"One of the most popular foreign language films of 1999 in Australia (and around
the world), Run Lola Run has oodles of energy, invention and a novel concept that doesn't
dry up half way through. It's also short. The DVD features a fascinating music video with
English lyrics to the film's relentless, driving soundtrack, sung by the film's star,
Franka Potente - who looks very different when out of character.
It's a relaxed, low key conversation between director Tykwer and Potente that
accompanies the movie, but is a trifle superficial. It lacks the depth and the detail that
would make this a compelling feature, since the film begs to be talked about. Tykwer never
really grapples with the issues of why he did what he did, or what he wanted to achieve;
for example, why did he insert animation to echo the live action? It's brilliant, but what
was the motivation or trigger?
And what about those terrific flash forwards of people's lives after Lola has run into
them - often literally? All he tells us is how the producers were nervous about spending
so much effort on what were mere seconds on the screen.
Potente doesn't satisfactorily discuss her marathon effort, there is little to endear
us to the two commentators, and the commentary itself ends up repeating what we see,
rather than digging deeper into it. All the same, it's not off putting and the film's
sense of edgy fun is well captured.
The film plays superbly on DVD, and the music is best enjoyed with the volume up."
Andrew L. Urban
"I hope this DVD reaches thousands of movie lovers – those who missed this
electrifying movie experience on the big screen have a chance to enjoy it in the privacy
of their own home, with the very best picture and superb sound. It's unique, it's
exciting, and if the little bit of German dialogue annoys you, you can watch it dubbed in
English. But really what Run Lola Run is all about, is a unique cinematic experience. The
pace is frenetic, the pay off absolute. I enjoyed Tom Tykwer's commentary in particular,
and in case you're wondering, his English is excellent. I would have liked to hear a
little about how fit Franka Potente (she with the fluorescent red mop of hair) had to be
to do all that running without ever seeming out of breath, but perhaps she is so fit, she
didn't even think to talk about it. She does talk about the opening scene in detail
though, and how she spent a whole day on her own shooting it establishing her character.
My favourite section is Chapter 25 – the casino scene – in which we witness
the impossible. The croupier is really a croupier in real life, and some of Lola's
fellow-gamblers had cotton wool stuffed in their ears in order to survive her
glass-shattering scream. You'll enjoy Run Lola Run from start to finish. Do yourself a big
treat, buy this DVD and enjoy it yourself and enjoy introducing your friends to
Lola."
Louise Keller
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