Yana's Friends (Israel; 90min.) directed by: Arik Kaplun starring: Evelyn Kaplun; Nir Levy; Shmil Ben Ari; Mosko Alkalai

Diane says: "Director Arik Kaplun, himself a Russian immigrant to Israel, looks at the hurdles faced by Russian immigrants in Tel Aviv. The Gulf War looms, a pregnant and penniless woman is abandoned by her husband, conflicts over money lead to arguments and fisticuffs in the neighborhood, yet the film turns into a romantic comedy. YANA'S FRIENDS has a very good ensemble cast, and is similar in tone to ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS while hitting neither the highs nor lows of that movie. Special treat for documentary fans: a great docu of a few years ago plays a part in the plot. "At this screening, Janet and I saw the trailer for LATE MARRIAGE which included raves about its remarkably naturalistic sex scene, but I'm sure the unlikely yet practical sex scenes in YANA'S FRIENDS are the winner. " 3 cats