21/39

Directed by Peter Cattaneo, this gripping drama starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan tells the story of an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after the cataclysmic adoption of a penguin in Argentina. “I used to be young and idealistic,” says Tom, a new teacher at a boarding school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1976, “but I soon realized that the reality was different.” Blunt, hedonistic and unsentimental, Tom is unmoved by stories of hardship or facts. He makes excuses for his shortcomings and inactivity. But when penguins covered in industrial oil wash up on the beach and fascists take power in a coup, Tom is about to have a profound awakening despite everything. Steve Coogan (Tom) and Jonathan Pryce star in this true story of wit, warmth and conflicted feelings; discovery, humor, drama and cute penguin antics. The dialogue, characters, story arc and acting are truly profound. “Penguin Lessons” was filmed in Spain with Argentine actors. Many of the actors lived through the recent dictatorship in Argentina and add authenticity to the story. At the world premiere of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, I was deeply moved by the realization that only one person or one penguin could create a great world in the face of such evil and tragedy. Rise like lions after this. Sleep In numbers invincible Shake your chains to the ground like the dew That fell on you in your sleep Your many, your few., – Shelley.

TRUNY DUAL MAGNET