Running on Empty Soundtrack (

Running on Empty Soundtrack (1988) cover

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Rating: 7.70/10 from 18000 votes
Tags: radicalism
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Un lugar en ninguna parte
Title in Italiano:

Vivere in fuga
Title in Português:

Fuga Sem Fim
Title in Français:

À bout de course
Title in Türk:

Boşu Boşuna
Title in Deutsch:

Die Flucht ins Ungewisse

Synopsis

Running on Empty

Married couple Annie and Arthur Pope, former student radicals who remain committed to their peaceful causes, have been fugitives from the law since 1971, following their admission of the bombing of a napalm research facility that seriously injured a janitor, who was not supposed to be on duty at the time. They and their two sons, Danny and Harry, have learned to live under aliases and pick up and move at a moment's notice whenever it looks like the feds are getting close, which is on average twice a year. They are able to do so with the help of an underground network of friends known as the Liberation. Through the network, the only extended family member they are able to keep in touch with periodically is Arthur's mother, Sophie Popov, those meetings always short and hidden away. They don't keep in touch with Annie's parents, wealthy Donald and Abigail Patterson, who they believe are part of the establishment problem of the world.

Following Sophie's passing, Arthur believes their family unit of four becomes all the more important. Their constant moving means they have few material possessions, the only thing they need being a getaway vehicle. Their only indulgence is Annie's practice board which she's had since she was a child and which she used to teach Danny to play the piano. Their lives hit a crossroads when Danny reaches his senior year in school in Waterford, New Jersey, and transitions from being a fugitive Pope child into a man with his own dreams and aspirations. It includes falling in love for the first time, with classmate Lorna Phillips. It also includes thoughts of college, he applying to Juilliard under the advice of Lorna's father, his music teacher, Mr. Edward Phillips. What Danny will do in this phase of his life could be a joint family decision; Arthur and Annie know they will never see him again if they let him go unless they give themselves up.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
Running on Empty
Fire And Rain
James Taylor: Writer
James Taylor: Performer
Lucky Star
Madonna: Writer
Madonna: Performer
Oh Pretty Woman
Roy Orbison: Writer

User reviews

George Young
5/10

The soundtrack of Running on Empty perfectly captures the emotional complexity of the Pope family's life on the run, with haunting melodies that evoke a sense of constant movement and uncertainty.

Elizabeth Turner
3/10

I found the music in Running on Empty to be repetitive and uninspired, lacking any memorable melodies or themes.

Daniel Baker
5/10

The use of subtle instrumental cues in the soundtrack helps build suspense and anticipation, reflecting the constant threat of discovery that looms over the Pope family as they struggle to stay hidden.

Lisa Johnson
5/10

The soundtrack of the film skillfully weaves together moments of hope and despair, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonates with the audience and enhances the storytelling.

John Hill
8/10

The use of acoustic guitar and piano in the soundtrack creates a poignant and intimate atmosphere that resonates with the audience, allowing us to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The songs chosen for the film complement the narrative beautifully, adding layers of complexity to the already compelling story of a family torn between their ideals and their son's future.

Mark Baker
5/10

The music in the film effectively underscores the tension between the Pope family's commitment to their ideals and the sacrifices they must make to stay hidden from the authorities, creating a sense of inner conflict that resonates throughout the story.

Amanda Green
4/10

The soundtrack of Running on Empty was underwhelming and failed to capture the emotional depth of the story.

William Green
6/10

The musical score in the film enhances the sense of nostalgia and longing for a normal life that the Pope family can never fully embrace, adding layers of depth to the characters' emotional journey.

Nancy Perez
5/10

The music in Running on Empty serves as a powerful storytelling tool, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments in the film and immersing the audience in the world of the Pope family like never before.

Ronald Martin
8/10

The soundtrack of Running on Empty perfectly captures the emotional depth and intensity of the Pope family's unconventional life on the run. The music enhances the storytelling by evoking a sense of tension, love, and sacrifice throughout the film.

Laura Hill
1/10

The soundtrack did not enhance the overall viewing experience of the film and felt disconnected from the characters' struggles and emotions.

Andrew Young
6/10

The soundtrack of Running on Empty effectively mirrors the characters' sense of isolation and longing for stability, creating a poignant atmosphere that lingers long after the film has ended.

Linda Nelson
6/10

The use of acoustic guitar and piano in the soundtrack adds a sense of intimacy to the film, highlighting the deep bonds within the Pope family despite the challenges they face.

Margaret Garcia
5/10

The soundtrack of Running on Empty skillfully conveys the bittersweet moments of family connection and love amidst the backdrop of their fugitive lifestyle, striking a poignant chord with the audience.

Karen Turner
5/10

The music in Running on Empty effectively underscores the generational divide within the Pope family, capturing the conflicting desires of parents and children as they navigate the challenges of their unique circumstances.