Run Lola Run 1999
Directed by
Tom Tykwer
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Run Lola Run (1999). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Manni, a bagman tasked with delivering 100,000 Deutsche Marks, is in a desperate situation as he calls his girlfriend, Lola. He explains that while he was on the U-Bahn, he panicked and fled after spotting ticket inspectors, only to realize he left behind the money bag. To make matters worse, he notices a homeless man inspecting the bag just as the train departs. With only 20 minutes to spare before his boss, Ronnie, decides to kill him for the lost cash, Manni contemplates robbing a nearby supermarket to recover the funds. Determined to help, Lola urges Manni to wait and seeks assistance from her father, a bank manager.
As Lola rushes through her apartment building, she hastily runs past a man walking his dog. Meanwhile, at the bank, her father is confiding in his mistress, who reveals her pregnancy. When Lola bursts onto the scene, a heated argument ensues as her father announces he is leaving her mother, asserting that Lola is not his biological daughter. Heartbroken, she races to Manni but arrives just in time to see him entering the supermarket brandishing a gun. In a chaotic heist, Lola aids Manni in robbing 100,000 marks. However, their escape turns tragic when they find themselves cornered by police, and in a frantic moment, Manni tosses the money bag into the air, startling an officer who mistakenly shoots Lola dead.
In an intriguing twist, events rewind to when Lola first leaves her home. This time, a man with a dog intentionally trips her, causing her to limp as she rushes to the bank, arriving late. She overhears her father’s mistress remarking that he isn’t the father of her unborn child, which infuriates her. In a fit of rage, Lola grabs a security guard’s weapon, takes her father hostage, and robs the bank of 100,000 marks. The police, mistaking her for a bystander, allow her to escape just in time to meet Manni, preventing him from robbing the supermarket. Unfortunately, fate intervenes again as a speeding ambulance, that she had distracted moments earlier, fatally strikes him.
The cycle continues as Lola again leaps over the man with the dog, reaching the bank without any delays. However, she does not trigger the previous accidents. Instead, she finds herself wandering until she enters a casino, where she decides to gamble her money. She bets a 100-mark chip on the number 20, which miraculously wins, paying out 3,500 marks. Fueled by excitement, she reinvests her winnings and makes another bet on 20, which again turns lucky. With 129,600 marks in her possession, Lola rushes to meet Manni. In a final twist, Manni spots the same homeless man from earlier, who is now on a bicycle with the money bag. In a desperate bid, he steals back the bag at gunpoint, exchanging his weapon in the process. As Lola arrives, disheveled and breathless, she witnesses Manni handing the money to Ronnie, leading to a fraught exchange about her bag.
Timeline
Track the key events of Run Lola Run (1999) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Manni's Panic
Manni, a bagman, realizes he has left behind 100,000 Deutsche Marks on the U-Bahn after panicking and fleeing from ticket inspectors. In a state of desperation, he calls his girlfriend Lola to explain his dire situation, knowing he has only 20 minutes before facing dire consequences from his boss, Ronnie.
The Homeless Man
As Manni watches the train depart, he notices a homeless man inspecting the bag with the lost money. This revelation heightens his anxiety, as it becomes clear that his mistake could cost him everything.
Lola's Determination
Despite the urgency of the situation, Lola encourages Manni to wait for her help. She rushes to seek assistance from her father, who is a bank manager, believing he can find a way to recover the lost money.
Family Drama
While Lola is at the bank, her father confides in his mistress about her pregnancy. When Lola interrupts, a heated confrontation unfolds, revealing that her father is leaving her mother and claiming Lola is not his biological daughter, leaving her heartbroken.
The Supermarket Heist
Arriving too late to stop Manni, Lola sees him enter a supermarket with a gun. In a desperate move, they proceed to rob the store of 100,000 marks, but their chaotic escape leads to disaster as they are cornered by the police.
Tragic Mistake
As the situation escalates, Manni throws the money bag into the air in a panic. This unexpected action causes an officer to mistakenly shoot Lola, leading to her tragic death and leaving Manni devastated.
Time Rewind
In a surprising twist, the events rewind to the moment Lola first leaves her home. This time, she is intentionally tripped by a man with a dog, causing her to limp and arrive late at the bank.
Desperate Actions
Upon hearing her father's mistress claim he is not the father of her unborn child, Lola, filled with rage, grabs a security guard's weapon. She takes her father hostage and robs the bank of 100,000 marks.
Unexpected Escape
The police mistakenly identify Lola as a bystander during the chaotic bank robbery. This misunderstanding allows her to escape just in time to prevent Manni from going through with his original plan of robbing the supermarket.
Fateful Intersection
As Lola meets Manni after the bank heist, a speeding ambulance, which she had previously distracted, tragically strikes him down. This tragic twist of fate leaves Lola in shock and grief.
Another Chance
The timeline resets once more, and this time Lola manages to avoid the previous accidents. She successfully reaches the bank without any hurdles, now determined to change her fate and Manni's.
Gambling for Change
Inside a casino, Lola decides to gamble her money away. She places a bet with a 100-mark chip on the number 20 and miraculously wins, allowing her to reinvest her winnings, doubling her amount to a significant 129,600 marks.
A Desperate Bid
As Lola rushes to meet Manni, he spots the same homeless man from earlier riding a bicycle with the money bag. In a desperate move, he decides to get the bag back at gunpoint from the man, hoping for a way out.
Final Confrontation
Upon Lola's arrival, she witnesses Manni hand the money to Ronnie. A tense exchange ensues as Lola confronts Manni about the money bag, marking another pivotal moment that could change their future.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Run Lola Run (1999) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lola (Franka Potente)
Lola is fiercely determined and resourceful, embodying the lengths one will go for love. She faces each unfolding crisis with resolve, showing both vulnerability and strength. Her character evolves through repeated attempts to save Manni, revealing her adaptability and courage.
Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu)
Manni is portrayed as anxious and impulsive, caught in a desperate situation that is out of his control. His reliance on Lola illustrates the depth of their relationship, as he faces the consequences of his actions. Manni's character challenges the notion of masculinity in a crisis.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Run Lola Run (1999), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film's narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting, evident from the urban elements and references to modern life. The events are time-sensitive, emphasizing the urgency and pressure faced by the characters within the span of 20 minutes. This modern time frame accentuates the themes of fate and chance that are central to the story.
Location
Berlin
The movie takes place in Berlin, a vibrant city known for its rich history and dynamic culture. It serves as the backdrop for Lola's frantic race against time, highlighting both the city's urban landscape and its complexity. Berlin's mix of modern and historical elements underscores the urgency of Lola's quest.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Run Lola Run (1999). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Time
Time is a crucial theme in 'Run Lola Run,' as the entire plot revolves around a 20-minute countdown. The film explores the concept of how small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. It illustrates the impact of time on life and death, highlighting the fragility of fate.
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Love
Lola's determination to save Manni reflects the theme of love, driving her to make increasingly desperate choices. Their relationship is tested by high stakes, revealing both the strength and vulnerability that love can evoke. The film showcases how love can inspire individuals to take bold actions.
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Chance
Chance plays a pivotal role in the film, illustrated through Lola's gambling sequence and the random events that alter her fate. The movie highlights how unpredictable circumstances can change lives in an instant, emphasizing the notion that not everything is within our control.
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