Steve Coogan (Philomena) and a cute penguin called Juan Salvador star in this heart-warming true story inspired by a memoir by Tom Michell, a British teacher who taught English in Argentina in the 1970s, at a time of political upheaval.
The novel was adapted by Jeff Pope.
Middle aged Michell (Coogan) has been teaching the English language in many countries. He takes a position at an exclusive boy’s school where he is confronted by the unruly behaviour of the privileged children of rich parents.
He is warned by the headmaster (Jonathan Pryce) to approach politics with a small “p”, and that no animals are allowed on the premises. Not only that, he also has to teach rugby – something he knows nothing about.
With the approach of a military coup, the school is temporarily closed and he decides to go to Uruguay for a few days, looking for a change of surrounding, and perhaps some female company. He is joined by a taciturn science teacher (Swedish comic actor Bjorn Gustafsson).
They go to a night club that evening and walking on a beach with a woman he hopes to spend the night with, they notice there has been an oil spill and that many dead penguins have been washed up on the beach. After one oil-covered bird shows signs of life, the woman convinces him they should take it back to his hotel to wash off the oil.
She then decides that instead of spending the night with him, she will go back to her husband – leaving him with the penguin.
He attempts to return it to the sea – but the penguin has other ideas and follows him wherever he goes. There seems no option other than smuggling it across the border and keeping it in his room at the school.
Eventually the secret comes out and Juan Salvador becomes a popular pet. He helps to keep the attention of the students, watches the rugby, swims in the pool, and becomes the confidante of all.
Penguins mate for life, so a pair was used in the making of this film (a robot was used for a couple of scenes). It was directed by Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty) and the excellent cinematography is by Xavi Gimenez.
Steve Coogan’s comic timing is perfect for playing the role of Michell, and the cast is excellent.
This feel-good movie will please all ages.
110 minutes.
Showing at Luna Leederville, Luna SX Fremantle and Windsor Nedlands from April 13th.
Watch the trailer…
