The Penguin Lessons

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The Penguin Lessons

PG-13

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1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

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80%

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112 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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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

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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

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

This movie is enjoyable to watch and has its serious side. At the end of the day, though, it’s mainly about a schoolteacher and a penguin. The political upheaval is there but it is not examined in any detail.

Apr 21, 2025

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Nicola Austin

Movie Marker

While the trailer paints this as a cutesy animal comedy with shades of Dead Poets Society come Fly Away Home, be prepared for a film that certainly has much more gut wrenching drama than expected.

Rated: 2/5

Apr 25, 2025

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John McDonald

johnmcdonald.net.au

The filmmakers apparently believe that if you put a penguin in a starring role, you can’t go wrong...

Apr 25, 2025

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Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

This utterly charming blend of light comedy and even lighter drama offers a delightful variation on a familiar cinematic formula: the jaded schoolteacher rediscovering purpose in their craft from an unlikely source of inspiration.

Apr 23, 2025

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Lbtrek

A curmudgeon rescues a cute animal to impress his date. but the animal would not leave him. Even if you just like this type of story go see The Penguin Lessons. I Loved it, Not really a disney movie so defintely PG rating.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/23/25

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Ioana

Wonderful, interesting characters, and the penguin rocked!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/20/25

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Sloan

Such a sweet story and message. I wish there were more movies like The Penguin Lessons. Dont miss it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/18/25

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Diane

I liked everything except the language that wasnt necessary. It couldve been a great kids movie too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/14/25

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Melissa M

Amazing that this was based on a true story. I expected the smile-on-my-face penguin scenes...loved every second. Didn't expect the very important (in today's climate) back story. Good movie for my husband & me. We both really enjoyed it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

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robert w

What if Dead Poets Society was set in 1970s Argentina and had a Penguin? Almost an art film but with enough Hollywood to make it enjoyable, if a bit predictable. A movie with heart, and a penguin.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

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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 (Thematic Elements|Strong Language|Some Sexual References)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 28, 2025, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.9M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)