Flags in Mannequin 1987

 

In 1987 the true American version of Pinnochio was born.  Remember, the tale of Pinnochio is not a Disney Property, however Mannequin is.  Born in the heart of the 1980s, and released in 1987.  Mannequin was far from the 1970s and 1990s, that it just oozes the spirit of the 1980s.  A theme from the movie it to create art of substance and character, and indeed this gem from 1987 was totally outrageous. 

Flags appear in the introductory cartoon montage.  In it we get a short history of the world, from ancient Egypt to modern days.  Our lucky heroine is given a gift from the Gods to travel through time to see the world in its varied forms.  In one spice she is seen leading a navigator in Medieval Italian dress across an ocean.  The fore mast has a green pennant while the aft mast has a red pennant.  Finally the navigator in the stern is holding  a flag with has an American style motif. 

 Here you can see the classic Key Stone Cop-Night Security officer is played by George W. Bailey.   The badge on the his shoulder read Prince Security for the fictional Prince and Company Department Store that was located in Center City Philadelphia, next to Philadelphia's City Hall. 

 

 

The US flag and 'county-city' flag of Philadelphia can be seen in the background.  These are also known as the iconic Rocky Steps of Philadelphia.  Mannequin is fairly tale from Pennsylvania.  It was constructed with a patient heart and soul, full of character.  This is one of America's best Valentine's Day's movies, as least from the 1980s.  

AMC Flag from TURИ - Washington's Spies 2014

 

AMC produced an excellent show about the American Revolution called TURИ Washington's Spies that originally aired from 2014 to 2017.  They get a lot right and take a few creative liberties.  However, like any production that reproduces the past little errors sneak in, that only a few would recognize.  Иonetheless, if you want to get the feels of 1776 this series puts the flavor of the action on a delightful stage. 

The most unique flag to appear in the show is during the opening animated sequence, whereby an AMC flag is waved.  Иote the background is assumed to be white and the first letter from AMC is lower case, while the second letter is an upper case M, followed by a letter c.  

The neat thing is, as the computer generated aMC flag waves it turns into different kinds of flag.  It become the Betsy Ross flag, followed by the UK flag.  However the UK flag is that of the modern version.  During the US Revolution/Colonial Rebellion, the UK flag did not have St. Patrick's Cross. Иonetheless it should not take you out the wonderful story.  A 50 US starred flag would, but this small anachronistic detail can be easily overlooked, likewise most people in the US usually overlook this fact as well.   This is must watch for any student of history.  

Thin Red Line Flag

 

The thin red line flag is a flag that is dedicated to fallen firemen.  You can see it here next the US flag with the state flag of Pennsylvania. 

Lunar Twilight 2020 - the last night: Shima Uta

 

And then there was one. Tonight the last glimmer of 2020 streaks across the heavens.  Look up because the last Moon of 2020 fades to darkness.  After a day of waiting, on January 14, 2021 will the first Moon of 2021 begin. 

Since we started with a Japanese artist to contemplate Lunar Twilight, it only makes sense to close with another.  The follow song stems from men from Yamanashi Prefecture.  It is on the other side of Mt. Fuji.   However, this song stems from a folk song from Okinawa as converted into modern music in 1993.   

It is sad song of love and letting go, as we transition from one year to the next, it is more than appropriate.  This is an accumulation of the themes for Lunar Twilight 2020.  

Lunar Twilight 2020 - the eleventh night: Aha! the reprise with Deadpool

Lunar Twilight will be gone in a night or two.  The final embers of yesteryear is upon us.  When the last Moon of 2020 finally fades from the night sky on January 14, 2021, the first Moon of 2021 shall being anew with 2021.  

Of vexillological note in Deadpool 2, the ionic national symbol of Canada can be seen in the background: a red maple leaf on white. 

Coincidentally the scene is reflective of the original Aha! video where a man of artistic dimensions crosses over into another reality to invite a lovely lady upon a wonder lust adventure of the heart.  Although the hero of graphic novel will be gone in a day or two, they share a special moment in this realm of stories. 

Thus it is of perfect concord that a comic book movie should reprise for that ever enchanting song from 1984.  It is song that beckons us to follow our hearts and make that leap to the other side of mystery and the unknown.  Although danger may be present, this unreal dream of art is able to make an impression more real than reality itself.  

Like memories past that gain a certain gravity after they are gone, Lunar Twilight is that extra goodbye kiss from yesteryear that can sooth the aching heart.

Lunar Twilight 2020 - tenth night: Enya Only Time

Lunar Twilight 2020 is almost ended.  We have less than five more days until the first Moon of 2021 is created.  Right now, the last Moon of 2020 is nearly at an end. 

In Enya's video Only Time, there is some writing and what looks like several crosses and or other symbols.  As Enya walks through the seasons you can see direct symbolism with her song.  

Much of Enya's work harmonizes totally with the Spirit of Lunar Twilight.  Enya's music is especially appropriate during Lunar Twilight. 

 

This song resonates especially with Lunar Twilight.  A crystal clear resonance is conveyed with Enya's poetic rhythms painted hypnotic tones of pondering grace.

Lunar Twilight 2020 - the ninth night: Suspended in Time — Xanadu

The final approach 2021's first full night is upon us.  On January 14, 2021 will then, only, the nights of 2021 begin in earnest; since the first cycle of a 2021 Moon will start on that evening.  Until then, after sunset, the knights of 2020 trespass into the New Year.  

Time Suspension Crystals - a symbol?

During this transgression of yesteryear, one can savor the graces and gifts of long lost memories.  It is also a time of clemency, and of a time to say goodbye.

 Never forget about the gleaning gems of the past.  To pine for the past, upon wishes granted, during Lunar Twilight is good.  For the dark times of the now allow the enchanting echoes of previous wonders to cast a spell upon memory.

 Cherish with loving detachment all of yesteryear's good.  Amen.