4250) "Flow" - the movie, Republic of Latvia (Latvijas Republika): Lavijas Banka (Bank of Latvia) has issued a 5 Euro Silver Proof Coin depicting the Cat (Main character), Dog, Secretarybird, Lemur and the Capybara: Coin minted by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (The Netherlands): Date/Year of Coin issue: 2025:
The movie "Flow" which uses symbolism to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the interconnectedness of life, particularly in the face of adversity.
The flooding symbolises a turbulent, cruel world or the cyclical nature of time, while the animals represent humanity's ability to adapt and find strength in shared experiences.
The final scene, where the cat looks into a puddle, reflects on the journey of overcoming fear and finding acceptance in the face of uncertainty.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the symbolism:
Water (Flooding):
The constant flooding represents a turbulent, cruel world and the cyclical nature of time, where peaceful times are followed by hardship, and vice versa. It also symbolises the environmental changes that animals face, like climate change.
Animals:
The animals, particularly the cat, embody humanity's ability to adapt, find strength in shared experiences, and overcome fears. The cat's journey of learning empathy and accepting the uncertainty of the future is a central theme.
The Final Scene (Puddle):
The cat's reflection in the puddle at the end represents not only its own reflection but also the faces of those who have become its family. This symbolises the journey of overcoming fear and finding acceptance in the face of uncertainty, knowing that whatever comes next, it won't face it alone.
Overall:
The film uses symbolism to explore themes of impermanence, connection, kindness, and resilience, suggesting that survival is not just about enduring hardship but also about who you choose to endure it with.
It also highlights the balance between independence and reliance on others, and the importance of going with the flow rather than forcing oneself upon the world.
The Coin:
- On one side of the coin – the eyes of a dark grey cat, like two deep worlds.
- On the other – five friends, each distinct yet side by side, bound by an unforgettable experience. Between the two sides – a breathtaking odyssey, as they share a single boat, fleeing the floods.
- This is the animated film Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, that has won more than 80 awards, including an Academy Award ("Oscar") in the United States.
- The Coin Flow honours Latvia's most acclaimed film, a journey that is both extraordinary and challenging.
- Gints Zilbalodis has spent half his life with the story of a solitary cat's relationship with water, progressing from the short film Aqua (2012) to the triumph of Flow (2024), and admits that, while he has lived as a loner like the cat, he has learned to collaborate with others.
- This experience has allowed him to showcase the power of independent animation on the world stage, achieving brilliance with modest resources.
The film's characters also embark on a journey within themselves: the free-thinking cat learns to confront challenges head-on, the friendly dog frees itself from pack instincts, the noble secretarybird is ready to sacrifice itself for the sake of others, the lemur, a collector of shiny objects, dares to seek friends beyond its tribe, and the loyal capybara remains calm even in a storm.
Together, they overcome shared fears for survival, as well as their own individual anxieties. A moving testament to the life-saving power of cooperation and friendship.
Flow continues to travel the world's cinemas, wordlessly posing riddles and stirring the waters of the soul, no matter how different we may be in the same boat.
On the Obverse of the 5 (Five) Euro Silver Proof CoinThe main character of the animated film Flow – a dark grey cat with large yellow eyes. The English inscription "Flow" is arranged in a semi-circle along the lower left edge of the coin, while the Latvian inscription "Straume" is positioned on the lower right.
Edge inscription:
The inscriptions "LATVIJAS BANKA" and "LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA", separated by rhombic dots.
Face value/Denomination: 5 euro
Weight: 22.00 g
Diameter: 35.00 mm
Metal: Silver of fineness .999; with colour print on the obverse and reverse
Coin Quality: Proof (P)
Maximum mintage: 6,000 pieces
Struck: in 2025 by Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (The Netherlands)
Designer/Graphic design: Gints Zilbalodis un Pēteris Tenisons.
Links:
Links to other posts on Ukrainian Coins/Banknotes on this Blog:
7) "Sovka roskoshnaja" ("Staurophora celsia") Moth, Ukraine: Sterling Silver Proof (10 Hryvnia) and Cupro-nickel (2 Hrvynia) coins issued under its "Native Flora and Fauna Coin Series" by the National Bank of Ukraine
8) 1075 years since Princess Olga (890-969 AD), Ukraine: A Silver Proof Coin brought out by the National Bank of Ukraine,minted by the Ukrainian Mint: Year of issue: 2020
Links on posts from Poland:
1) A 100 Rouble Banknote issued by Russia to commemorate the XXII Winter Olympics - (07-23 February 2014) held at Sochi, Russia
2) Commemorative Coins issued when the 1980 22nd Summer Olympics were held in Moscow (19.07.1980 to 03.08.1980)
3) 2018 "Federation Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) World Cup being held in Russia between 14.06.2018 &15.07.2018: Some Coins and stamps issued by Russia, Australia, Hungary, Spain & France to commemorate the Tournament/Championship
4) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020
1) A 100 Rouble Banknote issued by Russia to commemorate the XXII Winter Olympics - (07-23 February 2014) held at Sochi, Russia
2) Commemorative Coins issued when the 1980 22nd Summer Olympics were held in Moscow (19.07.1980 to 03.08.1980)
3) 2018 "Federation Internationale de Football Association" (FIFA) World Cup being held in Russia between 14.06.2018 &15.07.2018: Some Coins and stamps issued by Russia, Australia, Hungary, Spain & France to commemorate the Tournament/Championship
4) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020
Santosh Khanna has commented:
ReplyDelete"A VERY informative post. Thanks for sharing."
Thank you so much Khanna sahab,
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