Recalling the classic colorful musicals of Jacques Demy and their affection for the working-class people of France’s regional cities, Daffodils substitutes New Zealand pop songs for Michel LEGRAND’s symphonic raptures but Kiwi director David STUBBS emulates the French director’s love of color and flair for demonstrating that the simple, but eternal problems of love and family are the most poignant. The 1960s New Zealand setting may be a beautiful world resembling paradise, but newlyweds Rose and Eric (endearingly portrayed by Rose MCLVER and George MASON) discover that even in this idyll no one is immune to the disappointments of failed families and confused romance. A film for those who have loved and lied for good intentions and bad, Daffodils is a colorful cinematic bouquet of conflicting emotions guaranteed to set toes tapping and tears flowing. (Russell EDWARDS)