Run Lola Run (Lola Rennt)

Dir. Tom Tykwer
Germany, 1998
DVD, 88 min
This iconic film catapults viewers into a whirlwind narrative that blurs the lines between fate and free will. Manni, a young man caught in a dire predicament after losing a bag containing a substantial sum of money, asks his girlfriend, Lola, for help. With just 20 minutes to save Manni from impending danger, Lola embarks on a frenetic race against time through the vibrant city streets.
What sets Run Lola Run apart from other films is its innovative storytelling approach, which employs rapid pacing, multiple timelines, and striking visual techniques to immerse audiences in Lola's adrenaline-fueled odyssey. As Lola navigates through the urban landscape of the German capital, each decision she makes and every encounter she faces sends shockwaves through the narrative, illustrating the profound impact of chance and circumstance. Against the backdrop of a pulsating techno soundtrack, Lola's journey becomes a mesmerizing exploration of love, loyalty, and the quest for redemption. With each iteration of her race against time, director Tom Tykwer invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of seemingly random events and the power of individual choice to shape destiny.

A stylish, experimental thriller set in the streets of Berlin.

Host or Publisher Goethe-Institut and ICWA