Daisies (1966): A Guide to Věra Chytilová’s Experimental Classic

Daisies (Sedmikrásky) is a 1966 Czechoslovak film directed by Věra Chytilová. It is one of the most celebrated films of the Czechoslovak New Wave, a period in the 1960s when filmmakers in the country experimented boldly with style and storytelling. The film is playful, colorful and anarchic, and it remains a favorite of film students and fans of experimental cinema.

What the film is about

The film follows two young women, both named Marie. Early on, they decide that since the world has gone bad, they will be bad too. What follows is a series of loosely connected episodes in which they trick older men into buying them meals, play pranks and indulge in increasingly chaotic behavior, ending in an extravagant scene involving a banquet.

There is no conventional plot. Instead, the film works through mood, images and repetition.

Style and technique

Daisies is famous for its visual inventiveness:

• Shifting color: The film switches between color, black and white and tinted images.
• Collage and editing: Images are cut up, layered and rearranged.
• Surreal humor: Scenes swing from silly to unsettling.
• Sound: Music and sound effects add to the playful, dreamlike tone.

The cinematographer, Jaroslav Kučera, and costume and production designer Ester Krumbachová are often credited alongside Chytilová for the film’s distinctive look.

Themes

Critics and viewers have read the film in different ways:

• As a satire of consumerism and waste
• As a feminist work about how young women are expected to behave
• As a commentary on life under an authoritarian system
• As a celebration of play and rebellion

Because the film is open to interpretation, discussions about it are often lively.

Reception and legacy

The film drew official disapproval in Czechoslovakia, partly because of its depiction of wasted food, and its distribution was restricted. Over time, it gained international recognition and is now widely shown in film courses and retrospectives. Chytilová went on to have a long career and is regarded as one of the most important Czech directors.

Watching it today

Daisies is available in restored editions from specialist distributors in some regions. Availability on streaming services changes, so check current listings. It is best enjoyed with an open mind, since it does not follow standard storytelling rules. For other screen titles that share the name, see our guide to daisies on screen.

Quick FAQ

Is Daisies suitable for children?

It is an art-house film made for adult audiences. Check the rating in your region before sharing it with younger viewers.

What language is it in?

Czech, usually shown with subtitles.

Conclusion

Daisies is a bold, mischievous film that still feels fresh decades after its release. Its mix of color, collage and satire makes it an essential watch for anyone interested in experimental cinema or the Czechoslovak New Wave.