User Reviews

Day of the Flowers is a an enjoyable picture despite having a strictly formula script. The first formula is two opposite personalities thrown together by necessity (e.g. 48 Hours, In Her Shoes, etc). Here we have two Scottish sisters, Rosa a committed socialist and Ailie her designer cloths wearing spoiled sister, reunited for funeral of their father. Problem is that their stepmother wants to make a golf trophy out of their father's ashes while Rosa wants to take them to Cuba, where their father spent some time during the revolution and scatter them in Havana. Once the sisters take the ashes to Cuba we enter the Fish-Out-Of-Water phase of the formula with every cliché ridden situation thrown in. However, the performances are generally appealing and the direction is brisk. Throw in the nice Havana background and Cuban music and you have an entertaining film which does not strive to be anything higher than that.

One of the selections from the Edinburgh Film Festival's 'best of the fest' which you hope was based on initial ticket sales & not critical response - otherwise you would worry about the quality of this years output. Whilst it's nice to see a Cuban backdrop in a narrative drama, it doesn't really compensate for some shockingly bad writing & uninspired direction - which is particularly evident in having all the characters constantly think out loud (the first 10 minutes in this regard are absolutely appalling). The performances too are largely unconvincing, with Eva Birthistle (very good in Loach's 'Ae Fond Kiss') struggling immensely with a hugely unsympathetic idiot of a protagonist, whose every solution to a problem seems to solely involve walking out of a scene that lapses more than 2 minutes. Still, her turn is award-worthy compared to the amateurish showings by her supposed sister & her constant kilt-wearing cypher of a friend. Well intended it might be, but it can thank the Cuban cast & the work done by the unit directors to lift it above the tragic threshold.

I don't remember ever seen a movie filled with so many stereotypes of what modern Cubans are under the present circumstances (socialism and poverty). I honestly wish this script had been passed onto a Cuban writer before filming.

Though some characters would behave and speak like some of the people in the film, most Cubans don't. There is no such thing as a "Day of the flowers" in the island. We do put flowers in rivers the day Camilo Cienfuegos died, but is something only students do, and certainly (for God's sake!) is no occasion where you see people following after with drums and trumpets like in a conga line, like in a street carnival or so.

This is basically a road trip type of film with no road trip at all (except of course the relationship between the sisters, which is the only thing that does not suck in this movie). The entire flick has been filmed in Havana city, not only that, in it's worse looking neighbourhoods and most dilapidated streets and houses (yet another stereotype of how Cuba looks like). Havana does not look like that entirely. And while the trip is suppose to take us to northern Matanzas, then south center into Cienfuegos and Trinidad, like I mentioned before is only filmed in the capital. And I can not think of cities that are landscaped and architecturally built more different from one each other than those 4.

PS: Cuban crocodiles only live in restricted portions of Zapata swamp and southern cays, no way they simply spotted one in the middle of the countryside near Matanzas city.

I really felt extremely offended by entire thing from beginning to end.

I was really looking forward to seeing this film as it's about sisters and as a sister myself, this is a subject I understand and love. I was not disappointed. Day of the Flowers brilliantly conveys the competitive, irritating, sometimes nasty but ultimately loving relationship between sisters. Eva Birthistle, as the complicated Rosa, sets off from Glasgow on a crazy mission to Cuba with an illicit bag containing her father's ashes, accompanied (to her dismay) by her sister Ailie (beautifully played by Charity Wakefield) and kilt-wearing friend Conway (Bryan Dick). Of course when they arrive things don't exactly turn out as expected and their encounter with a Cuban conman (the excellent Christopher Simpson) leads Rosa into potential danger. Quietly observing the action is tour guide Tomas (Carlos Acosta) and he is soon embroiled in the sisters' adventure, being especially protective towards headstrong Rosa. Most of the film is set in Cuba and the vibrancy and excitement of this lovely island, full of colour, music, dancing and amazing scenery is almost enough in itself. The Cuban cast is excellent and Carlos Acosta proves himself as an accomplished actor. I would have liked to have seen him dance a bit more but had to be satisfied with a tantalizing glimpse of him gently teaching a young dancer in his ballet class…. Sigh!! All in all, a very entertaining and heart-warming film that looks great. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and so did the rest of the audience.

I had a great night last night.  Braving trains, taxis and troublesome tram works MBH and I enjoyed a night at the Edinburgh Film Festival.  The Day of the Flowers is about family and friendship.  It's about love and death, truth and lies, about revolution and evolution.

I'd heard about this film and the politics of getting a film about Cuba made in Cuba.  So I was thrilled to see it.

If there was one thing I would have liked, it would be more Glasgow.  The film starts here with sisters Rosa and Ailie rescuing their dead father from being made into a golf trophy by their stepmother.  It's funny, and sets the Glaswegian perspective through which we are shown Cuba. There are certain factors which make the film work for me.  And it really does.

