34/36
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this moving comedy-drama from director Peter Cattaneo follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. “I was a penguin,” says Tom, a new teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976, “but I soon learned that reality is different.” Blunt, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by any sad stories or events. He apologizes for his shortcomings and inaction. But when penguins covered in industrial oil wash up on a beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom is about to have a profound awakening despite everything. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth and counterintuitiveness; discovery, humor, drama and cute penguin antics. There’s real depth to the dialogue, the characters, the story arc and the acting. The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentine cast. Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and add authenticity to the story. At the world premiere of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved by the realization that just one person, or one penguin, can make a huge difference in the world in the face of such evil and tragedy. sleep In invincible numbers Shake off your chains to the earth like the dew That in sleep fell upon you You are many, they are few. – Shelley.