THE PENGUIN LESSONS is a delightful story that finds a way to touch on the basics of human emotion. There is nothing remarkable about it or the characters, but like all wonderful stories this one uses the most simple and subtle elements to draw us in and make us smile.
SYNOPSIS: Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down. PG-13 | 110 minutes
Inspired by a true story can mean a lot of things and take several directions. THE PENGUIN LESSONS is based off the memories of author Tom Michell who wrote the book in 2015. Set in the mid 1970’s the film takes place in the first year of his teaching assignment in Argentina. Michell is played by one of the most personable actors in the business, Steve Coogan. Coogan has the ability of acting as if he is never acting. It is more an embodying of a person. The audience sees Steve but at the same time grounds to the character he is offering us. That method works wonderfully here as Tom Michell is in no way larger than life. Yet he has to take us on this journey, and make us feel all the feels. Coogan does just that.
The film starts a bit slow and it is not until the penguin shows up the the characters and the story find its web footing. The rest of the tale is a delight. With moments of laughter, sorrow, and not a small amount of political upheaval, the setting of Argentina in the 1970’s offers its own values and story line. I appreciate a film that makes me want to read the book. Tom’s memoirs probably hold even more background in the private school in which he taught. We get a small glimpse here into the lives of the students Tom is teaching. The impact the Penguin has on both Tom and his students is the driving force of the narrative, but I am sure there was much more. What we get here makes for a good movie, and anymore on screen might have been a tad tedious. Less is more works here for sure. And if you want to know more, then go grab the book.
Coogan and his feathered co-star carry the film, but there are also some other dynamic performances. Jonathan Pryce plays the headmaster at the school Tom teaches. Though on the poster and used to give weight to the promotion. Pryce plays a fairly small part. He character has to be there for some of the drama and to support the political moments in the film, but I feel like anyone could have done that. It is not a slight on Pryce at all who is an actor without peer. But nothing here took advantage of that ability; except to fill a role. One who does steal scenes is Tom’s fellow professor played by Björn Gustafsson. His deadpan delivery and ability to be funny unintentionally is a hilarious addition. Like Pryce he is not in it a lot but when he is it is welcomed. Vivian El Jaber – who is marvelous – and Alfonsina Carrocio are also without fault.
Do you have to be an animal lover to engage in this one? That is a good question. Maybe? There is no doubt that this penguin will steal your heart. He doesn’t do anything miraculous. Just walks around and looks at stuff. Yet there is something about this innocent creature that is in contrast to the drama and life around him that somehow everything comes into perspective. It is easy to forget the troubles in the world and realize that all of us can find good inside. We can help those in need. And as Tom learns; simply live out loud again.
THE PENGUIN LESSONS opens wide on 3/28. If you can’t find it playing in your local theater make a note to catch it when it hits streaming. It is one of the most pleasant – and could be overlooked – films this year.
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