¡Hasta La Vista, Sister!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.