¡Hasta La Vista, Sister!

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

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.

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.

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.