Run Lola Run

It is impossible to say that this was a cruddy film. It was innovative and well thought out. However, for personal reasons, I found this film really displeasing. Call me ignorant, but there are two thing I hate in fiction. (Well, there is a third one, but its not shown in the movie) 1. Things that challenge my perception of the universe. This is a topic I hate thinking about. Yes, some other movies had multiple endings, but not to the same degree. And there was always one canon ending. 2. Movies that glorify (I.e. not villianize) criminals. The main characters worked for the mob. In two of the three scenarios, they engaged in violent crime. All of this was glorified by the movie's plot. Yes, It was a good film for those who like to challenge their perception of the universe, but I like my little bubble very much, thank you.

Run Lola Run is an effortlessly cool, creative and intriguing german action film. I love bold storytelling like this. It's an experiment as much as it is triumph of cinema. You'll be sucked in by the directing, editing, acting and trippy soundtrack so much so that you can't help but wonder why you haven't seen this sooner.

Only a 7 to me because it gets tiring after awhile and the co-star. wasn't my favorite. It's very fast paced, Franka Potente is good in the lead. The soundtrack is pretty cool for the time. The animation is ok with me, it just gets monotonous. But worth seeing at least once.

"Run Lola Run (Lola rennt)" is 80 minutes of terrific visuals and fun concept. It uses animation, 1965 World's Fair split-screen film techniques, "Sliding Doors" type what-ifs mixed in with a time deadline story. It has such a driving pulsating rock score that half the senior citizens in the audience got up and walked out, so this is a foreign-language film for young folks. Who knew that Germans could be fun and creative! For the first time ever my husband waited for the credits to see what the music was - much of the original score was by writer/director Tom Tykwer-- and he went out to buy the soundtrack. And not even on sale. The subtitles are hard to read at points. (originally written 7/18/1999)

Possible spoiler, if you've never heard of it. I just wanted to chime in and say that there is a reason that this film is one of the top 100. It is unlike any other. I heard about it from a girl I worked with and was amazed when I saw it. This movie reminded me of a Choose Your Own Adventure book, like back in grade school. Innovative, fun, emotional. Just when you think it's over, a new possible outcome occurs. I was blown away by the genius of this film.

I was lucky that my introduction to this masterpiece was through a DJ friend with an impressive stereo setup. The intensity and urgency of the soundtrack really demand the best presentation possible, and I'd go so far as to say you should skip this one until you can give it a proper showing. Close the drapes, make sure the neighbors aren't trying to sleep, and get ready to descend into a breathtaking sequence of action, tension, frustration, and exhilaration. From the opening lines to the final frame, you'll wonder where the eighty minutes went. When Lola is first sucked into Manni's problem, she appears helpless and confused. But as time whirls past, we learn she's a bit more in control. Perhaps she's just learning this herself. The movie is a giant game of "memory", and each difference you spot is its own reward. Try not to blink.