The Penguin Lessons

The film told a very interesting story of life in Argentina after the coup in 1976. Many issues were covered in the film and we thought the film was fantastic. The whole cast was wonderful and we thought many of the supporting actors had especially strong roles - brilliantly peformed. As the main character, Steve Coogan was extremely funny, and sensitively played a cynical and jaded teacher. Coogan thoroughly deserved his Oscar nomination. Also, if there were Oscars for animals in films the penguin should won one. The film itself felt quite light-hearted and playful in overall tone but did a really good job portraying a very powerful story, worthy of Oscar nominations itself.

There's an old expression in show business that advises entertainers not to work with children or animals because they'll upstage them every time. But, while that's often true, it's not always the case, as seen in the latest feature offering from director Peter Cattaneo. This charming comedy-drama tells the fact-based story of English teacher Tom Michell (Steve Coogan), who somewhat begrudgingly takes an instructor's job at St. George's College, a prestigious boarding school in Buenos Aires, just before the 1976 Argentine revolution. The cynical, curmudgeonly teacher has moved around a lot, and he's not particularly thrilled at this latest stop, as becomes apparent in his classroom demeanor and overarching attitude. Not long after his arrival, when a military coup d'etat hits that overthrows the government, he decides to get out of town until the dust settles. He embarks on an impromptu vacation to a Uruguayan resort town, where he meets a beautiful, flirtatious woman, Carina (Mica Breque), in a nightclub. That encounter subsequently leads to a late night walk along the beach, but, while on this stroll, they find a penguin that's barely alive and covered in oil, a victim of a recent spill. To impress his would-be one-nighter, Tom and Carina take the bird back to his hotel to clean it up. What Tom doesn't realize, however, is that the penguin, who would subsequently come to be named Juan Salvador, has made its unwitting rescuer its friend for life, despite his repeated efforts to return it to the wild. It's a prospect the professor doesn't especially relish, but, upon returning to Argentina with penguin in tow, man and bird become the unlikeliest of friends, under prevailing conditions both at the school and in the country at large that prove threatening (but unexpectedly beneficial) to both. At first glance, one might think this sounds like a cutesy, schmaltzy, manipulative tale a la Disney, but far from it. The picture tells a sincerely engaging story of personal growth and the emergence of personal courage, brought about by the influence of an improbable feathered mentor in a tense social and political environment that has both Tom and virtually the entire Argentine population on edge. It's also a tale the defies the timeless cautionary adage about casting decisions involving both man and beast, with Juan Salvador being just as much a member of the ensemble as his human counterparts. Admittedly, the film has a little trouble finding its footing in the opening act, but, once it does, it's a delightful and touching release that's moving without being drenched in saccharin. "The Penguin Lessons" is also one of those movies that needs to be seen to be believed, as the trailer truly doesn't do it justice. Indeed, this is one of those heartfelt, uplifting stories that the world needs more of at a time when we could all use a little inspiration to help see us through the tough times.

Based on True Story. Argentina in 1976 Realise date 17th April uK 27th April 2025

A beautiful lightly sugar coat film, based on the true story of an English teacher who travels to teach English South America, in his quest to escape from the heartbreak from his past.

His arrival at the upper class school, is immediately stained, with a metaphor of paint splattered on his new shoes, delivered from a paint brush that is being used to cover up a slogan of 'the people, against a fascist regime.' It's here, in the beautiful school setting that the darker content is pealed away, He inadvertently hears a conversation of two workers discussing the dangers of political dictatorship.

However, in his quest to procrastinate, he decides to travel a short distance in search of a night of fun and lust . But inadvertently ends up rescuing a penguin, who is destined to stay with him.

But who knew a penguin could bring such love and revival of spirit to our jaded teacher.

It is also, through his teaching of poetry, that brings a rebirth of his youthful idealism of morals. However, it's the Penguin that forges a unique bond between teacher, pupils, and the community.

It's is at this point that we glimpse into the dark undercurrent of political surveillance, as lurks in every shadow, waiting to pounce on any slightly radical who passes by. Never to be seen again.

In this case, it's the slightly radical young person who works at the school.

Ultimately,i t's the penguin who takes the lead in breaking down barriers.

In this heartbreaking moment, there is a shated knowledge of how it is to be defenless, As in Pandora s box, there is always hope.

It's a reminder of strength of belief and the importance of community. Also, nature is the fascinating factor that bonds us.

The talented Steve Coogan has created comedy gold with Alan Partridge that's a given and sends himself up as a person in the ever excellent The Trip, he plays true life characters that resonate with drama and incident-Tony Wilson,Martin Sixsmith, Paul Raymond and very creepy as Jimmy Saville. He takes chances and isn't afraid to go deep into the darkness. His Saville portrait was loathsome and sickening.

I have to admit he isn't very good at physical comedy here. He looks uneasy, like the penguin is upstaging him,taking the laughs.

I get his character is hiding a heavy emotional burden but I couldn't feel his character warmed to the penguin or his new lease of teaching his students using the cuteness of the bird.

On his arrival to the school he's nervous (granted) , a little off with other staff members, a little uneasy with a Finnish staff member then the next scene he's drinking and dancing in a nightclub with a young lady. His character felt a little artificial in the writing.

We felt hangdog looking Paul Giamatti may have been a better choice. Someone who can go both physically and visual comedy just as good. Although he's played a teacher a few times that he'll be typecast.

Nonetheless, this is a sweet film that looks good and has its heart on its sleeve. The scene where Coogan tells the penguin of his past grief is expertly acted. Coogan can do emotional depth very well.

Laura enjoyed it and the Penguin is lovely.

Not a bad movie. It actually had a plot which you can't say about a lot of movies anymore. Thankfully subtitles did not dominate. The penguin was cute. It dragged a little bit by the end. It would have been nice if they'd done some flash backs or something to give more context why the main character was the way he was for 2/3s of the film. Also I would have liked more time showing how the classmates bonded in the end. It was heartfelt and you could really see how the characters came out of their shells in different ways because of the penguin. I recommend this movie. It has a positive and hopeful message.