Watch Flag Day

Flag Day is a drama film released in 2021 and directed by Sean Penn, who also stars in the movie alongside his daughter Dylan Penn. The movie is based on a true story and follows John Vogel (played by Sean Penn), a loving father and charismatic artist who spends his life conning banks, art collectors, and governments. John's daughter, Jennifer (played by Dylan Penn), narrates her father's story, revealing his many secrets, lies, and deceptions.

Throughout the movie, we see John's relationship with his daughter evolve, from his role as a playful and loving father to his descent into a life of crime and the impact this has on his family. Jennifer is torn between her love for her father and her growing disillusionment with his actions. She tries to distance herself from him, but he always finds a way back into her life, using his charm and wit to keep her close.

The film is set against the backdrop of American history, from the Vietnam War to the September 11 attacks, and we see how John's criminal activities intersect with these major events. John's final con, which involves selling fake passports to terrorist groups, leads to his arrest and trial. The movie culminates in a courtroom scene where John's family is forced to confront the truth about his actions and the consequences they have had on their lives.

Flag Day is a powerful and emotional film that explores themes of family, love, betrayal, and redemption. It is a character-driven story that focuses on the complex relationship between a father and his daughter. Sean Penn's performance as John Vogel is particularly noteworthy, and he brings a depth and complexity to the character that is both captivating and unsettling. Dylan Penn also delivers a strong performance as Jennifer, capturing the conflict and confusion of a daughter who loves her father but also recognizes his flaws.

One of the most striking elements of Flag Day is the way it portrays the criminal world. Rather than presenting a romanticized view of the criminal lifestyle, the movie shows the harsh and brutal reality of it. John's life of crime is not glamorized, but rather shown for what it is – a series of selfish and destructive choices that hurt the people he loves.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of light and shadow. The cinematography is stunning, with scenes that are bathed in natural light or shrouded in darkness. The use of color is also significant, with warm tones highlighting moments of love and connection, while cooler tones emphasize the isolation and despair that the characters experience.

In summary, Flag Day is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of a life lived on the wrong side of the law. With powerful performances from Sean Penn, Dylan Penn, and the rest of the cast, as well as stunning cinematography and a compelling story, this is a movie worth watching. Whether you're a fan of true crime stories, emotional family dramas, or simply appreciate great filmmaking, Flag Day is a must-see.

Flag Day is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 53.