AnimeSuki Forums

Dark Steno · 2006-08-31, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by wao

Spoiler for speculation:

Somehow, you got a point there.

Quajafrie · 2006-09-09, 17:33

Shinsen-subs released episode 3! Yay for more FLAG!

BuddyLee · 2006-09-09, 17:49

I've been waiting for this series for ages now. After Sunrise did Gasaraki back in the day i was longing for another political drama which touch base with current events in a subtle way. So far i see people liking this series, wished I could say the same for Gasaraki, people used to bash on it all the time

. Oh well so far so good ... thumbs up to Flag

Lost · 2006-09-10, 01:09

It took episode 3 to make me realise what a great sounding OP FLAG has.

Dark Steno · 2006-09-10, 01:22

Hey, the musics are great. Why take up to the third episode to realize it?

wao · 2006-09-10, 01:55

Well, the show only had an OP from episode 2 onwards...

My favourite part of the OP is when there's that bit where tank shots are fired into the night sky (seen through nigth vision) and the music goes really cool and stuff.

The music is very professional... I like the 'ethnic' sort of themes, they're nicely done but not overpowering. I still love the piece they played at teh end of episode 1 - it went so well with the bottom-up view of HAVWC against the desert sky. The composer, Yoshihiro Ike, seems to do music for typically darker and mature shows (KARAS, Ergo Proxy, Blood: the last vampire, Sci Fi Harry) but I was very surprised by his excellent job on the Kamichu! OST which is in a totally different vein.

Lost · 2006-09-10, 02:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Steno

Hey, the musics are great. Why take up to the third episode to realize it?

Lol, yeah definitely the musics are great, especially the ED; but it was the OP alone that I was referring to.

I guess when I first heard it in episode 2 I brushed it off because it was so simple sounding, plus there wasn't exactly much visuals to follow along with it.

But with episode 3 I had the chance to listen to it again, more closely this time I guess, and I think I'm starting to appreciate it. It also follows along well with, almost complements, the pictures as they are presented. Ah.. lesson re-learnt: Simple not neccessarily bad.

Yeah wao, the 'ethnic' feel is definitely reflecting in the soft lamenting wails/cries.
_____________________________________________

Two main themes I could glean from this episode, both I like very much.

First when bigdarkguy (sorry, I'm shite at names) was telling Shirasu in the canteen about how reporters popped up and started snapping photos during his country's war, then conveniently leaving them behind as if not caring about the suffering; much like using the war, the suffering of others, as personal gain on a small scale. It gave me the contrast between taking pictures just for the sensational nature of the war and earning money; vs. taking photographs for the love of the art, as he noticed Shirasu was doing, by the beautiful non-war pictures she took.

~~While not entirely related, this part made me think, because it brought to mind a question I've always pondered, how can photographers who take pictures of human suffering not put down their cameras and help, but keep on filming passively? In fact I felt this was explored a little in how Shirasu threw her precious cam aside and stopped filming to help bigdarkguy; but that doesn't really count, because in this case her life was dependent on helping bigdarkguy, being as she was in the same helicopter.~~

Anyway, back to the first theme, later on at the end of the briefing (when Shirasu asked to go along) it was interesting how bigdarkguy contradicted himself to an extent by realising that the photos snapped by those seemingly uncaring people did do some good by making the rest of the world care what was going on. Fascinating.

Second theme, well not really theme, but maybe a symbolism. I like how the episode in which Shirasu first experiences firsthand combat at the frontlines is also the episode that ends with her first time taking pictures of "frontline soldiers," herself included.

Dark Steno · 2006-09-10, 06:36

Somehow that behaviour changes other's opinions about her as she put away the camera to help the wounded.

porkisgood · 2006-09-10, 23:34

flag reminds me a little bit of blood+ mainly because of the military angle. i like artsy foreign films and i like FLAG because of the way it's pieced together. i have a lot of friends who are photographers and i do a bit of photography as a hobby.. so i understand about the "perspective" they are painting. for one, when you are the photographer it's as if you are removed from the situation yet it is your perspective that is recorded. this is my impression from the first episode.. i have others i've downloaded and still have to watch.. but wanted to share. if you like artsy or "different" anime, then this one is right up your alley fo sho.

ps.. people smoking and drinking heavily and being in good physical shape is highly possible.. ie.. women's flat track roller derby!!!

http://youtube.com/results?search_qu...&search=Search

Jazzrat · 2006-09-12, 12:50

Just finished the first 3 episode, i think it's a very nice anime. Very unique way to present a story, through the lens of a cameraman (in this case, 2 cameraman

)

The music was beautiful as well, OP was excellent, sounds a lot like Harry William Gregson's stuff. Animation was good and the directing is god-like. I think they probably spend a lot of time watching real life war documentary in prepping for production.

