44/28
Starring Oscar-nominated Steve Coogan, director Peter Cattaneo’s touching drama follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a catastrophic period in Argentine history. “I was young and idealistic once,” says Tom, who was working as a new teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976, “but I soon realised that reality was different.” Boring, hedonistic and emotionless, Tom cannot be touched by sad stories or facts. He looks for excuses for his inadequacies and inaction. However, when penguins covered in industrial oil wash ashore and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom experiences a profound awakening despite everything. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story full of wit, warmth and intuition. Discovery, humour, drama and cute penguin antics. The dialogue, characters, story arc and acting have real depth. The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with Argentinian actors. Many of the actors lived through Argentina’s recent dictatorship and bring authenticity to the story. At the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was profoundly moved by the realisation that, in the face of so much evil and tragedy, just one person – or one penguin – can make a huge difference in the world. Rise like lions from sleep, in invincible numbers, and shake your chains to the ground like dew that has fallen on you in a dream. You are many, they are few. – Shelley.
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