The flowers

In other reviews, Rosa has been described as "a headstrong idealist".  And that much they've managed to get right.  I like headstrong idealists.  I like seeing them on my cinema screens.  All too often they are a vehicle for people who don't want us to be headstrong idealists to tell us that headstrong idealists are naive.  This doesn't happen in The Day of the Flowers, which is refreshing.  She's beautifully played by Eva Birthistle.  The story of her relationship with her sister, and the discoveries both make about their parents offer a compelling, human story.

The dancing

Carlos Acosta is a star.  That's not an opinion, he just is.  A global dance sensation, this is his first big role in a feature film.  The first of many, by the looks of things.  His Tomas is a modern Cuban, who has toured the world and returned to his homeland to educate young and old.  He takes the girls (especially Rosa who needs it most) under his wing.   His performance has that thing you only know when you see it - an apparent effortlessness which can only be achieved through talent and professionalism.  I know and love a lot of the music which underpins the film and carries with it the seductive sunshine so beautifully captured.  Which brings us to - 

The island

Cuba is beautiful.  Cuba in The Day of the Flowers is a gift to anyone who loves photography and the moving image.  Sunshine seems to flood the sky. We are shown the difference between the big corporate hotels and the Cuba that Cubans live in.  Visually stunning, the island also has a rich culture and a history of political independence which really matters.  This isn't a film about politics, but the fact that things are different in Cuba is plain to see, as well as the benefits and costs of that difference.  I know I said I wanted more Glasgow, but 80-90 per cent of this film is in Cuba.  And I wanted a lot more Cuba.

In the end, film is a way of telling a story.  And stories are about people.  And what this film is about is that moment when you're not entirely sure of yourself or your situation, and you're not entirely sure if you should or you shouldn't, but you ask someone if they'd like to dance with you.  And they do.  And because you did, you never have to wish you had or regret you hadn't.

If you haven't, and you can, see this film.  You won't regret it.

Day of flowers invites it's audience to join two Scottish sisters Rosa (Eva Birthistle) and Ailie (Charity Wakefield) in an amusing and fun Cuban adventure. After stealing their father's ashes they decide to take a trip to Cuba to sprinkle the ashes there as their late father was a revolutionary. Little do they know not only will it be a trip to say goodbye to their father but it will be a journey of discovery. The film is beautifully shot which captures the spirit of Cuba with a notable performance from dancer Carlos Acosta (one to watch in the future I think). An enjoyable 100 minutes viewing with plenty to keep your attention. Love, comedy, dancing and fun. It's great to see Scottish films coming into the limelight.

I saw it at the Edinburgh Film festival and love it. Two quarrelling sisters become reluctant travel partners when they set off from Scotland to Cuba. Their journey throws up more than a few surprises and laughs along the way. Their quest to discover more about their father's communist past leads to a voyage of self discovery. The humour is balanced with an intelligent portrayal of how each sister struggles, in different ways, with the cultural stereotypes and socio- political tensions that arise. The writer, Eirenie Houston, offers a balanced assessment of the complexities associated with tourism in Cuba, avoiding sentimentality or judgement. Set in the ambiance of Havana, with stunning cinematography and beautiful dance scenes, not least from the Cuban ballet dancer Carlos Acosta, this film will have you heading down to the travel agents.

I didn't know what to expect: I suppose another pro-Cuban story with the achievements of Carlos Acosta propping up a sameness of this genre. How wrong could I have been? This was a great wee film that soon got me caught up in its pathos - straight into the plot with great and sensitive humour. The story was totally believable and the sisters - excellently played by the actors - were ably supported by Acosta, Simpson and the cast. No goody-goody Cubans sacrificing all for the revolution but a look a the dark side as well. As in every good movie, plot and sub plot rotate and change and co-relate.

This film, for me, had all of this and laughs all the way. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable film - from its left wing origins through to the realities of life in today's Cuba... warts and all. Well done to Houston, Roberts & co for a fine wee film.

Absolutely loved this film. I laughed out loud (Lol'd) from start to finish. The dialogue between the sisters was hysterical. The stunning and breath taking back drop of the Cuban countryside was gloriously beautiful. The music was great,it had me and my friends salsa'ing in out seats. The journey that Rosa takes throughout the film made my heart swell with emotion. Carlos Acosta was fantastic. He has great screen presence, he is an absolute natural. This was best film I saw at the EFF. The feeling and enthusiasm for the audience was fantastic. Watching this film at the EFF was one of the best cinema going experiences I've ever had! If you have the chance to view this I would highly recommend it.

This was fun.

Thankfully, this wasn't the rom-com it was billed to be by the Edinburgh Festival's guide - the character's happy-go-lucky adventures mesh easily with a more complex portrayal of a Scottish family's relationship with Cuba.

