47/17
Directed by Peter Cattaneo, this poignant comedy-drama, starring Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan, tells the story of an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a disastrous period in Argentina’s history. «I used to be young and idealistic,» says Tom, a new teacher in 1976 at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, «but soon I realized that the reality is different.» Straightforward, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom doesn’t touch any stories or facts of grief. He justifies his shortcomings and inaction. However, when the penguins, covered in industrial oil, wash ashore, and the fascists seize power as a result of the coup, Tom, despite himself, experiences a deep awakening. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth, illogical discoveries, humor, drama and cute penguin antics. There is real depth in the dialogue, characters, storyline and acting. «Penguin Lessons» was filmed in Spain with an Argentinian cast. Many of the actors survived the recent dictatorship in Argentina, and they add authenticity to the story. At the premiere of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved by the realization that just one person or a penguin can change the world in the face of such evil and tragedy. in a dream, many of you fell on you, there are few of them., – Shelley.