He justifies his own shortcomings and inaction
Chronology
Directed by Peter Cattane, this moving drama, starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a catastrophic period in Argentina’s history. «I was young and idealistic,» says Tom, a new teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976, «but I soon learned that the reality was different.» Dim-witted, self-indulgent and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by stories or events of suffering.
discovery, humour, drama and amusing penguin antics
Yet when industrially oiled penguins wash up on the beach and fascists seize power in a coup, Tom finds himself having to endure a profound awakening despite himself. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth and unintuitiveness.
The dialogue, characters, story and acting have real depth
Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentine cast. Many of the actors are survivors of the recent dictatorship in Argentina and add authenticity to the story.
Rise up like lions after sleep In invincible numbers Shake your chains to the ground like the dew That has fallen on you in your sleep You are many, they are few, — Shelley
At the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved to know that one person, a penguin, could make such a difference in the world in the face of such evil and tragedy.