Runner (2021 film) explained

Runner
Native Name:
Director:Andrius Blaževičius
Screenplay:
Producer:
  • Jakub Kostal
  • Vratislav Slajer
  • Brigita Beniušytė
Starring:
  • Marius Repšys
  • Laima Akstinaitė
Cinematography:Narvydas Naujalis
Editing:Ieva Veiverytė
Music:Jakub Rataj
Production Companies:
  • Bionaut
Distributors:--> Alief
Runtime:87 minutes
Country:Lithuania
Language:Lithuanian

Runner (Lithuanian: Bėgikė) is a Lithuanian film written and directed by Andrius Blaževičius, released in 2021.

This dramatic thriller explores the themes of self-sacrifice, love, and toxic relationships, realistically portraying 24 hours of a toxic relationship, which eventually contaminates the entire city of Vilnius, Lithuania, all within a chaotic and frenzied chase.[1]

Plot

After her boyfriend Vytas (played by Marius Repšys) experiences a psychotic episode and disappears, Maria (portrayed by Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė) is determined to find and help him. Chasing every clue about his whereabouts, she embarks on a fast-paced odyssey through the city. Always one step behind and against all odds, she fights for both, her love and her freedom.

Cast

Production

Runner is the second feature film by Andrius Blaževičius, marking his second collaboration with producer Marija Razgutė (M-Films) after The Saint in 2016.[2]

Formerly titled Paralysis, Runner was produced by M-Films (Lithuania) in co-production with Bionaut (Czech Republic). The film was financed by the Lithuanian Film Centre during the scriptwriting, development, and production stages, as well as through tax incentives.[3]

Filming took place in Lithuania in the city of Vilnius during the summer of 2019.[4]

Reception

The film was generally well received by critics. It garnered 67% positive reviews based on 390 reviews collected, on the website IMDb and 3.4/5 stars for 350 votes on the website Letterboxd.

Accolades

!Award!Date of ceremony!Category!Recipients!Result
Crossing Europe Film Festival 2022[5] 2022Best FilmsAndrius BlaževičiusSelected
National Lithuanian Film Awards 2022 (Silver Crane)[6] 2022Best ActressŽygimantė Elena JakštaitėWon
2022Best Supporting ActressLaime AkstinaitėWon
2022Best ActorMarius RepšysNominated
2022Best FilmAndrius BlaževičiusNominated
2022Best DirectorAndrius BlaževičiusNominated
2022Best ScreenplayNominated
2022Best CinematographyNarvydas NaujalisNominated
2022Best EditingIeva VeiverytėNominated
2022Best SoundMartin OžvoldNominated
2022Best MakeupJurgita GlobytėNominated
2022Best Art DirectionJustė KalnietytėNominated
2022Best CostumeFausta NaujalėNominated
2022Audience AwardAndrius BlaževičiusSelected
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2021[7] 2021Best Film - Baltic CompeticionAndrius BlaževičiusWon
Riga International Film Festival 2021[8] 2021Best Film, International competitionAndrius BlaževičiusWon
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2021[9] 2021Best Film, International competitionAndrius BlaževičiusSelected

References

  1. Web site: RUNNER . 2023-08-07 . www.en.northernlightsff.com.
  2. Web site: Boyce . Laurence . 2021-08-20 . Karlovy Vary 2021: Andrius Blaževičius talks love and freedom in 'Runner' . 2023-08-07 . Screen . en.
  3. Web site: Presskit du Festival du Film International de Karlovy Vary .
  4. Web site: F. N. E. Staff. FESTIVALS: Runner by Andrius Blaževičius Screens at 2021 Scanorama - FilmNewEurope.com . 2023-09-07 . www.filmneweurope.com . en-gb.
  5. Web site: Bėgikė Crossing Europe . 2023-09-07 . www.crossingeurope.at . en.
  6. Web site: Lithuanian Film Awards (2022) . 2023-09-07 . IMDb.
  7. Web site: admin . RUNNER . 2023-09-07 . LTKinoGoesBerlin . en-US.
  8. Web site: Abbatescianni . Davide . 2021-10-25 . Andrius Blaževičius' Runner wins the Riga International Film Festival . 2023-09-07 . . en.
  9. Web site: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2021) . 2023-09-07 . IMDb.

External links