The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

PG-13

2025

1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

138 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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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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Audience Says

The Penguin Lessons pairs a moving true story with a little tuxedoed scene-stealer, making for a heartfelt crowd-pleaser that combines humor and emotional depth.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

04/28/2025

2/5

Yes, it’s ostensibly sweet and inoffensive. But it’s so inoffensive that it’s almost, well, offensive.

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Tim Robey

Daily Telegraph (UK)

04/22/2025

2/5

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.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

04/21/2025

3/5

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.

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Clement Tyler Obropta

Film Inquiry

3d

If you have pets of your own, this will probably make you cry, even though it’s a poorly made film about a cynical professor who kidnaps a penguin and brings it to show-and-tell at his little posh school for rich boys.

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Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

Dec 9

5/5

True story about how a disillusioned teacher has his life turned around by a rescued penguin.

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Randy Meeks

Espinof

Sep 5

3/5

The mix of social realism, intimate drama, and animal comedy isn't entirely successful, but despite the risks involved, the result is enjoyable, relatively original, and goes beyond what anyone would imagine...[Full review in Spanish]

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Bridget M

06/20/2025

So very good! Beautiful story.

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Steven S

05/17/2025

It was funny and poignant.

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merav

05/15/2025

Loved it and the fact that’s it is based on a true story makes it even better.

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James J. O

05/12/2025

It was a charming, subtly funny film for all ages.

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Michael Deeee

05/11/2025

A first rate, touching tale of personal growth and kindness.

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Kristy M

04/27/2025

Loved this heartfelt, character driven movie! Two thumbs up!

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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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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 (Strong Language|Some Sexual References|Thematic Elements)
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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