THE PENGUIN LESSONS cert 12 in UK cinemas now

Adapted from a novel by Jeff Pope about Tom Michell’s post as a teacher in an
upmarket boarding school in Argentina, in 1976, Steve Coogan plays the part of
the teacher and adopter of a penguin to enchanting effect.
Director of this film – Peter Cattaneo is already acclaimed for several very
popular movies including The Full Monty and Military Wives.
Acclaimed actor Jonathan Pryce plays the Headmaster of the school where a
bomb goes off just as the new teacher is arriving. Argentina is an unstable
place to live in the times documented with politically motivated wars breaking
out and people being arrested and detained for no good reason except politics.
Tom gets given digs in the school which includes a balcony which comes in
useful when he adopts a penguin so grateful to him and his friend for cleaning
him up after an oil slick wich has affected areas where he and his fellow
teacher friend were holidaying in.
Teacher Tom adopts the penguin and brings him to his classes which sees an
increase in good marks for the boys studying English. Tom also makes friends
with the locals who are all fascinate with his feathered friend.
Though this film has high comedic value there is a subtext constantly alluded
to relating to the vulnerability of people especially the poor where life is
something of a challenge but not to be a spoiler to the story I will not say much
more.
Playing a teacher is a demanding role. I hope Steve Coogan can cope with the
aftermath of his brilliant acting and move on to his next role. He is someone
that the British press has rarely if ever pilloried and a competent intellectual
and hard worker in the entertainment industry with a brilliant history. In the
role of Tom Michell he brings his sense of humour to the forefront and the
wonderful part of it all is this is based on a true story. I hope you enjoy the film,
and place any comments where you can on FB or other apps. Ultimately in this
story however the penguin is possibly the star?!

Penny Nair Price.