47/26
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this touching drama from director Peter Cattane follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a catastrophic period in Argentina’s history
“I was a little boy,” says Tom, a new teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976, “but I soon realised that the reality was different.” Open-minded, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by stories or events of misery.
He makes excuses for his shortcomings and inaction
But when he dumps penguins covered in industrial oil on the beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom finds himself in for a profound awakening.
There’s real depth in the dialogue, characters, plot and acting
Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth, counterintuitive discoveries, humour, drama and cute penguin antics.
The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentine cast
Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and bring authenticity to the story.
Rise up like lions after sleep In invincible numbers Shake the chains on the ground like the dew That has fallen on you in a dream You are many, they are few, – Shelley
At the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved by the realization that one person, or one penguin, can make a huge difference in a world dealing with such evil and tragedy.
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