20/14
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history
“I was young and idealistic,” says Tom, a new teacher in 1976 at a Buenos Aires, Argentina, boarding school, “but I quickly learned that reality is different.” Direct, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by stories or unfortunate events.
He makes excuses for his flaws and inaction
But when penguins coated in industrial oil wash up on a beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom experiences a profound awakening in spite of himself.
There is real depth to the dialogue, characters, story, and acting
Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story full of wit, warmth, counterintuitive discoveries, humor, drama, and cute penguin antics.
The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentinian cast
Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and add authenticity to the story.
Rise up like lions after sleep In unconquerable numbers Shake off your chains on earth like the dew That in your sleep fell on you You are many, they are few, – Shelley
At the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved to understand that one person, or penguin, can make a big difference in the world in the face of such evil and tragedy.
