Chasing the Rain

Chasing the Rain is the first film written, directed, and produced by Cindy Jansen. I was amazed when I watched this film for the first time. It was an authentic account of a young man's journey from his dysfunctional family as a youth to his attempts at coping with life as an adult. I actually purchased the film during my 2nd viewing and have recommended it to my family and friends. It is thought provoking, sincere, and engaging. Congratulations to Ms. Jansen on her first film. Well done.

Thirsting. Parched. Looking for water in all the wrong places. Chasing the Rain tackles the problem of pain and suffering with raw honesty and stark realism. For once, a film with strong Christian themes that doesn't propose God as the easy solution to all of life's problems. Here are real sinners with real struggles in a fallen world. Here is a God with hard edges, the God hidden under the cross and suffering, the Hound of Heaven in pursuit of the fleeing soul. God may appear silent in suffering, but He is present in it for the sufferer. The baptismal imagery is particularly poignant. Also fun to see N. T. Wright in what may be his film-acting debut.

I can't remember the last time I was left this moved by a movie. Contemplative, sincere, piercingly honest, tragic, healing. It wakes you to the transcendant power of hope no matter the cards you've been dealt. Every actor was perfect for their role. The melancholic pick-me-up I didn't know I needed. Watch it!

A thought provoking and moving film. Loved the humor moments throughout. A must see!

For those who have ever known suffering, real suffering, and ached to find answers, this film will resonate, validate, and heal.

Its message of hope triumphing over despair transcends geographical, social, and cultural boundaries. Every character in this film is searching for something - healing, fulfillment, love, purpose, redemption - and we know them all. They are our friends, our coworkers, our sons and daughters, our neighbors. They're all of us, really, at times. Treading water, gasping for air, thrashing against the current, and still thirsting. Yet among the pain and suffering, there are moments of joy, much-needed laughter, beauty, and art. The humor endears us to the characters, gives a reprieve from the relentless hardships, and reminds us of God's provision and little joys in a broken world. It isn't overwhelming or forced; it is just enough.

Chasing the Rain inspires self-reflection, kindles empathy, unseats complacency, and quenches a thirst for healing.