Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The acting in this movie is really good.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

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.

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 may have been the biggest chick flick I've watched all year. Not only does it stand at an average rating of 5.1 from male voters and 7.7 from female, but this one brings it all. Shamelessly. Sister-sister relationship? Check. Hot Latino hunks? Check. Impressive scenery? Check. Ballet dance scenes? Check. Gooey love stories? Several! And to top it all off, the distributor gave away free pink textile bags to the audience to promote the movie after leaving the theater.But it's not necessarily a bad thing. Not at all. Both leading ladies play their parts convincingly while delivering the most awesome Scottish accents since Sean Connery. Eva Birthistle, who felt more the center of the two, gives a convincing portrayal as an exceedingly charitable, undateable activist, while Charity Wakefield shines as a dolly bird with a lot more below the surface than one would have initially expected. The three male protagonists Acosta, Dick and Simpson do an okay job with what they're given and usually thrive the most during the interactions with the two female leads. One of my favorite parts was Rosa's completely different reactions to Tomas and Ernesto both being fathers already.There's not much to criticize about this flick. It's definitely entertaining, yet soothing at the same time. The characters are easy to identify with. The cinematography is beautiful and the music that comes inevitably with a Scotland-Cuba culture clash fits the tone very nicely. If there's any flaw with it, it may be the final revelations about the daughters' origins. Even if their dad's ashes was the cause for the trip, this movie is at its best when it concentrates on the actual happenings during the trip and not the reason behind it. Also, I'm not a great fan of the title. I don't think it does the film justice and the day is only a very minor plot-point anyway.It doesn't look too good for this movie to be released on a large scale, but if you're one of the few to have the chance to see it, take it! And if not, rent the DVD and include it in your next all girls movie night. You won't regret it.If you end up liking "Day of the Flowers", check out the outrageously similarly-premised road movie "Jackie", also from 2012, starring the van Houten Sisters and Holly Hunter.

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 flowersIn 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 dancingCarlos 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 islandCuba 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.