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A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

America has long been the land of dreams, of freedom for the oppressed, and for the promise of a better life for immigrants. Recent events including the rise and effects of terrorism and the inundation of illegal immigrants from south of the borders have alerted this country to perceived dangers in the 'open arms' posture America has maintained since its beginning. LANA'S RAIN is a stunning film that shifts the focus of immigration to the viewpoint of those immigrating and the result is a story that is at once terrifying and heartrending. Writer/director Michael S. Ojeda asks us to look at the plight of those seeking American asylum, and though the result is a film that is a bit heavy handed, there is an important message here.The story begins in 1995 in Bosnia during the Balkan wars and we are introduced to the main character Lana (Oxana Orlenko) struggling to survive in the war-torn streets. She seeks and finds her long lost brother Darco (Nickolai Stoilov) who happily receives her and promises to take her to America using some 'recently acquired money'. After stowing away on a cargo ship they arrive in Chicago and are immediately smitten with the beauty of their new land. While Lana dreams in a city park with their luggage containing the money and all their possessions, Darco seeks a place to live. While Lana is sleeping and dreaming of her new life, the luggage 'disappears' and when Darco returns they must now seek shelter and food as beggars. Darco talks Lana into an act of prostitution out of desperation: Lana consents only to fall into the hands of a sadistic client.Gradually the two find a room, Darco is promised a job in a fish market, but the job is not available for a month. Once again Darco asks Lana to be a prostitute, this time under his 'supervision and protection' as Lana speaks no English at all. Lana woefully consents out of her love for her brother and the two make enough money for room and food. But when Darco begins spending money beyond their means and his past life of crime in Bosnia surfaces in various ways, Lana feels demoralized and defeated and finds her only consolation in a fragile friendship with a Chinese sculptor Julian (Luoyong Wang), despite the language barrier. Ultimately Darco's past life and evil spirit take the forefront and Lana feels compelled to assist those Bosnian forces in Chicago who seek Darco for past crimes in his homeland. How Lana survives this life and finds her own life forms the end of the story.Though the film is unrelentingly grim in color, story, excessive bloody faces, and undercurrents, director Ojeda does make his point that all too often immigrants are driven into a life of crime out of desperation to stay alive in the land of plenty. The actors are convincing in their roles and while Lana's plight grows a bit repetitive and tiresome at times, Orlenko keeps us caring about her Lana. Likewise Nickolai Stoilov creates a two-sided character so successfully that we can believe Lana's love then hate for him. This is a dark film but one with an important message. Just be prepared for a violent movie. Grady Harp

Lana and Darko are a brother and sister who escape war torn Bosnia by hiding in a metal storage container on a cargo ship headed for the United States. Lana is a sweet, innocent young woman who has witnessed a great deal of personal tragedy in her life, while Darko is a well known mobster who is basically running for his life from forces who are out to get him. After an arduous trip across the Atlantic, the two settle down in Chicago to start a new life in America. When they fall on hard times, Darko decides to pimp his sister out for money while his dark past begins slowly but surely to catch up with him.Although it aspires to be a gritty film about real people struggling to survive in a harsh environment, "Lana's Rain" comes across as an overwrought melodrama, poorly acted and even more poorly directed. The story is so filled with theatrical flourishes that little of what we see actually rings true. Just a minor case in point: towards the beginning of the film, as the unloaded crate in which they are hiding is speeding its way from the east coast to Chicago, Lana and Darko look through a hole in the side, and lo and behold what do they happen to see passing by but the capitol building in Washington D.C.! I'm surprised director Michael S. Ojeda was able to resist throwing in shots of the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon as well. Unfortunately, this relatively insignificant gaffe becomes symptomatic of the film as a whole which is all too often willing to sacrifice plausibility for the sake of dramatic effect."Lana's Rain" is a serious missed opportunity, for what could have been a meaningful and sensitive film on an important subject turns into a series of hokey dime-store novel vignettes instead.

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.

Great movie I find the movie very compelling. It looks like European movie. Lot of action and unexpected twists. I enjoyed realistically portrayed characters. They look like some people I know. It is a Non-Hollywood rendition of problems that really happen in today's world. I'm getting over-saturated with unrealistic story plots and fantasy characters. Reality is more interesting than that garbage. And this movie hits it pretty darn close. It is on a rare occasion that you can enjoy the grittiness of back streets and alleys, with the twisted reality that looms over the inhabitants. You can't help but to feel a sympathy with Darko (designated bad guy), and like Lana who, left with nothing, finally manages to break free. And you are on the edge of the seat the whole time. That's what I call a great movie!Summary: Go Lana go! This girl is tough, you know! To break free in spite of all the obstacles she was facing - not speaking any language, not knowing where to turn, with nobody to relay on, whoa! This movie is really something. The funny thing is that all the girls in the audience were crying, that's how strong of the impression the movie made. You enter at the opening credits, and your attention is suddenly released at the end. And you are magnetically connected the whole time. It is a BIG movie, in spite of its small budget. It is here to stay!