Director: Tom Tykwer
Cast: Franka Potente, Moritz Bleibtreu, Herbert Knaup, Nina Petri
Distributor: Columbia Tristar
Classification: M 15+ (Medium Level Violence, Low Level Course Language)
Running Time: 77 Minutes
Special Features:
In German with English Subtitles OR English.
Commentary by director, writer and producer Tom Tykwer and actress Franka Potente
Theatrical trailer
Music video “Believe” by Franka Potente
Full-screen and widescreen anamorphic formats

I’m not one of these arty-wank type people that hate Hollywood and the Film Industry, but there’s something about European filmmaking that the Yanks simply just do not get. Maybe it is the centuries of art, style and culture that give European films that extra ‘something’. Run Lola Run is one of those films that when you watch it, you know that no American could make it. From its stunning visuals to its very suave style, to the incredibly sexy yet understated lead, Franka Potente, to the pounding techno soundtrack, this film simply slams Hollywood action films into the dirt.

The film starts with an odd scene with a philosophical dialogue spoken by what sounds like the German equivalent of William Burroughs, telling us we always ask the same questions, and get the same answers. As the camera zips through a crowd of people, it stops on a person in uniform, who has a soccer ball, which he kicks into the air. The camera follows the ball up, and then looks down onto the crowd, who form the words “Lola Rennt” (the German title). Then we break into animation of Lola running. Very swish.

We then are introduced to Lola (Franka Potente) and Renni (Moritz Bleibtreu). Renni is in a slight bit of bother, as he was involved in a jewellery scam and lost $100,000 on the train, and has 20 minutes to get the money or he will be killed. The next twenty minutes is on the edge of your seat drama, which ends with one of the main characters getting killed. In Hollywood films, no main character ever dies, unless through their death a greater outcome is achieved. But wait. Because this movie is a Sliding Doors type film, we get taken back to the start from when Lola drops the phone and starts running.

The way this film moves you along, giving you that sense of urgency, that sense of desperation, is incredibly well done. The camera sweeps along side Lola as she is running, or through groups of people, and shots are reversed and cut together is quick succession. Shapes, colours and images are juxtaposed in a medley of sight, colour and sound. The camera really drives this film, and this is a true example of what cinematography is all about. The soundtracks’ driving, pumping, techno rhythm pulsates along side the visuals, becoming part of the film, rather than just backing material.

Furthermore, there are some stunning, ingeniously directed scenes. In certain parts Lola runs past other people, and then we are shown an “and then…” – a quick succession of shots of that character and their future, over which the sound of a Polaroid is heard. This means nothing to the main story, but adds a depth to even the minor of characters, giving a sense of action and consequence that is often missed in other films. The use of animation is also great, and adds an extra intensity to the film.

The acting is superb, and Franka Potente is simply stunning with her fire red hair, and is very sexy, without having to resort to wearing skimpy clothes or flashing a bit of tit, as other Hollywood actors feel the need to do. Some people criticise this film for being too much like a video clip, but I have never seen a video clip that creates such a depth to the characters. All the actors interact with each other so well, responding brilliantly to even the most minor characterisation. There’s an energy and tension running through all the characters, and the scenes between Lola and her father, played by Herbert Knaup, can be very tense indeed.

This film is all about action and vision, so the dialogue is not the most important feature, but even if you don’t like subtitles, you can understand the movie. Of course, you can always choose to watch it in English. The added features aren’t too great, but the commentary is a welcome addition as you can hear the what and the why of certain scenes. But with the movie being this good, you don’t need any extras to sell it.