49/32
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 catastrophic 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 I soon understood that reality is different.” Blunt, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by any story or fact of woe. He makes excuses for his shortcomings and inaction. Yet when penguins covered in industrial oil wash up on a beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom is in for a profound awakening despite himself. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth, counterintuitive discovery, humor, drama and cute penguin antics. There is real depth to the dialogue, characters, story arc and acting. The Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentine cast. Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and bring 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 one person, or one penguin, can make a huge difference in the world in the face of so much evil and tragedy. dream In numbers invincible Shake off your chains to the earth like the dew that fell upon you in sleep You are many, they are few. Shelley.