Common Sense Media Review
Offbeat German crime drama has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Run Lola Run
What's the Story?
In RUN LOLA RUN, Lola (Franka Potente) gets a frantic phone call from her boyfriend, Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu): She has 20 minutes to find a large sum of money, or he'll be killed by the drug dealer he owes it to. Lola rushes to save Manni from the dealer and from himself—he plans to hold up a store if she can't get him the money in time. Tragedies happen along the way, but each time Lola fails to save the day, the story rewinds to the phone call and she gets the chance to start over and change her actions—and the outcome.
Is It Any Good?
Teens with a taste for the offbeat may enjoy this fast-paced thriller with an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack. Though it's from the 1990s and the fashion and synth music may seem a bit dated, there's still a lot to keep audiences interested in Run Lola Run. It's fun to watch, with clever jump cuts and effects, which can be a nice jolt for viewers used to more formulaic storytelling. Lola herself is easy to root for, and the main premise of repeating her 20-minute dash through the city makes it impossible to get bored. It's dark, though, and the violence might be too much for sensitive viewers, even if a lot of the more tragic outcomes get do-overs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the "butterfly effect" theme in Run Lola Run. What does it say about the impact of the tiniest choices and interactions? Which actions in the movie had the most wide-reaching consequences?
How did the movie use music to heighten the tension?
Did the violence seem necessary to the story and themes, or did it seem gratuitous? Did knowing the scenes could be repeated and changed affect how you experienced the violence?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 18, 1999
- On DVD or streaming : December 21, 1999
- Cast : Franka Potente , Herbert Knaup , Moritz Bleibtreu
- Director : Tom Tykwer
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence and language
- Last updated : June 12, 2024
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