I personally like how they play around with the camera's focusing, reflective surface and light exposure.

Character design felt a bit odd especially how they potray caucassian.

Quajafrie · 2006-09-13, 10:20

Just watched the third episode, it was great as well. The helicopter part was done masterfully, I really can't get enough of watching FLAG's animation. It's so beautiful and realistic. Unfortunately the quality of the SHS version isn't that great, so this show really needs a DVD version.

mone-chan · 2006-09-13, 14:42

well Volume 1 of the DVD comes out september 27th in Japan with volume 2 out oct. 25th. 2 episodes per DVD.

Mgz · 2006-09-13, 16:39

does anyone get headache because of the wacky point of view? I'm a casual FPSer and I can play HL/CS, etc no problem but FLAG

, they move the camera around too fast/too often

I feel sick

(but that doesn't stop me from watching the anime tho...FLAG is sooo great... I want to listen to the longer version of the OP too.. so nice and relaxing..

hopefully I can get used to the camera angle/pov soon T_T

/edit

BTW at first when I see the OP(i watch eps 3 first lol) pix with a soldier with a UNF helmet, I mistakenly read it as VNF and think that it is a movie about vietnam war or something

Lost · 2006-09-14, 09:58

I didnt get as bad a reaction to it as you did (no headaches/nausea/vomiting/fever) but yes it definitely requires getting use to...

wao · 2006-09-17, 02:49

Has everyone been missing episode 6? Well, it was a bit more fast paced with the introduction of a new bit of music and more frequent switching between Akagi and Shirasu's storylines. Also, events that continued from episode 5 were continuing on...

Spoiler for Generally what happened, SPOILERS KTHX:

Aniki Meiski · 2006-09-17, 07:54

Hi Wao

Spoiler:

Jazzrat · 2006-09-18, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mgz

does anyone get headache because of the wacky point of view? I'm a casual FPSer and I can play HL/CS, etc no problem but FLAG

, they move the camera around too fast/too often

I feel sick

(but that doesn't stop me from watching the anime tho...FLAG is sooo great... I want to listen to the longer version of the OP too.. so nice and relaxing..

hopefully I can get used to the camera angle/pov soon T_T

/edit

BTW at first when I see the OP(i watch eps 3 first lol) pix with a soldier with a UNF helmet, I mistakenly read it as VNF and think that it is a movie about vietnam war or something

I think it's probably the camera focusing effect that might have been disorientating for you. CS have a lot twitchy screen effect

unless you are afk or a newbie camper.

It was a bit disorientating at first, not because of the camera POV but because some scene just comes in too suddenly. One moment you are looking through the camera at the mountains, next you are inside base darkly lit comm room.

Plus the shutter effect is a bit disorientating at first.

PILMAN · 2006-09-18, 11:52

Wait episode 6? I thought only episode 1 2 and 3 were released.

Lost · 2006-09-18, 13:28

^ Episode 6 has already aired. But the series has only been subbed till episode 3.

Schwarzwald · 2006-10-12, 15:21

Episode 4 has been released today...of course, the torrent is broken and thus there are no seeders, but hey, we asked for a release, not a "working" release, right?
Oh well, when it gets fixed, I'll enjoy what I suppose will become a monthly installment of FLAG, I figure it'll be done by, oh, Summer?

