Product: Run, Lola, Run [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Surprising Masterpiece
One evening I found myself watching this movie on cable TV simply because there was nothing else on. Within 10 minutes, I was captivated and amazed at this film. It works on so many levels. It is totally European in its script, filming and overall look and feel. Now I am not necessarily a fan of European or Asian filmaking, but this movie goes a long way to opening my mind to the potential of foreign films. Which is not a bad thing, considering some of the dribble being made in the US of late.This is a moralistic tale, yet it gets the message across that the split-second decisions we all make in our lives set off a chain of events that can result in dismal and irreversible endings. But the film has fun doing it. One cannot help but be drawn in by the simplistic plot (and the basic plot itself is simplistic, though the various end scenarios are the height of creativity) and wondering what Lola is going to decide to do next.At times I found myself wanting to yell out "dont' do that" or "Lola, no!" which of course is ludicrous but signifies how wrapped up I became in the misadventures of this young German couple. I've not felt the urge to talk back to a silent screen since childhood, but this movie had me rooting all the way for Lola (even though there are serious crimes involved) and totally wrapped up in the basic story and its varied endings.I like the fact that this is a European film shot in Berlin and with a soundtrack composed of the type of music that people in Europe (but not necessarily here in the US) seem to enjoy. Even without any foreknowledge of the location, one knows immediately that this is NOT anywhere in North America. This aspect only adds to its appeal as one of its many attributes is to give us a glimpse into the European mindset, at times familiar but still distinct enough to generate interest.Kudos to the actress who, if not a marathon runner, should certainly consider becoming one. If she wasn't in great physical shape at the beginning of filming, she most assuredly was at its finish! I never realized that the very act of running could convey so much to the audience--we are constantly "running" all during our lives; not in a physical sense, but rather our movement on the road of life. We run to, or away from, different situations, but there is no escaping the fact that we must make important decisions and learn to live with our choices.This film rates 5 stars--I can find nothing wrong with it, and a lot that is right. Moralistic and entertaining at the same time, it reminds us that we are ultimately in charge of our destinies. We can chose to blame Fate, or a God or whatever we wish, but when all is said and done we have no one else to blame (or applaud) for the place in the universe we have carved out for ourselves.