In 1976, Argentina went through a military coup that overthrew then president Isabel Péron. A military government was installed which went on to rule for a few years. Finally in 1983, democracy was finally restored in Argentina, but over the course of that time, violence and uncertainty plagued the already troubled South American country.  

It is during this period that Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) arrives at St. George’s College, a school for privileged boys.  His arrival coincides with a literal bang, as an explosion goes off too close for comfort.  “A military coup is imminent,” the school’s dean (Jonathan Pryce) tells him, perhaps too cheerfully.  Teaching English, Michell doesn’t make much of an early impact on the teenagers in his class, but he doesn’t get much time with them either as the college shuts down due the emerging violence. 

Michell instead heads to Uruguay to pass the time, accompanied, much to his chagrin, by a fellow teacher (Björn Gustafsson).  It’s here he meets a woman that catches his eye and as they stroll down the beach after dancing the night away, they come across an oil spill.  There are dead animal bodies strewn on the beach, but one lone survivor, a young penguin.

Michell, a curmudgeonly sort who pretends not to care about anybody, is apt to let nature take its course, but to impress the woman he agrees to take it back to his hotel and treat him.  Only problem is the woman is married, and the penguin is now firmly imprinted on him.  It’s his worse nightmare, ending up ‘with no sex and a penguin.’

The teacher’s new feathered friend ends up accompanying him back to the school, and allows Michell to make inroads with his students.  His housekeeper (Vívian El Jaber) and her granddaughter, Sofia, (Alfonsina Carrocio) agree to keep his strange pet secret from the head of the school.  They adore the bird, whom they name Juan Salvador, with Sofia even agreeing to take on his care.  That is until the young woman is unlawfully ‘arrested’ in the middle of the street.  Now Michell has to confront his inaction, while the penguin starts to break down his walls built from grief in his old life.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

The Penguin Lessons, directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) is based on the book of the same name by Tom Michell himself.  Yes, the story of Juan Salvador the penguin is based on a true story, which only makes it more endearing.  In fact, after the film is over you’re even rewarded by some original footage of the two foot tall bird taking a dip in the school pool.  The penguin is the star of the show after all, stealing every scene with his mischievous charm and the pitter-patter of his feet.  He even matches his co-star’s body movements.  It’s hard not to be completely captivated by the little guy, just as the students, and eventually faculty, at the school are.

That’s not to say that Coogan doesn’t also pull out the stops to be a likeable grump.  His character goes through a predictable arc of redemption but his dry wit and surprising sincerity carry him through.  Tom Michell, written here as previously young and idealistic, is now cynical and self loathing in the face of personal tragedy, largely ignoring the political disaster that is surrounding him.  He’d rather keep his head down and mouth closed, left to go about his business. But, the disappearance of Sofia make him confront his indifference.  Juan Salvador becomes a therapist of sorts, not only for Michell but also for others in the school.  He allows them to open up, and be vulnerable, all for the price of a fish.

In its end titles, The Penguin Lessons reveals the fact that during the years of military rule in Argentina over 30,000 people disappeared.  It’s a startling statistic. This is especially true for a film the largely uses the violent time simply as a plot device to create the situation that brings Juan Salvador into the story.  It’s not the main focus here, though the final act of the film tends to lean a little further into the political landscape.  The film is richer for it, even if it’s a bit ‘too little too late’. The military coup is still treated as less important than the change it influences in Michell himself.

But, let’s be honest, if you’re watching The Penguin Lessons it’s likely not for a history lesson.  If you want a much better story about the disappearance of people during military dictatorship in Latin America, the Oscar nominated I’m Still Here is where you want to spend your time.  If you’re looking for an affable, family friendly watch that stars a charming flightless seabird then you’re in the right place, and you won’t be largely disappointed.  Coogan and his feathered co-star will most certainly win you over.  In fact, by the end, as one character says, your eyes are likely to be ‘moist with emotion.’