Runner (Lithuanian: Bėgikė) is a Lithuanian film written and directed by Andrius Blaževičius, released in 2021.
| Runner | |
|---|---|
| Lithuanian | Bėgikė |
| Directed by | Andrius Blaževičius |
| Screenplay by | |
| Produced by | Marija Razgutė
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Narvydas Naujalis |
| Edited by | Ieva Veiverytė |
| Music by | Jakub Rataj |
Production company | M-Films
|
| Distributed by | Alief |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 87 minutes |
| Country | Lithuania |
| Language | Lithuanian |
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
editAfter 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
edit- Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė as Marija
- Marius Repšys as Vytas
- Laima Akstinaitė as Ona
- Vytautas Kaniušonis as Marija's Father
- Viktorija Kuodytė as Marija's Mother
- Valentinas Krulikovskis as Petras
- Emilis Aškelovičius as Pranas
- Lukas Malinauskas as Jonas
- Indrė Patkauskaitė as Jūratė
Production
editRunner 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
editThe 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.[5][6]
Accolades
edit
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipients | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossing Europe Film Festival 2022[7] | 2022 | Best Films | Andrius Blaževičius | Selected |
| National Lithuanian Film Awards 2022 (Silver Crane)[8] | 2022 | Best Actress | Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė | Won |
| 2022 | Best Supporting Actress | Laime Akstinaitė | Won | |
| 2022 | Best Actor | Marius Repšys | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Film | Andrius Blaževičius | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Director | Andrius Blaževičius | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | Best Cinematography | Narvydas Naujalis | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Editing | Ieva Veiverytė | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Sound | Martin Ožvold | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Makeup | Jurgita Globytė | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Art Direction | Justė Kalnietytė | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Costume | Fausta Naujalė | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Audience Award | Andrius Blaževičius | Selected | |
| Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2021[9] | 2021 | Best Film - Baltic Competicion | Andrius Blaževičius | Won |
| Riga International Film Festival 2021[10] | 2021 | Best Film, International competition | Andrius Blaževičius | Won |
| Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2021[11] | 2021 | Best Film, International competition | Andrius Blaževičius | Selected |
References
edit- ^ "RUNNER". www.en.northernlightsff.com. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ Boyce, Laurence (20 August 2021). "Karlovy Vary 2021: Andrius Blaževičius talks love and freedom in 'Runner'". Screen. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
- ^ "Presskit du Festival du Film International de Karlovy Vary".
- ^ F. N. E. Staff. "FESTIVALS: Runner by Andrius Blaževičius Screens at 2021 Scanorama - FilmNewEurope.com". www.filmneweurope.com. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ Runner (2021), retrieved 7 September 2023
- ^ Runner (2021) - Ratings - IMDb, retrieved 7 September 2023
- ^ "Bėgikė | Crossing Europe". www.crossingeurope.at. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Lithuanian Film Awards (2022)". IMDb. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ admin. "RUNNER". LTKinoGoesBerlin. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ Abbatescianni, Davide (25 October 2021). "Andrius Blaževičius' Runner wins the Riga International Film Festival". Cineuropa. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2021)". IMDb. Retrieved 7 September 2023.