My Penguin Friend

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2:23

My Penguin Friend

PG

2024

1h 37m

Kids & Family

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

56 Reviews

96%

Popcornmeter

250+ Verified Ratings

A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman João (international star Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife's (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.

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Critics Consensus

Pairing the ever-reliable Jean Reno with a scene-stealing feathered co-star to winning effect, My Penguin Friend mostly coasts by on charm -- which is not in short supply.

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Leonard Maltin

leonardmaltin.com

My Penguin Friend is an utterly likable and disarming film. It’s clear that this is one instance where the words “inspired by a true story” are not just movie marketing hyperbole.

Aug 20, 2024

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Kate Erbland

IndieWire

The real story of Joao and Dindim was always good enough for a big screen version, and while “My Penguin Friend” might inflate some parts of this particular fish tale, the result is the same: true feeling and a cute little guy to help share them.

Rated: B-

Aug 16, 2024

Full Review

Christy Lemire

RogerEbert.com

It’s an earnest, crowd-pleasing family film – nothing snarky or self-referential, no on-the-nose needle drops - just a sweet, beautifully made movie that earns the emotion it’ll surely draw from its viewers.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 16, 2024

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John Serba

Decider

This sweet little movie won’t change your life, but as a story about people – and animals! – whose lives were changed for the better, it will warm your heart a little.

Feb 18, 2025

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A heart-warming true story of a fisherman who rescues a penguin and is rewarded with annual visits from his friend for years.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 23, 2024

Full Review

Sean P. Means

The Movie Cricket

“My Penguin Friend” is a harmless enough diversion for kids, a throwback to the cheaply produced live-action “Wonderful World of Disney” entries of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Just don’t believe half of what’s in it.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 30, 2024

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Stacey K

This was such a sweet, touching story. I absolutely loved it. I've told I don't know how many people about this penguin. it's just fascinating. very fascinating! God is great and his creations are wondrous.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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BRENT SIMON

This was a nice, cute & charming film. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys heartwarming stories.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/02/24

Full Review

Shannon

This movie was phenomenal. The whole family absolutely loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/24

Full Review

Jack L

Good story but could have been made better. It wasn't clear to my wife or me that the old man was the water and that many years had passed.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/13/24

Full Review

Anne O

Wonder photography. Sweet story

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/24

Full Review

Jose A

Great cinematography and story. I loved the script - dialogue was on point without being sappy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/24

Full Review

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David Schurmann

Director

Jean Reno

João

Adriana Barraza

Maria

Nicolás Francella

Carlos

Alexia Moyano

Adriana

Rocío Hernández

Stephanie

My Penguin Friend: Movie Clip - Hurry Up

0:32

My Penguin Friend: Exclusive Movie Clip - Dindim Visits the Village

1:28

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My Penguin Friend: Featurette - A Penguin's POV

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My Penguin Friend: Featurette - A Global Story

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My Penguin Friend: Trailer 1

2:23

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Synopsis

A sweeping family adventure, My Penguin Friend is a triumphant tale of friendship between a lonely father and a little lost penguin who recharges his spirit and heals his family with an unshakable, ocean-crossing loyalty. Humble fisherman João (international star Jean Reno) has turned away from the world in the wake of tragedy. But when he discovers a penguin drifting alone in the ocean, drenched in oil from a spill, his first instinct is to help. To his wife's (Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza) dismay, he not only rescues the sea creature, but takes the flightless bird under his wing. For the first time in years João starts to feel joy, even if he cannot fathom just how unbreakable a bond is being formed. When the penguin suddenly disappears back into the immense wilds of the ocean, João believes it is impossible that he will ever see his friend again. But thousands of miles away, the penguin is caught in misadventures of his own, determined to use his unique GPS-like powers to find his way back to the place he now considers home. Based on an emotional true story that riveted the world and filmed on the spectacular coasts of Brazil and Argentina, My Penguin Friend is a tale that traverses the magic of the ocean, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of love.

Director: David Schurmann
Producer: Robin Jonas, Shaked Berenson, Patrick Ewald, Nicolas Veinberg, Steven P. Wegner, Jonathan Lim, Andreas Wentz
Screenwriter: Paulina Lagudi Ulrich, Kristen Lazarian
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Schurmann Filmes, City Hill Arts, Content Studios, Ventre Studio, Sur-Film
Rating: PG
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 16, 2024, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.8M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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