2006-09-10, 01:55	Link #86
wao OK. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Fields of High Attus Age: 34	Well, the show only had an OP from episode 2 onwards... My favourite part of the OP is when there's that bit where tank shots are fired into the night sky (seen through nigth vision) and the music goes really cool and stuff. The music is very professional... I like the 'ethnic' sort of themes, they're nicely done but not overpowering. I still love the piece they played at teh end of episode 1 - it went so well with the bottom-up view of HAVWC against the desert sky. The composer, Yoshihiro Ike, seems to do music for typically darker and mature shows (KARAS, Ergo Proxy, Blood: the last vampire, Sci Fi Harry) but I was very surprised by his excellent job on the Kamichu! OST which is in a totally different vein. __________________ Thanks for the fish

2006-09-12, 12:50	Link #90
Jazzrat Bearly Legal Join Date: Jun 2004	Just finished the first 3 episode, i think it's a very nice anime. Very unique way to present a story, through the lens of a cameraman (in this case, 2 cameraman ) The music was beautiful as well, OP was excellent, sounds a lot like Harry William Gregson's stuff. Animation was good and the directing is god-like. I think they probably spend a lot of time watching real life war documentary in prepping for production. I personally like how they play around with the camera's focusing, reflective surface and light exposure. Character design felt a bit odd especially how they potray caucassian. __________________

2006-09-17, 02:49	Link #95
wao OK. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Fields of High Attus Age: 34	Has everyone been missing episode 6? Well, it was a bit more fast paced with the introduction of a new bit of music and more frequent switching between Akagi and Shirasu's storylines. Also, events that continued from episode 5 were continuing on... Spoiler for Generally what happened, SPOILERS KTHX: Akagi rushed to the part of town that was going to get bombed, which was near that lady's place (the ex female religious leader) but got there a bit too late - this is from episode 5. But in ep 6 we find that thankfully, she is alive. We see her calmly comforting somebody. (though he doesn't talk to her or anything, just takes her picture from a distance, knowing that she's alive). Nothing much else comes from that side, but that's typically been the case because Akagi instead adds philosophical narration. On the other hand, the CDC team is infiltrating the mountainous base of the supposed armed rebel group. Ichiyanagi gets quite far in and we see his excellent handling of things... (I haven't finished yet) There's also a bit where at another earlier time, Shirasu had asked the members what they thought was the most important value/quality needed to be part of the team. Different people gave different answers... The head, Chris, said it was responsiveness - being able to effectively adapt and respond in constantly changing situations, gauging the enemy's strength and choosing approrpiate measures in any kind of context. Akbar said it was skill - and absolute confidence in it, since that's what really pulls people through difficult conditions. Ravel (the Chinese person) said it was intelligence (and that was it ) Jan was a bit hesitant, saying it was hard to express in just one word, but he said it would probably be experience. Orowcandy (?) said it was a sense of duty, because it serves as the foundation for all other skills and abilities (in battle, presumably). And Ichiyanagi of course, being different and all, wasn't interviewed in front of a plain background like everyone else, but on top of some machine in the hangar. He didn't even look properly at the camera... and what did he say? The power to conquest fear... Anyway, back to the battleground. To cut it short, Ichiyanagi was making his way in, but HARCUS-1 (the one Jan was in) was discovered to have an overheating leg and couldn't shoot anymore unless it ran the risk of something, well, bad. And when Ichiyanagi went in, he found that the flag inside... was not the Flag. It wasn't that Flag at all. It was the flag of the Gelt sect, headed by Ru Pou XVII (was that his name??). Even though he was supposed to have been supporting a ceasefire.. Furthermore, Ichiyanagi encounters problems when coming out. There's a tank at the entrance and it's within HARCUS-1's firing range, but HARCUS-1 is "disabled". In the end, however, HARCUS-1 fires at it. Just when Ichiyanagi reaches the exit, though, two people launch rockets at him and disable HARCUS-2. He manages to get it out and set up a smoke screen with which he gets out and then climbs on to the end of a rope sent down by one of CDC's helicopters hovering ahead, escaping from the threat, while HARCUS-1 decimates the people remaining behind. Anyway, the result is: 1. FLAG is now really nowhere to be seen (the GPS bug they placed on the Flag was really placed on the fake one) 2. Ichiyanagi is injured (we see it in the preview) 3. Both HAVWCs are damaged in critical areas 4. Tension is rising greatly in the city. __________________ Thanks for the fish

2006-09-17, 07:54	Link #96
Aniki Meiski Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006	Hi Wao Spoiler: I was expecting a cliff-hanger. But the entire team manged to get back, minus one HAVWC. It turned out that those rebel were no ordinary militia, but suicidal bombers of the Geluto sect's order of assasins. It was explained in Episode 4-5 extensively that the sniper cannon produces a large recoil on HAVWC weighing no more than 2 tons. Without the leg dampers, the HAVWC will end up blowing up itself. I wonder wouldn't it make more sense to fire in tank position rather in standing robot mode! It's amazing that little John (Jan Nikkanen) can fit inside the HAVWC.

