MOVIE TITLE: The Penguin Lessons

This charming dramedy by Sony Pictures Classics releases in theaters on March 28, 2025.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 50 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A – I really love this film

FEATURED PRODUCT:

The bestselling book this movie was based on can be found on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/3XQ6t4k

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is based on true events and is about an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history.

The film was directed by Peter Cattaneo. Writing credits go to Jeff Pope and Tom Michell.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Some profanity, including an F-bomb
Some inappropriate humor and talk of “relations”
A lot of Spanish is spoken with English subtitles.
We see a penguin poop.
Talk of the death of a loved one due to a drunken driver
People are “disappeared” due to their political opinions
We see that some people have been beat up with bruises and some blood
A sad funeral scene

THEMES:

Politics
Fear
Metaphors
Courage to speak against what’s wrong
Argentine inflation
Military dictatorship
Freedom
Compassion
Personal growth
There is so much we can learn from animals.
Friendship
International differences in mindset and humor.
One person…and one penguin…can make a difference in the world.

THINGS I LIKED:

The beginning scroll quickly immerses us in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the 1970s. Even though the story takes place in Argentina with a few scenes in Uruguay, the movie was actually filmed in Spain! I lived there for 2 years! They used Argentine actors, so the accent is authentic.
I’ve been a fan of 7-time BAFTA award winner Steve Coogan for years. He looks great and we get to hear him speak a bit of Spanish. I thought his performance was perfect.
It’s always good to see Jonathan Pryce. Bjorn Gustafsson was another delight.
The young cast members did a fantastic job and include David Herrero, Aimar Miranda, Hugo Fuertes, and Alfonsina Carrocio.
How on earth did they get that penguin to do everything it did? Adorable.
There is a fun, bouncy musical score during most of the movie, until it slowly matches the change of mood. Lovely.
A lot of the dialogue is extremely amusing.
We get to hear some beautiful lines of literature and poetry recited by the English professor played by Steve Coogan.
I expected some of the characters to say or do certain things and was constantly surprised when they didn’t, adding interesting layers to their conversations and reactions.
We learn about the “Mothers of Plaza de Mayo” who protested against the Argentine military government, demanding to know where their loved ones were when they were “disappeared” for political dissent.
The film is filled with insightful metaphors that brought tears to my eyes.
Keep watching after the last scene to see actual footage that Tom Michell took when he taught at St. George’s College. It’s what inspired him to write the book the movie is based on. So touching.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The students were terribly disrespectful and the English professor was incredibly lazy in the beginning. As a professor, myself, both bad behaviors drive me nuts.
Some history buffs may complain that the movie glosses over the gravity of the political unrest of 1970s Argentina. I actually thought what was covered was appropriate and well done for family-friendly film.

FUNNY LINES:

“How was your flight?” – Headmaster (Jonathan Pryce) “Good. Uneventful. Explosion-free.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)
“Fussy eaters eventually become food for less fussy eaters.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)
“I am… I was…I have been a socialist pig.” – Ramiro (Hugo Fuertes)
“Argentina…where everyone is a millionaire.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)
“Why did you choose him?” – rowdy student “Because I’m a dictator.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Some people have two sides to them.” – Physics teacher (Bjorn Gustafsson)
“Interesting…people’s lives…where we end up where we do.” – Physics teacher (Bjorn Gustafsson)
“I think everyone who comes here is looking for something. What are you looking for?” – woman from the bar in Uruguay (Micaela Breque)
“In this life, no one gets what they deserve; they only get what they negotiate” – shop owner
“I used to be young and idealistic like you, Sofia, but life changes you.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) “Then, I look forward to being old and cynical.” – Sofia (Alfonsina Carrocio)
“You can get used to anything in the end.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)
“I’m sad but I’m happy that I’m sad.” – Tom Michell (Steve Coogan)