He makes excuses for his own shortcomings and inadequacies
Line of Events
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, this poignant drama from director Peter Cattanu follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history. “I was young and idealistic,” says Tom, a young teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1976, “but I soon realized that reality was different.” Stubborn, hedonistic, and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by tales or facts of woe.
discovery, humor, drama, and cute penguin antics
But when penguins coated 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, and counterintuition.
The dialogue, characters, plot, and acting have real depth
Penguin Lessons was filmed in Spain with an Argentinian cast. Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina, and they add authenticity to the story.
Rise like lions then slumber In invincible numbers Shake your chains to the ground like dew That had fallen on you in your sleep You are many, they are few, – Shelley
At the film’s world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved by the realization that just one person, a penguin, can make a big difference in the world in the face of such evil and tragedy.