60 Minuten

Genre films generally have a very difficult time in German-speaking cinema. And when it comes to action films in particular, German filmmaking lags far behind. I personally can only remember the humorous MMA hit PLAN B (2016) by Ufuk GENC with the superb stuntman Can AYDIN, which at least made people sit up and take notice that this genre is also possible in German-speaking countries. It's a good thing that the global streaming service NETFLIX definitely has a taste for unusual experiments. And lo and behold, successful director Oliver KIENLE (BAD BANKS) lets a remarkably well-trained Emilio SAKRAYA, like Franka POTENTE as Lola, run through Berlin against the merciless passage of time. Why this action occurs plays only a minor role. The only important thing is that Emilio SAKRAYA's Octavio is in a perceived emergency and therefore has to beat up half of the gangster world in the German capital. After all, why does he have his impressive MMA skills?

There's never a dull moment in this stylish, non-stop film, but you won't find any special flashes of inspiration in the script. But that's not a bad thing either. The film is a vehicle through which Emilio SAKRAYA can recommend himself for further roles in international action cinema. In addition to all the fighting, he can also play.

Dennis MOJEN and the internationally booked stunt people Marie MOUROUM and Bruno SALGUEIRO also appear in other roles. Otherwise, the other stunt people probably come mainly from Hungary. Oh yes, a very cute kitten named Onion steals the show from the hardened whipping boy.

Even if the film will certainly not become a classic of the genre, it is definitely good that German filmmakers are finally tackling such genres that are popular with global audiences. Keep it up!

Thought I'd try a new throw of review. Am halfway through and really enjoying it. Definitely elements of Old Boy and Victoria here, given the fighting and fk up missing his daughter's birthday premise, and real time unfolding of the story, albeit not one unbroken shot. But the lead guy is fantastic, he's really struggling here, physically and emotionally, and with ever increasing conflict his day is spinning out of control. And it's funny at times, without becoming facile or silly. And the journey through Berlin is accurate, he's just passing my flat now😾Will continue review when finished... It's great! The writers took SAVE THE CAT literally but in a very good way. They avoided most cliches and wrote something really quite lovely, and super entertaining, and you will not stop grimacing at the climax fight sequence, some lovely Korean cinema esque violence. But at its heart, and it has a big one, is the story of one man's mission to do the right thing for a change. And to put the confession scene in the mouth of the father was also clever. I loved this film and to redress one stupid 1 out of 10 review that seems based on racism I'm giving it 10. Bravo.

I'm almost surprised by how good this movie was. I had expected some action, and the premise wasn't new. It's a film in real-time, not unlike "Nick of Time" with Depp or the classic "Rope" from Hitchcock. Basically, the bulk of the movie is that the main character has sixty minutes to get somewhere and there are forces that don't want him to make it. The movie starts off, then the clock literally starts counting down and it's Go-Time.

Because the scenes have to move quickly it was almost surprising how much story unfolds through dialog and interactions. There is more going on in this movie than just a guy fighting his way across town.

The ticking clock adds an extra layer of tension and I found myself checking the time on my own clock, not just the run time of the movie. They really do line up pretty well, which is a huge credit to the editors. This isn't one of those movies where they have five minutes to defuse a bomb, but we cut to another scene that's ten minutes of dialogue.

It was stressing me out various points in the film. But, it's not a super involved plot, and yet it has some good character development. None of which I typically expect from films like this. Well worth a viewing.

What I loved the most about this film was its homage to early race-against-time types of movies such as Taken and Kidnap, and its plot was centered around a likable protagonist that was relatable to watch. It held me by the neck even from the very start as it progresses into the action-filled chase scenes. These scenes were even tinged with emotional edges into it which made the film more than just an ordinary action flick. The way that the director centered the story around the protagonist and his dilemma (which ironically is a bit problematic because of his questionable abandonment of the fight) was smart because it emphasizes the greater conflict of the story.

Loved it !

If you enjoyed the famous "Run Lola Run" with Franka Potente then you'll enjoy this one with Emilio Shakraya.

Different actors, of course, different script, different times, but the city is the same : Berlin, and the main man has to get across it meeting all sorts of obstacles in the way in 60 minutes, for the most important fight of his life.

It's epic, It's relentless. It's human. It's poetic.

The Germans sure do love their cross-city epics, and they make them well.

If you want a pure high octane non-stop edge of your seat action, ignore the negative reviews, don't hesitate - book the sofa for the evening and enjoy !