Buenos Aires, 1976. A city simmering with unrest, where whispers of rebellion mingle with the tango’s mournful strains. Amidst the brewing storm, Tom Michell, a disillusioned English teacher played by Steve Coogan, arrives at an exclusive boys’ school, seeking solace and purpose. His classroom, a sanctuary of dusty books and indifferent students, offers little respite until a fateful trip to Uruguay changes everything. A chance encounter leaves Tom with an unlikely companion – a penguin, soon named Juan Salvador. Back in Argentina, Juan’s presence disrupts the rigid order of the school, capturing the attention of Headmaster Buckle (Jonathan Pryce), a stern man wrestling with his own conscience, and sparking curiosity in the compassionate Maria (Vivian El Jaber), the school’s cook. As Argentina descends into chaos, Tom, Juan, and a handful of students, including the observant Diego (David Herrero), find themselves bound by an unusual friendship, offering a flicker of hope amidst the gathering darkness, and proving that even in the bleakest of times, compassion can take flight.
The Penguin Lessons Movie Overview
Title | The Penguin Lessons |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2025-03-27 |
Runtime | 1 hours and 51 minutes |
Genre | Drama |
Original Language | En |
Spoken Language | English, Spanish |
Country | Spain, United Kingdom |
Production Co. | 42, Nostromo Pictures, Rolling Dice, Intake Films |
The Penguin Lessons Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Steve Coogan | Tom Michell |
Jonathan Pryce | Headmaster Buckle |
Vivian El Jaber | Maria |
Björn Gustafsson | Tapio |
Alfonsina Carrocio | Sofia |
David Herrero | Diego |
Micaela Breque | Carina |
Tomás Pozzi | Bursar |
Ramiro Blas | Márquez |
Juan Barreiro | Uruguayan Police Officer |
Aimar Miranda | Ernesto |
Nicanor Fernandez | Igor |
Hugo Fuertes | Ramiro |
Bruno Blas | Armed Guard |
Julia Fossi | Anna |
Brendan McNamee | Cooper |
Joaquín Lopez | Víctor |
Miguel Alejandro Serrano | Walter |
Gerardo Maleh | Santino |
Francesca Vaccari | Tango Dancer |
Florencia Nocetti | Nora |
Romina Cocca | Woman at Beach Café |
Dodi de Miquel | Man at Beach Café |
Osvaldo Ayre | Customs Officer |
Silvia de Esteban | Clothes Shop Owner |
Liam Mayne | Alejandro |
Julián Galli Guillén | Soldier at Zoo |
Ailén Maciel | Zoo Keeper |
Ana Carolina Parisi | Therese |
Josefina Montserrat | Edita |
The Penguin Lessons Movie Storyline
In the tumultuous year of 1976 Argentina, Tom Michell, a disillusioned English teacher seeking a fresh start, arrives at an exclusive boys’ boarding school, a sanctuary seemingly detached from the escalating political unrest. His world is irrevocably altered when, during a trip to Uruguay, he rescues a penguin stranded on a beach, christening him Juan Salvador. Smuggling the penguin back to Argentina, Tom introduces Juan Salvador to the school, much to the initial bewilderment of Headmaster Buckle and the students. However, the penguin’s presence slowly begins to transform the rigid atmosphere of the school. Juan Salvador’s innocent antics and unwavering spirit captivate the boys, especially Diego, a shy and withdrawn student who finds solace and companionship in the unusual pet. As Tom navigates the challenges of teaching amidst the growing social and political tensions, further fueled by the military presence of Márquez, he witnesses Juan Salvador’s profound effect on his students, instilling in them a sense of empathy, resilience, and hope. Maria, the kind-hearted cook, also forms a special bond with the penguin, becoming an unlikely ally to Tom. However, as the political situation worsens, Tom faces the daunting task of protecting Juan Salvador and his students from the encroaching violence, ultimately teaching them the most valuable lesson of all: the importance of compassion and courage in the face of adversity, culminating in a poignant decision that tests the boundaries of their newfound friendship.
The Penguin Lessons Movie Details
Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1976 Argentina, “The Penguin Lessons” is a heartwarming drama that follows Tom Michell, portrayed by Steve Coogan, a disillusioned English teacher at an exclusive boys’ school. As the nation teeters on the brink of political revolution, Tom’s life takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a penguin from an oil slick in Uruguay. Naming him Juan Salvado, Tom brings the penguin back to Argentina, where he becomes an unlikely resident of the school. Headmaster Buckle, played by Jonathan Pryce, initially hesitant, soon recognizes the positive impact Juan Salvado has on the students and the school’s atmosphere. The presence of the penguin challenges the students’ perspectives and reignites Tom’s passion for teaching, fostering a unique bond between the teacher, the students, and their unusual feathered friend. Sofia, a local woman who crosses paths with Tom, witnesses firsthand the transformative power of this interspecies friendship. As Tom navigates the growing political unrest and strives to protect Juan Salvado from those who misunderstand him, he rediscovers his compassion and finds a renewed sense of purpose in the most unexpected of places. The film explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the importance of finding light in even the darkest of times, highlighting the profound impact animals can have on human lives.
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The Penguin Lessons Movie FAQs
What is The Penguin Lessons about?
The Penguin Lessons is a drama set in 1976 Argentina. It tells the story of an English teacher who forms an unlikely friendship with a penguin, regaining his compassion for others amidst the country’s descent into violence.
Who are the main actors in The Penguin Lessons?
The main actors include Steve Coogan as Tom Michell and Jonathan Pryce as Headmaster Buckle.
When was The Penguin Lessons released?
The Penguin Lessons was released on March 27, 2025.
What genre is The Penguin Lessons?
The Penguin Lessons is a drama movie.
Where was The Penguin Lessons produced?
The Penguin Lessons was produced in Spain and the United Kingdom.
What is the runtime of The Penguin Lessons?
The Penguin Lessons has a runtime of 111 minutes.