The Penguin Lessons

is a heartwarming, inspiring film set against a backdrop that is as deeply disturbing as the landscape is beautiful. The film, loosely based on true events, follows the life of a British expat English teacher working in Argentina during a difficult time in the country’s history. However, as proclaimed by the head teacher upon Tom Michell’s arrival, politics is a topic with “a small p” at the school. And while this allows the movie to place the focus on a small joyful account, it’s difficult to address such serious topics with absolute ignorance.
Tom Michell is played by comedy actor Steve Coogan, who arrives in Argentina wanting nothing more than to lay in the sun and bury his head in the sand. Tom is perfectly suited to work in an environment where he is expected to avoid any serious discussions, but it’s not long before he finds himself immersed in the issues of the day. And the thing that causes such an intense change in him is, extraordinarily and unexpectedly, a penguin.
The Penguin Lessons Is A Gentle Dramedy That Conceals A Much Darker Reality

Tom Michell’s story is profound and interesting. The film is based on a memoir by the real Tom Michell, who lived and worked in Argentina during a difficult time full of war and contention. Tom did rescue a penguin who began following him everywhere, which he then introduced to students and others at the school. And in the face of this whimsical man hanging out with a penguin, he was also caught up in some awful dealings that revealed just how bad things were.

The bizarre prominence of a penguin, and the way it impacts and shapes decisions for others, is oddly perfect.

But to be fair to the movie, it’s not so much about the contentions, struggles, and wars as it is about hope prevailing and viewing dark times in a positive light. In that regard, The Penguin Lessons exceeds expectations. The bizarre prominence of a penguin, and the way it impacts and shapes decisions for others, is oddly perfect. The penguin doesn’t understand the nuances of everything going on around it, and it’s at the mercy of the people providing for and feeding it, but it plods along, jovially, and without fear.
The film stands out and the moral of the story is emphatic. And as much as there are flaws, gaps in the story, and a lack of depth to some degree, the movie accomplishes what it sets out to do. Tom Michell changes, and his arc is beautiful. His friendship with a penguin blossoms to become something that is incredibly important, and allows him to move beyond his careless and ignorant frame of mind. Ultimately, it puts things into perspective.
The Penguin Lessons Is Visually & Technically Stunning

Steve Coogan delivers a wonderful performance as a weary teacher who undergoes a transformation. In addition, the animal handlers and the penguin who plays Juan Salvador do a tremendous job, making an animal feel like a prominent part of the narrative, and imparting the penguin with expression, emotion, and motivation. Likewise, the rest of the supporting cast is wonderful, giving performances that add further weight and levity to the film in equal measure.

And the weaving in of poetry and imagery is also the perfect vehicle to show changes and growth in the characters.

The way the story is set up, and Tom Michell’s initial lack of emotion or conviction, is also beautifully illustrated. Likewise, when the climax of the film sees characters endure terrible moments, the film cleverly inserts details to show changes in a way that is satisfying and easy to understand, without the need for heavy exposition. The weaving in of poetry and imagery is also the perfect vehicle to show changes and growth in the characters.
It helps that the setting is stunning, with a picturesque South American backdrop that feels cozy, warm, and full of character. While the film is set in a period of oppression and great struggle, the liveliness of the locals comes shining through, as well as their determination and hope. The Penguin Lessons is a well-made film with strength and conviction. As much as it might omit details important to the wider historical context, The Penguin Lessons confidently engages with its intended topics, and creates something beautiful and emotional.