Run Lola Run

That was quite a ride! And I’m very happy that I had no idea what this film was about before watching it. I went to it like a blank slate and I couldn’t be more surprised. Fantastically original. (07/06/2011)

The video-clip style of some American directors is here infused with European elements and complemented by annoyingly guttural German. The concept is quite interesting. The animated parts, the splitting of the screen, the three versions of the story, and other gimmicks are cool, but the director forgets about the plot as a whole, which is absolutely simple and uninteresting. And so Lola becomes just another technically well-executed piece. The actors are hardly convincing and seeing the same scenes for the third time is a bit tiring. Overall, it's a golden mean. For Europe, however, it's a blast and I admire the director for daring to serve this to the more moderate Europeans. (15/01/2006)

Yes, I confess, I saw Run Lola Run for the first time today. And the film has made me completely out of it. As far as German films go, it is certainly the most original film in their history and (after Das Boot) the second best ever. An idea like this just comes along once every so many years.... And when it is supported by sensational direction and cinematography and a disarming performance by Franka Potente, all the useless talk goes away. Run Lola Run is perfect. (25/04/2010)

When you watch this confident filmmaking concert, which doesn’t deal with a tightly packed narrative structure, but has genre and formal tricks that make it one of the most remarkable author’s projects of its time, you wonder why can’t we have this here, too. A film with a relentless soundtrack a smart clash of several characters, a not too complex spiral and a very funny photographic collage that make it a raging river of dynamic, black-humorous fun. And on top of that, we have the enchanting Franka Potente in a role that would kick Tom Cruise’s ass in a two kilometre run. 85% (20/02/2019)

In retrospect, a project that strongly shaped my future perception of film. A story built on coincidences, flawed characters, natural surrealism, and drive. And the drive is incredible. The first fifteen minutes of the film are practically impossible to sit through. It was an experiment for Tykwer, he himself doesn't think in such formal terms, and the fact that he made Lola in this form makes him a really powerful director. Too bad I don't really like his other films. (21/08/2018)

Great ride, which I simply couldn't avoid and had to experience it once. Franka Potente is absolutely amazing, even though she actually just runs. But what's even better is the overall style of the film, specifically the alternating of different styles. Tykwer manages to perfectly match the pace of events with the pace of storytelling and music, and it harmonizes beautifully and pushes forward. (31/03/2016)