Cast
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Franka Potente
as Lola
Moritz Bleibtreu
as Manni
Herbert Knaup
as Father
Nina Petri
as Mrs. Hansen
Armin Rohde
as Mr. Schuster
Joachim Król
as Norbert von Au
Ludger Pistor
as Mr. Meier
Suzanne von Borsody
as Ms. Jäger
Sebastian Schipper
as Mike
Julia Lindig
as Doris
Lars Rudolph
as Mr. Kruse
Andreas Petri
as Cleaning Person
Klaus Müller
as Croupier
Utz Krause
as Casino Manager
Beate Finckh
as Casino Cashier
Crew
Director
- Tom Tykwer
Producer
- Stefan Arndt
- Andreas Schreitmüller
- Gebhard Henke
Reviews
ausher8
Stupid criminal is stupid and expects his girlfriend to bail him out and fix his problems. We watch 3 different scenarios of her running around trying to come up with money. More stupid stuff happens and she screams to try to make things go her way. Yes, literally screams. Ridiculous
Oct 27, 2018
CinemaSerf
"Manni" (Moritz Bleibtreu) calls his girlfriend in distress to tell her that he's left DM100,000 on the subway and unless he can repatriate it by noon, he's going to have to rob somewhere else he is toast! What now ensues sees three scenarios play out as "Lola" (Franka Potente) tries to figure out a way to raise this fairly huge sum of cash in the twenty minutes allowed. Her dad is a bank manager - so perhaps he could help (willingly or otherwise)? Maybe she could chance a bet on a roulette wheel? Maybe she could not get there at all and let him do some robbing? What ever happens, she is going to have to do some running and timing is going to be crucial. It's filmed at break neck speed for the most part, with both characters simultaneously trying to find a solution to the predicament - and sometimes that produces some comedy, sometimes some tragedy, some furniture gets a bit trashed, some dirty laundry gets aired and the permutations all provide us with an answer - just maybe not the ideal one, or maybe yes - the ideal one. It's also quite a fun observation on just how frustrating tiny amounts of time can be when you are in a rush. This is well exemplified by the security guard at her dad's bank, but also by the traffic and the pedestrians and other obstructions that a few seconds of patience would easily (and probably just as quickly) overcome. It's quirky this film, it's short and focussed and I did enjoy it.
Nov 21, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Run Lola Run examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tom Tykwer brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Run Lola Run took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 81 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 185 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Run Lola Run shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike There Will Be Blood, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Run Lola Run offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Julia and Knockaround Guys explore similar territory, Run Lola Run stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 20, 1998
- Runtime: 1h 21m
- Budget: $1,530,000
- Revenue: $7,660,911
