Synopsis
When deadlines are set in movies, especially concerning the lives of major characters, they usually enhance the tension and therefore, this narrative is often used in thrillers. This film also uses this tactic and the interesting thing is that only 20 minutes are left until the deadline. The short span of time may reflect the rapid speed at which the modern society runs. Lola receives a phone call from her boy friend, Manni who works as a courier for automobile smugglers. While carrying a bag containing 100,000 mark in cash, he made an irrecoverable mistake of getting off the subway train, leaving the bag behind. His boss will be coming in 20 minutes. The 20 minutes is too short to have a hope, yet Lola runs to get the money to save her friend. It's like the red-haired Lola waging a race with all kinds of vehicles. The title of this movie aptly describes her situation by using the word "run" twice. As in "Trainspotting," Lola's breathless run is accompanied by the electronic sound of techno music that represents the heartbeat of the cyber generation. Lola only sees forward and each moment is crucial to her. Momentary encounters and trivial decision will change the course of life not only for her but for all of those who are connected with her in one way or other. The 20 minutes presents life in three versions with minor differences but the differences affect the question of life and death tremendously. This film is not a profound meditation on existential problems related with choice or the lightness of being but is more like an 80-minute video game that suits the sensuous structure of the new generation. A witty, dynamic style characterizes this film which might be seen as a bundle of three music videos showing the speedy youth. The 33-year-old director Tom Tykwer seems to be able to freely and effectively mix a variety of techniques for videos and animation, including the division of the screen and rapid montage of still photos. This film has a powerful visual that appeals to young spectators accustomed to what the MTV airs. (Song-nam Hong)