Der Pinguin meines Lebens

A distraught and antisocial teacher works his way down South America to Argentina. While the country is experiencing civil unrest, he takes an opportunity to go out and have fun. What was supposed to be a getaway ends up with him forced to keep a penguin. Little did he know that this penguin would change not only his life but the lives of everyone around him.

This movie adaptation of a memoir is inspired by actual events. The story is simple: Some friends come into our lives for just a season but leave a lasting impact. The movie has emotion, drama, comedy, and a penguin. Despite having a penguin, there is language and topics unsuitable for children. The one-hour and fifty-minute run time waddles by quickly. It is an entertaining watch for families with older children.

I am so glad I stumbled across this little gem. The story was uplifting and the acting was superb. I had mixed emotions while watching this well directed film. At times it brought tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart, yet it made me smile often and laugh out loud throughout. Beautifully produced from real life memoirs with the perfect balance of humour and food for thought. This is well worth the watch.

My kind of movie! I thought this film was excellent! For me it had it all. A great heartwarming true story. It was deep, historical, thought provoking, touching and humorous. I will be highly recommending it to everyone I know. A true testament for me is knowing that I would watch this film again. I thought the acting was wonderful. One of the best films I seen in a long time. With the current climate of turmoil in the world, it was very relevant. It really demonstrated the importance of love and compassion.

There was nothing I would have changed about this movie other than I wish it didn't end so soon.

"I used to be young and idealistic," says Tom, a new teacher in 1976 at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, "but I soon came to understand that reality is different." Blunt, hedonistic, and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by any tales or facts of woe. He makes excuses for his shortcomings and inaction. Nevertheless, when penguins coated in industrial oil wash up on a beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom is in for a deep awakening despite himself.

Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth, counterintuitive discoveries, humor, drama, and cute penguin antics. There is real depth to the dialogue, characters, story arc, and acting. The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentine cast. Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and they add authenticity to the story. At the world premiere screening of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival I was deeply moved in the understanding that merely one person, or penguin, can make a big difference in the world in the face of such evil and tragedy.

Rise like lions after slumber In unvanquishable number Shake your chains to earth like dew Which in sleep had fallen on you Ye are many, they are few.

, - Shelley.

Coogan is stunning The story is touching The penguin is amazing A truly beautiful movie. Full of pathos and ethos.

So many lessons in one story.

Destined to be a classic This is what great storytelling is about.

I am hugely surprised that it dud not sweep the boards and pick up at least two Oscars Last week I saw Superman I was so looking forward to a movie with meaning, action and substance.

All I got was more banal tripe.

Then a week later I watched this movie about a penguin.

No special effects.

No selling video games or 'genres' Just a simply story well told.

It is so sad that this kind of quality is becoming as rare as penguin in a pool

Splash out. See it. Smile.