Talking To The Screen

Princess and the Warrior :2000

Tom Tykwer's breakthrough film was the unforgettable 'Run Lola Run'.  
(Incidentally, 'Run Lola Run' was the first review I ever wrote, now four years 
old.)

'Princess and the Warrior' is more refined, mature than 'Lola' was.  
Unfortunately, what made 'Lola' so brilliant was its stylized, frenetic action.  
'Princess and the Warrior' shows the direction that Tom Tykwer is headed as a 
filmmaker, but is in no way a destination.  'Run Lola Run' has an unwavering, 
breakneck pace from start to finish (with the exception of two pauses).  The 
momentum of 'Princess and the Warrior' is as stoic as that of 'Lola', but as 
opposed to the latter's terminal velocity, the former plods along methodically.  
I expect that in future efforts Tykwer will begin to play with more dynamic 
pacing, much to the awe of film lovers.

'Princess and the Warrior' incorporates so many components of expert filmmaking.  
All of its characters, in central and supporting roles, are well developed.  The 
script has wonderful mobility, despite its slow pacing, keeping the action fresh 
and attractive.  As a whole film, Tykwer attempts to demonstrate a piece of the 
human experience, and he succeeds.   The camerawork that made 'Run Lola Run' so 
visually fun has only been improved in 'Princess and the Warrior'.  The symbols 
he uses and the parallels he draws with subtle, elegant shots are exquisite.

This most recent effort by Tom Tykwer is not beyond criticism.  But it is a 
wonderful next step for a growing filmmaker.  It only made me more excited for 
his next piece of work.