Life Changin' Links: Run, Lola, Run

In my opinion, better films exist, but I'll forever have a soft spot for Lola Rennt(I can't pronounce "rennt" either, but writing the title in the film's native language makes me look smart. Nein?) Why the tenderness for Lola? It was the first foreign film I was introduced to. Kelly insisted Lola was a must see, and being a trusting tyke I rented it at the first opportunity. It changed my life! Well, that's overkill. It changed my life (notice the punctual change).

Similar to those who use BCE and ADE, I break down my movie viewing habits into two eras: BKSISTCFM and AKSISTCFM (Before Kelly Suggested I See That Cool Foreign Movie and After Kelly Suggested I See That Cool Foreign Movie, respectively). The post BM (shorthand) era has opened my eyes. I embraced the energy of Lola and began exploring the expansive library of Euro, Asian, and American (not U.S.) cinema. There are extraordinary films produced outside the U.S. without a privileged wide release in the States.

Don't get me wrong, I haven't abandoned Hollywood fare (despite what my friends think). I admire dozens of directors in Hollywood, and now, AKSISTCFM, foreign directors. Films are films are films, and no one country has superior product. Laudable work isn't bound up within particular borders, and I have Lola to thank for slapping me around and pointing out creativity exists beyond the U.S.