at 11:42am
I concur... this movie is literally smoldering with intensity.
A simple lead-up with basic character archetypes... made fascinating through non-linear storytelling.
Very sexy... and the best work that Franka Potente has ever done (too bad almost everyone now knows her from her lackluster Bourne bit parts).
Bound to be remade in some way soon because of it's novel storytelling approach...
An easy 9/10.
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George Snow
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Posted: May 19, 2009 at 6:48pm
Haven't seen this in years. It was a great movie.
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