Carlos Acosta particularly makes a strong debut. Perhaps fans of Cuban dance would be disappointed that there was not more actual dancing included in the narrative structure but then this story stays fixed on the central portrayal of the sisters and their conflicts.

Colourful cinematography and a quick pace made for a pleasing movie experience.

Being an independent filmmaker is a tough life – armed with a screenplay that can't be filed under blockbuster, edgy hipster fodder or wacky comedy how do you get the commercials right so you can make it? Fortunately everything worked beautifully in this case and Day of the Flowers is that rare thing that British filmmakers often do best - it's a finely-crafted film about people. Set in Glasgow and Cuba the film examines the relationship between two sisters and their dead parents as they travel to Cuba to scatter their father's ashes. The unfolding story is a road movie, a drama and a gentle comedy of manners all rolled into one and is utterly engaging. The interplay between Rosa (Eva Birthistle) and Ailie (Charity Wakefield) is beautifully written and acted. If it's the well-judged pace and dialogue that keep the audience engaged the Cuban scenery and music play a big part too and any political analysis quickly gives way to the far more important consideration of the human condition.

Day of the Flowers is an exciting and engaging film about two sisters taking their father's ashes to Cuba. At first it would appear that the sisters are complete polar opposites, Rosa the politico and Alli the fashionista, as the story unfolds we see that underneath the sisters are more alike than they realise. The story unfolds in Cuba which provides a stunning backdrop. "Day of the Flowers" allows us to glimpse the darker side of Cuba as well as the touristic, I found this very refreshing. The characters are well thought out and developed and beautifully acted, especially Rosa - Eva Birthiste, Alli - Charity Wakefield and Thomas-Carlos Acosta. We get to see human nature in all it's complexities. The mix of the exotic and neurotic makes "Day of the Flowers" a feel good movie, I left the cinema wanting more and with a curiosity to find out what the next chapter holds for the sisters and Thomas. I would highly recommend this film to everyone, go see it and enjoy the visual feast.

I just loved this film. I was intrigued to see Carlos Acosta in an acting role as I had recently seen him as a Royal Opera House Covent Garden principal dancer. I wasn't let down as he was such a natural with a wonderfully understated presence on screen. And when he did dance I wanted to see more. It was a joy to watch! What made the film even better was the script from beginning to end. I believed in the sisters. They were real to me. The setting in Glasgow so familiar in contrast to the action in Cuba. What poverty can reduce people to. A place made attractive by its music and sunshine. This is a gem of a film. I want to watch it again.

From Glasgow to Havana via Bafta: I am writing my second review, after 'Fifty Kisses', not as a filmmaker, but as a fan. When Jean Luc Godard was first interested in film, he wrote in 'Cahiers DE Cinema', creating film dialogue of auteur, so in this vein, I hope to create a thoughtful level of critique rather than playing the line of industry games. Note that Kermode also described the film as 'thoughtful', as though in surprise, and having 'a plethora of themes'. What he doesn't point out though is what a daring feat it is to take a departure from formulaic movies to film that has no rigid genre.

In the after discussion at the Vue, Piccadilly the Glaswegian writer, Eirene Houston, sits with producer Jonathan Rae and director John Roberts, to make clear that they fought over every scene. "It was like a family made film then?" Chris delightedly asks, while Judy Goldberg takes photos.

The following Friday we are going to see a screening and reception for 'Fifty Kisses' at Bafta, also produced by Judy and Chris, celebrating its Guinness Record Status, for the number of people to work on a film. This will be a light relief after the highly emotional days of listening to extremely brave and moving women, like Judy Goldberg talk of overcoming painful, personal experience; or the focused Catherine Artin sharing her compassion; as well as seeing Malala Yousafzai just a few weeks ago in conversation at 'Women of the World' at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, eerily overwhelming, cheering and miraculous after her near death experience.

There is positive explosion of women actors, writers, thinkers at 'Day of the Flowers' revelling in tales of their differences, but ultimately making a low budget film on two million pounds, in Cuba itself. I am all for that family feel having started with Kafkaesque Frank Castorf, at Berlin People's Stage, who has had a Turk with little language ability at the stage door and a young man running the box office with a hunchback for over fifteen years, both happy and unemployable elsewhere. Airbrushed cosmetic theatres of Western Europe are put to shame simply by this alone. After we put the homeless and gypsies on stage, Frank wanting to keep pace allowed the most gifted to join the ensemble and tour Europe. To return to 'Day of the Flowers', shot in Cuba, Vernon Layton and director John Roberts point out what a big star impressive ballet ace, Carlos Acosta is, himself from poverty-stricken origins, which informed Eirene's writing of those heartening kinds who are not broken, but raised up to immense courage when under pressure. The film seamlessly melds alluring landscapes, filmed on 35mm by Vernon Layton, with the story of mismatched sisters Rosa and Ailie whose tense relationship overlaps with the relationship of their parents, supporters of the Cuban revolution.

