Flag Day

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 20, 2021

Genre
Drama

Cast & Crew

• Sean Penn as John Vogel
• Dylan Penn as Jennifer Vogel
• Josh Brolin as Uncle Beck
• Norbert Leo Butz as Doc
• Dale Dickey as Grandma
• Eddie Marsan as Mr. Ulysses
• Katheryn Winnick as Patty Vogel

Director
Sean Penn

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Into the Wild (2007)
• The Pledge (2001)
• The Crossing Guard (1995)
• The Indian Runner (1991)

Producer
William Horberg, Jon Kilik

Writer
Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth

Budget
$10 million (estimated)

Production Company
Wonderful Films, Rahway Road, New Element Media

Running Time
108 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Brief nudity
• Intense thematic elements
• Drug use

Movie Story
“Flag Day” is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant drama that tells the story of Jennifer Vogel (Dylan Penn), a young woman whose life is profoundly shaped by her relationship with her father, John Vogel (Sean Penn). Based on a true story and adapted from Jennifer Vogel’s memoir, “Flim-Flam Man: The True Story of My Father’s Counterfeit Life,” the film explores the complexities of father-daughter relationships, the struggle for self-identity, and the quest for truth amidst a sea of lies.

John Vogel is a charismatic yet flawed man who lives a double life. To his daughter, he is a loving, adventurous figure who captivates her with stories and grand gestures. However, behind this facade, John is a notorious counterfeiter, con artist, and fugitive, whose criminal activities eventually unravel, leading to a tragic downfall. As Jennifer grows older, she begins to see the cracks in her father’s facade and struggles with the realization that the man she idolized is deeply flawed. The film follows Jennifer’s journey as she tries to reconcile the love she has for her father with the harsh realities of his life, leading her on a path of self-discovery and empowerment.

The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks and montages that paint a picture of John’s life of crime and the impact it has on Jennifer. As she confronts her father’s legacy, Jennifer must make difficult choices that will define her future. The story is not just about the crimes of John Vogel but also about Jennifer’s fight to carve out her own identity and find a sense of closure.

Special Effects
The film uses minimal special effects, relying more on naturalistic cinematography to convey the emotional weight of the story. The use of light and shadow plays a significant role in depicting the duality of John’s character and the contrasting worlds he inhabits.

Box Office Performance
“Flag Day” had a limited release and garnered moderate box office success. It earned approximately $4.1 million globally, with its primary audience being drawn to the film’s intimate portrayal of family dynamics and the strong performances of Sean and Dylan Penn.

Filming Locations

• Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Minnesota, USA
• Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.” – John Vogel
• “The truth is, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.” – Jennifer Vogel

Behind-the-Scenes

• “Flag Day” marks the first time Sean Penn has directed his daughter, Dylan Penn, in a leading role, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
• The film premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and was praised for its raw emotional depth.

Awards

• Nomination for the Palme d’Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival

Final Verdict
“Flag Day” is a poignant and introspective drama that delves into the complexities of familial bonds and personal redemption. While it may not appeal to those looking for fast-paced action, it offers a rich, character-driven narrative that is both touching and thought-provoking. Sean Penn’s direction, combined with the compelling performances of the cast, especially his daughter Dylan, makes this film a worthwhile watch for those interested in character studies and true-life stories.

IMDb Rating
5.3/10