2006-09-09, 17:33	Link #82
Quajafrie Not here anymore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 32	Shinsen-subs released episode 3! Yay for more FLAG!

2006-09-09, 17:49	Link #83
BuddyLee Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006	I've been waiting for this series for ages now. After Sunrise did Gasaraki back in the day i was longing for another political drama which touch base with current events in a subtle way. So far i see people liking this series, wished I could say the same for Gasaraki, people used to bash on it all the time . Oh well so far so good ... thumbs up to Flag

2006-09-10, 01:09	Link #84
Lost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006	It took episode 3 to make me realise what a great sounding OP FLAG has.

2006-09-10, 01:22	Link #85
Dark Steno Zigadongdong! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Malaysia Age: 39	Hey, the musics are great. Why take up to the third episode to realize it?

2006-09-10, 06:36	Link #88
Dark Steno Zigadongdong! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Malaysia Age: 39	Somehow that behaviour changes other's opinions about her as she put away the camera to help the wounded.

2006-09-10, 23:34	Link #89
porkisgood Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: seattle	flag reminds me a little bit of blood+ mainly because of the military angle. i like artsy foreign films and i like FLAG because of the way it's pieced together. i have a lot of friends who are photographers and i do a bit of photography as a hobby.. so i understand about the "perspective" they are painting. for one, when you are the photographer it's as if you are removed from the situation yet it is your perspective that is recorded. this is my impression from the first episode.. i have others i've downloaded and still have to watch.. but wanted to share. if you like artsy or "different" anime, then this one is right up your alley fo sho. ps.. people smoking and drinking heavily and being in good physical shape is highly possible.. ie.. women's flat track roller derby!!! http://youtube.com/results?search_qu...&search=Search

2006-09-13, 10:20	Link #91
Quajafrie Not here anymore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 32	Just watched the third episode, it was great as well. The helicopter part was done masterfully, I really can't get enough of watching FLAG's animation. It's so beautiful and realistic. Unfortunately the quality of the SHS version isn't that great, so this show really needs a DVD version.

2006-09-13, 14:42	Link #92
mone-chan Member Join Date: Dec 2005	well Volume 1 of the DVD comes out september 27th in Japan with volume 2 out oct. 25th. 2 episodes per DVD.

2006-09-13, 16:39	Link #93
Mgz Madlax fanboyz Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Age: 38	does anyone get headache because of the wacky point of view? I'm a casual FPSer and I can play HL/CS, etc no problem but FLAG , they move the camera around too fast/too often I feel sick (but that doesn't stop me from watching the anime tho...FLAG is sooo great... I want to listen to the longer version of the OP too.. so nice and relaxing.. hopefully I can get used to the camera angle/pov soon T_T /edit BTW at first when I see the OP(i watch eps 3 first lol) pix with a soldier with a UNF helmet, I mistakenly read it as VNF and think that it is a movie about vietnam war or something

2006-09-14, 09:58	Link #94
Lost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006	I didnt get as bad a reaction to it as you did (no headaches/nausea/vomiting/fever) but yes it definitely requires getting use to...

2006-09-18, 11:52	Link #98
PILMAN Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006	Wait episode 6? I thought only episode 1 2 and 3 were released.

2006-09-18, 13:28	Link #99
Lost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006	^ Episode 6 has already aired. But the series has only been subbed till episode 3.

2006-10-12, 15:21	Link #100
Schwarzwald Tanjuu Oserotto Join Date: May 2004 Location: The Post War Administration Bureau	Episode 4 has been released today...of course, the torrent is broken and thus there are no seeders, but hey, we asked for a release, not a "working" release, right? Oh well, when it gets fixed, I'll enjoy what I suppose will become a monthly installment of FLAG, I figure it'll be done by, oh, Summer?