There is something in the air with Judy Goldberg starting a campaign for 'Be Heard', a short film competition for victims of abuse, which I take interest in supporting as most homeless are on the street to avoid abuse, from family. Like her, Eirene Houston, Cathy Arton, on IMDb: also Jonathan Rae, John Roberts, Vernon Layton and Chris Jones.

'Day of the Flowers' is as fragile and vibrant as real life, flowing scenes integrated at the last minute, admit writer Eirene, director John and producer Jonathan. John adds the flexibility ' keeps the acting fresh'.

Eva Birtwhistle and Charity Wakefield bristle as wayward sisters, the former Rosa, genuinely named after tragic revolutionary Rosa Luxembourg. She is willing to fore-go all private pleasure touchingly in a quest to save the planet; idolising her father while the younger Ailie is freer, willing to take what life throws at her whether good or bad. I am staying silent as to all unexpected and outrageous twists that bring script alive as I don't wish to spoil..

Another humorous aspect to the film is the fact that director of photography Vernon Layton wanted to do some producing, in a minor capacity for a change, when their Director of Photography pulled out, as it clashed with other work, so Vernon had to step in as DOP! He explains how he preferred shooting on 35 mm film as it lends 'the film the look of a tapestry'; 'beautiful old crumbling buildings make a great setting.' He also mentions later to me how he 'did the 'Rock Circus' of the Stones'. I perceive him in my mind's eye, walking around the Cuban cities where they shoot, finding interesting angles of exotic buildings to make the decaying grandeur of an ex-colony reflect the heightened mental states of the two young women.

The actors mix the aesthetically pleasing with dramatic interludes of them finding new inner dimensions in the hypnotic landscapes they encounter; dancing late nights for the love of beautiful local men, including the star Carlos Acosta who is a member if the Royal Ballet although Cuban.

His zest for life and screen presence adds a dimension that dramatically alters any false view of Cuban people as lost souls in need of a Western injection: he refreshingly lives for dance. We see how relative poverty neither enables or detracts from the ability of individuals to stand out from others if they chose better lives as he teaches others dance. He is in stark contrast to the villainous family in the Cuban countryside trying to exploit innocent foreigners. Rosa retrieves her father's ashes from their fate as a tragic golfing prize and flees to deliver them to a river in Cuba. I am delighted that the writer and partner Laura have an hour long chat about character writing in the pub afterwards, with Eirene dropping hints about character scripting. Remember to vote on IMDb so it becomes a cult classic.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see 'Day of the Flowers' and arrived with no idea of what to expect, the word CUBA however never fails to set up a frisson of excitement and I was not disappointed in the slightest by this super mix of Scottish and South American culture and characterisation. Indeed, in retrospect I can see that it was a perfect feisty and amusing match,the acting was sensitive,credible and each part played with skill which reeled the audience in to the story perfectly. Artistic filming and some lovely detail (the horses for example?) and enough music and dance to whet my appetite - although I could have watched Carlos Acosta and the bands for a very long time given the opportunity. It was vibrant and fun - I didn't leave feeling emotionally drained; just happy! I wonder if there may be a sequel lurking in the writer's mind? Ailie should surely get back to her roots one of these days!!! jx

I didn't know what to expect of this film, but having visited Cuba and having an interest to see Carlos Acosta, I went out of curiosity. It turned out to be my best night out in ages. The film has so much to interest you at so many different levels.

Firstly, it's a decent storyline.

Secondly, the characterisation is excellent. I loved the way the balance of power shifts between the "headstrong" sister to the seemingly "superficial" one. It was very easy for me to empathise. The characters actually develop over the course of the film, just as, in real life, we change as a result of what we experience. This change was really credible and quite different from other films.

Thirdly, the film setting in Cuba was vibrant and exciting.

Fourthly Carlos Acosta's dancing (say no more) and also his acting (for the first time) was great.

Fourthly, there were tense and scary bits in the film, which I'd liken to some of those in Slumdog Millionnaire.

Fifth, there was an unexpected twist.

All in all a superb, 10 out of 10 film! I do so wish it could go on general release. I've recommended it to all my friends but don't know how they'll ever get to see it.

An enjoyable movie, entertaining and warm, about the changing relationship between two sisters, with some insightful behind-the-scenes story lines of life in Cuba. The dramatic scenery of old Havanna is beautiful, the music and dancing most enjoyable, and some excellent acting from Carlos Acosta, Charity Wakefield and Eva Birthistle. Christopher Simpson renders a thought provoking portrayal of a very interesting character. I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more of all these actors. Apparently its the first UK movie to be shot in Cuba in 55 years since "Our Man in Havanna". Don't miss this British movie, it's well worth seeing.