Movie Review: The Penguin Lessons

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In “The Penguin Lessons” film, we delve into events unfolding during Argentina’s tumultuous period from 1976-1983, infamously known as the Dirty War. During this time, thousands of Argentinians were arrested and subsequently vanished – some were cruelly thrown out of airplanes over the Atlantic Ocean. The Argentinian administration was ruthless in targeting anyone suspected of having ties to any perceived opposition movements.

In The Penguin Lessons, during the tumultuous period known as the Dirty War, a high school English teacher named Tom Michell, portrayed by Steve Coogan, rescued a penguin from an oil spill. Initially trying to release the penguin back into the ocean, Tom and the penguin eventually form a bond. As days passed, Tom allowed the penguin to join his classroom, which helped capture the boys’ attention more effectively. An unexpected benefit was a significant reduction in the bullying of an overweight classmate simply by having the penguin present.

In another plotline of this excellent movie, we find a young woman, employed as a maid at the school, being forcibly separated from her loved ones by the authorities. This situation compels Tom Michell to bravely put his own life on the line in an attempt to rescue her from her ruthless captors.

In my perspective, this tale is brimming with delightful humor, as well as poignant ups and downs that truly tug at one’s heartstrings. It’s an incredibly moving narrative that beautifully illustrates the profound impact of animals on our lives, skillfully crafted and told.

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2025-04-08 14:49