The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

PG-13

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1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

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84%

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85 Reviews

94%

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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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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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Ty Burr

Washington Post

When all is said and done, “The Penguin Lessons” is about finding the courage to stand up to injustice at one’s own peril

Rated: 2.5/4

Mar 31, 2025

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Rex Reed

Observer

Despite the danger of G-rated sentimentality, which everyone involved heroically avoids, The Penguin Lessons is a work of surprising depth and subtle, irresistible impact.

Rated: 3.5/4

Mar 31, 2025

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Katie Walsh

Tribune News Service

Cattaneo and Pope manage to balance the tone of a dramatic historical depiction of fascism with a charming animal story and their secret weapon is Coogan.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 29, 2025

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Mark Meszoros

The News-Herald (Willoughby, OH)

The Full Monty director Cattaneo is steady at the helm, allowing the film's dry humor space to breathe.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 4, 2025

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Jorge Ignacio Castillo

The Canadian Crew

The Penguin Lessons doesn’t stray far from the animals-as-source-of-redemption blueprint, but Coogan elevates the material (it’s very much in his wheelhouse). The role fits him like a glove and his relationship with the penguin is genuinely touching.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 3, 2025

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Alci Rengifo

Entertainment Voice

The true star is Juan Salvador the penguin, which becomes more than just a cute animal to add cheer to the material.

Apr 3, 2025

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Alex

It was really good except for the change in character. But you should still watch it. It was fun

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/04/25

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Jeff A

Yesterdays lessons can still touch a grumbling heart. I wish more of us could see past the unease of the world today and stand for the greater good that could lift a great many who struggle.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/04/25

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BK

This was an interesting and informative movie. We loved how the Penguin interacted with the characters.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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Cory

super cute movie. wife and I loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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Sue

It's just a very heart warming story during a turbulent time in Argentinas history

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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Nancy

Very heartwarming film also apropos of what is happening in this country.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/03/25

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Peter Cattaneo

Director

Micaela Breque

Actor

Tomás Pozzi

Actor

Ramiro Blas

Actor

Steve Coogan

Tom Michel

Björn Gustafsson

Actor

The Penguin Lessons: Teaser Trailer

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The Penguin Lessons: Trailer 1

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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 (Some Sexual References|Thematic Elements|Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.2M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)