Lana's Rain

This film is better and grittier than many dramas with ten times the budget, and there are plenty of suspenseful moments to keep even the most indie-phobic skeptic intrigued. Oksana Orlenko (who won an award in Milan for her performance) and Nickolai Stoilov are seamless as the charismatic leads, while Michael S. Ojeda's direction makes the best use of their talents and the skills of his cinematographer (Gennadi Balitski), as well as his own script.

I disagree with the one reviewer (out of ten so far) who didn't like the "execution" of this film. I think it is a perfect mix of action scenes that grab you, and intense character-driven dramatic moments that allow for time to take in all that has happened. Ojeda really captures the sense of peril one feels without a dime and no place to go. That gash in Lana's forehead on the film's poster gives an idea of how deep the film is, and the roller-coaster ride awaiting anyone who watches it. I wish I had seen it in the theater. Grade: A

Lana's Rain is a really great example of what's right in today's independent cinema. This is an original film that examines the political strife in post-Cold War Eastern Europe the difficulties faced by immigrants in modern America. But it doesn't stop there: Lana's Rain also looks at the Eastern European criminal underworld, and its affects on refugees in America. It also takes an unflinching look at the horrors of prostitution, through the eyes of original characters in this fascinating genre piece.

The story is told through a familiar genre: the action/crime picture, but this isn't some Tarantino knock-off or film noir wannabe. Michael Ojeda's debut takes a real daring step by having Eastern European actors speaking in Croatian for much of the film! In an age where too much dialog is dumbed-down by Hollywood and when foreign films are poorly dubbed by producers, it's refreshing to see an American director using language the way it was meant to be. Ojeda keeps the action flowing neatly, while getting us into the lives of these characters. We end up caring a lot about these people.

As for the cast of unknowns: they are uniformly excellent. I heard that `Lana' Oksana Orlenko, won the best actress award at the Milan Film Festival. No surprises there! She's immensely talented, radiating pathos and a raw sensuality from the screen. When more people see this film, I'll bet movie goers will fall absolutely in love with her!

Bottom line: don't le me describe this film for you.SEE IT!

This is what independent film is all about. Goodman has created intriguing characters and a compelling story that show a mix of cultures that are alien to most Americans.

Lana's Rain emphasizes the gritty side of life that you don't get to see in Hollywood movies. Lana and her brother Darko move to America looking for a better life, quickly realizing the hardships of a strange land with no money, no friends, and only each other to count on. Not even knowing the language, Lana is forced to sell her body to survive while Darko looks for work.

Through a series of unexpected twists we learn that all is not as it seems, and Lana must take matters into her own hands to stay alive. Incredible performances by both Oxana Orlenko (Lana) and Nickolai Stoilov (Darko) keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the film.

Movies like this prove the kind of heart that a filmmaker can put in to a story, especially outside of the Hollywood system. And though it lacks any big stars, it didn't need them. The gritty feel and superb performances definitely give Lana's Rain commercial appeal. Highly recommended.

This movie was not bad .. It fulfilled the requirements for a film marking a foreign lady - main charachter (Lana) incompetent in her efforts to change in America at first. Her sustained psychological traumas and tribulations are just the icing on the cake before she passes the test to mark the grade of survival to the fittest in America - Chicago, Illinois to be specific.. Good Feature. I'd give this a 7.5 on a scale. Video rental is reccomended, and dont rush out unless you're a chicago native and want to glance at interstates , congestions and license plates unique to modern Chicago

Jonathan

Lana's Rain is a great film. There are many plots running through the film. However, they are all kept in check by a wonderfully written script. The ending twist that the character Lana plays on Darko and the other characters is written beautifully.

Credit should be given to Joel Goodman and Michael Ojeda for bringing this to Chicago to be filmed. It is the perfect backdrop for this movie.

Nickolai Stoilov (Darko) and OKSANA ORLENKO (Lana) are going to be big stars.

What can you say bad about a film that received 3 stars from Roger Ebert??