Buenos Aires, 1976. A city simmering with unrest, where shadows lengthen with each whispered rumour of dissent. Tom Michell, a disillusioned English teacher, finds himself adrift amidst the chaos, his classroom at St. Andrew’s College a refuge of sorts from the escalating violence outside. Headmaster Buckle, ever the pragmatist, urges caution, while the spirited Maria, a fellow teacher, challenges Tom’s cynicism. One fateful trip to Uruguay changes everything. Rescuing a penguin coated in oil from the shores, Tom names him Juan Salvador, a symbol of hope amidst despair. Smuggling the creature across the border becomes the least of his worries, as Juan Salvador’s presence begins to crack the hardened shells of Tom’s students, including the bright but troubled Diego, and even seep into the stoic facade of Mr. Márquez, a disciplinarian with secrets of his own, forever altering the landscape of their lives.
The Penguin Lessons Movie Overview
Title | The Penguin Lessons |
---|---|
Release Status | Released |
Release Date | 2025-03-27 |
Runtime | 1 hours and 51 minutes |
Genre | Drama |
Original Language | En |
Spoken Language | English, Spanish |
Country | Spain, United Kingdom |
Production Co. | 42, Nostromo Pictures, Rolling Dice, Intake Films |
The Penguin Lessons Movie Cast
Name | Character |
---|---|
Steve Coogan | Tom Michell |
Jonathan Pryce | Headmaster Buckle |
Vivian El Jaber | Maria |
Björn Gustafsson | Tapio |
Alfonsina Carrocio | Sofia |
David Herrero | Diego |
Micaela Breque | Carina |
Tomás Pozzi | Bursar |
Ramiro Blas | Márquez |
Juan Barreiro | Uruguayan Police Officer |
Aimar Miranda | Ernesto |
Nicanor Fernandez | Igor |
Hugo Fuertes | Ramiro |
Bruno Blas | Armed Guard |
Julia Fossi | Anna |
Brendan McNamee | Cooper |
Joaquín Lopez | Víctor |
Miguel Alejandro Serrano | Walter |
Gerardo Maleh | Santino |
Francesca Vaccari | Tango Dancer |
Florencia Nocetti | Nora |
Romina Cocca | Woman at Beach Café |
Dodi de Miquel | Man at Beach Café |
Osvaldo Ayre | Customs Officer |
Silvia de Esteban | Clothes Shop Owner |
Liam Mayne | Alejandro |
Julián Galli Guillén | Soldier at Zoo |
Ailén Maciel | Zoo Keeper |
Ana Carolina Parisi | Therese |
Josefina Montserrat | Edita |
The Penguin Lessons Movie Storyline
In the politically turbulent Argentina of 1976, Tom Michell, a disillusioned English teacher at an exclusive boys’ school, finds his life irrevocably changed after a drunken escapade leads him to rescue a Magellanic penguin from an oil slick in Uruguay. Naming him Juan Salvador, after the inspirational seagull, Tom smuggles the penguin back to Buenos Aires, integrating him into the rigid world of the school much to the initial dismay of Headmaster Buckle. Juan Salvador’s presence disrupts the established order, offering the students a unique perspective on life and freedom, especially Diego, a timid boy struggling with the oppressive atmosphere. Tom’s growing bond with Juan Salvador reignites his passion for teaching and compassion, creating a safe haven for his students amidst the escalating violence of the Dirty War. Maria, the school’s housekeeper and Tom’s confidante, provides a grounding force as the political situation worsens, and Tom faces increasing scrutiny for his unconventional methods and perceived leftist leanings. As the military junta tightens its grip, Tom must make a difficult choice: risk everything to protect Juan Salvador and his students, or succumb to the fear that permeates the nation, ultimately deciding to stand up against the rising tide of oppression, ensuring Juan Salvador’s freedom mirrors the hope he instills in a nation desperately seeking light in the darkness.
The Penguin Lessons Movie Details
Set against the backdrop of a turbulent 1976 Argentina, “The Penguin Lessons” tells the heartwarming story of Tom Michell, played by Steve Coogan, a disillusioned English teacher at an exclusive boys’ school, who finds his life irrevocably changed by an extraordinary friendship. As political unrest brews and violence threatens to engulf the nation, Tom unexpectedly rescues a penguin washed ashore during a trip to Uruguay. Naming him Juan Salvador, Tom smuggles the penguin back to Argentina and into the hallowed halls of his boarding school. There, Juan Salvador becomes an unlikely companion not only to Tom, but also to the students and even the stern Headmaster Buckle, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce. The presence of the penguin injects a sense of wonder and joy into the boys’ lives, offering a much-needed distraction from the escalating chaos outside and awakening a sense of compassion within Tom himself. Among the students touched by Juan Salvador is Diego, a shy and introspective boy who finds confidence through his interactions with the unusual creature. The film explores themes of friendship, hope, and the importance of empathy in a world teetering on the brink of darkness. As Tom navigates the challenges of protecting Juan Salvador and imparting valuable life lessons to his students, with support from colleagues like Maria, he rediscovers his passion for teaching and learns the true meaning of connection in the most unexpected of places.
The Penguin Lessons Movie Poster Images




Movie Trailers
The Noises a Penguin Makes
A Reluctant Penguin Caretaker Guide
The Penguin Lessons Movie FAQs
What is the movie “The Penguin Lessons” about?
The movie tells the story of an English teacher in Argentina in 1976 who forms an unlikely friendship with a penguin, which restores his compassion for others.
When is “The Penguin Lessons” scheduled to be released?
The release date for “The Penguin Lessons” is March 27, 2025.
Who are the main actors in “The Penguin Lessons”?
The movie stars Steve Coogan as Tom Michell and Jonathan Pryce as Headmaster Buckle.
What genre is “The Penguin Lessons”?
The Penguin Lessons is a Drama.
Where does the movie take place?
The movie takes place in Argentina during a time of political violence and chaos.
What is the runtime of “The Penguin Lessons”?
The movie has a runtime of 111 minutes.
Which production companies were involved in making “The Penguin Lessons”?
Production companies involved include 42, Nostromo Pictures, Rolling Dice, and Intake Films.
Is “The Penguin Lessons” based on a book?
Yes, the movie is based on a book written by Tom Michell.
What is the tagline for “The Penguin Lessons”?
The tagline is: In 1976 Argentina, on the eve of a political revolution, a teacher and his students at an exclusive boys school are enlightened by an unusual guest.