Flag Day

Synopsis

Flag Day is a 2021 drama directed by Sean Penn, based on true events and adapted from a memoir by Jennifer Vogel. The film stars Penn alongside his daughter, Dylan Penn, portraying a turbulent father-daughter relationship fraught with love, betrayal, and the struggle for redemption. The story revolves around the complex bond between a con artist father and his daughter as they navigate the consequences of his criminal past and their shared efforts to reconnect. Set against the backdrop of American family dynamics, the film explores themes of trust, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of parental influence over one's life choices.

Cast

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  Sean Penn

  John Vogel

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  Dylan Penn

  Jennifer Vogel

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  Hopper Penn

  Nick Vogel

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  Josh Brolin

  Uncle Beck

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  Katheryn Winnick

  Patty Vogel

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  Eddie Marsan

  Mr. Emmanuel

Reviews

Flag Day received mixed reviews from critics, reflecting a divided reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 40% approval rating, indicating generally unfavorable reviews with some appreciation for its emotional core but criticism for its pacing and narrative choices. The site's consensus highlights the film's heartfelt intentions but notes a lack of cohesion in storytelling. Metacritic assigns it a score of 53 out of 100, signaling mixed or average reviews. Critics like Peter Debruge from Variety praised Sean Penn's direction and the strong performances, particularly noting the authentic father-daughter chemistry; however, he also remarked that the film doesn't fully capitalize on its rich source material. IMDb users rate the movie 5.5/10, reflecting a lukewarm response from general audiences who acknowledge the movie’s earnestness but feel it falls short in delivering a compelling and consistently engaging drama. Overall, Flag Day is recognized for its sincere exploration of familial bonds but is critiqued for a somewhat uneven execution, resonating differently depending on viewers’ expectations.