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The Penguin Lessons

Play trailer 1:00 Poster for The Penguin Lessons PG-13 Released Mar 28 1h 50m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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77% Tomatometer 125 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 100+ Verified Ratings
Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.
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The Penguin Lessons

The Penguin Lessons

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Critics Consensus

The Penguin Lessons is appealing even if it curiously elides some disturbing geopolitical history, and is elevated by a winning performance from Steve Coogan with a little help from a lovable pint-sized companion.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Yes, it’s ostensibly sweet and inoffensive. But it’s so inoffensive that it’s almost, well, offensive. Rated: 2/5 Apr 28, 2025 Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) Peter Cattaneo...is normally a surer hand with shading, but the script by Coogan’s regular collaborator Jeff Pope...also keeps defaulting to penguin lols – it waddles, it’s cute, repeat – rather than giving the ensemble much to do. Rated: 2/5 Apr 22, 2025 Full Review Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Adapted from Tom Michell’s autobiographical book, The Penguin Lessons counters the inspirational teacher cliches with a bumbling charm that’s boosted considerably by a first-rate performance from the scene-stealing penguin. Rated: 3/5 Apr 21, 2025 Full Review Maxance Vincent Film Speak While Peter Cattaneo’s The Penguin Lessons contains a memorable lead turn from Steve Coogan, one can’t wash the foul taste the film leaves with its ill-conceived trivialization of a dark period in Argentina's history. Rated: D Jul 11, 2025 Full Review Pablo O. Scholz Clarín The story told in The Penguin Lessons is real, and it invites a paraphrase of Ripley's famous slogan: It's true, even if you don't believe it. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 3/4 Jul 11, 2025 Full Review Marcelo Stiletano La Nación (Argentina) ...Coogan's facial rigidity never changes, and from that impassiveness, it's hard to believe that his outlook on things has completely changed thanks to the proximity of his new feathered friend. [Full review in Spanish] Rated: 2/5 Jul 11, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steven S It was funny and poignant. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/17/25 Full Review merav Loved it and the fact that’s it is based on a true story makes it even better. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/15/25 Full Review James J. O It was a charming, subtly funny film for all ages. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/12/25 Full Review Michael Deeee A first rate, touching tale of personal growth and kindness. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/12/25 Full Review Kristy M Loved this heartfelt, character driven movie! Two thumbs up! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/27/25 Full Review Rodrigo Really good movie, lots of messages in a very entertaining movie good for all family Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/26/25 Full Review Read all reviews
The Penguin Lessons

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Cast & Crew

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Peter Cattaneo

Director

Micaela Breque

Actor

Tomás Pozzi

Actor

Ramiro Blas

Actor

Steve Coogan

Tom Michel

Björn Gustafsson

Actor
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The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

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Movie Info

Synopsis Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.
Director
Peter Cattaneo
Producer
Rory Aitken, Ben Pugh, Robert Walak, Adrián Guerra, Andrew Noble
Screenwriter
Jeff Pope
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
42, Nostromo Pictures
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Strong Language|Some Sexual References)
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 28, 2025, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 29, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA)
$3.3M
Runtime
1h 50m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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