I kept seeing the Netflix banner for The Penguin Lessons and was a little ambivalent. Last night I gave it a chance and am glad I did. I didn’t recognize the actor, Steve Coogan, until I started watching. I remember him from the 2013 film, “Philomena,” which is an excellent film with Judi Dench, where he plays a journalist who helps an older woman find a son she lost when forced to go to a convent when she became pregnant as a teen. I loved them both in that. For some reason I hadn’t come across Coogan again until now.
Set in political turmoil Argentina in 1976 and based on real events, The Penguin Lessons has Coogan playing Tom, a middle-aged English teacher. He has been working his way through posts through South America and has a generally jaded attitude about life. Here he is at a posh boys school for the privileged, where heavy iron gates and armed guards who mean business keep them safe. He doesn’t expect much of the post and doesn’t really give much to it either. A chance encounter with a penguin — yes, it feels silly to type that — and the the world shifts.
It’s not sappy. It’s often funny. But you’re going to need a box of Kleenex on standby if you watch it.
Jonathan Pryce is a jewel as the headmaster. Vivian El Jaber shines as Maria, the domestic helper at the school, whose family has lived in their home for at least three generations. Her young adult granddaughter, Anna, played by Julia Fosse, steals the hearts of all she meets with her beautiful soul. Björn Gustafsson plays Tapio, a Nordic science teacher who still hasn’t finished grieving for a spouse who left him years ago. Then there are the kids. This isn’t one of those movies whose focus is on the students; it’s about Tom and his life journey.
There’s so much to like about this film. I don’t want to go into my favorite scenes. If you watch it, you will probably figure out which ones they are.
If you subscribe to Netflix, I would urge you to give it a chance. If not, maybe you can find it elsewhere.
Tao Talk 
This sounds interesting Lisa.
Have you seen the miniseries, The Queens Gambit?
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It is, Dwight. I know you would like it. Yes, I have, and I enjoyed it.
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I loved the trailer, and I will check it out per your recommendation, Lisa.
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Good, Jim. Let me know what you think of it.
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Thanks for the tip, Lisa!
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Jim, you’re welcome. Let me know what think of it if you see it.
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I saw that picture with my wife in a movie theater a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Nowadays, so many movies are packed with violence and special effects. “The Penguin Lessons” demonstrate you really need none of that, if you have a good story and good acting.
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Christian, I’m geeked that you and your wife saw it. And you are so right with what you say here.
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Now I must watch it, you’ve sold it :)
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:)
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That sounds really cool Lisa…at first I had to look up to see if Steve was related to Jackie Coogan…he wasn’t. But I wouldn’t mind seeing this.
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It’s good in so many ways, especially the sly humor. It’s heavy in places also, which makes a good balance. Coogan’s an exceptional actor. Will have to seek out more of his work.
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Thanks again for the notice! I would not have given this movie a second glance so I’m glad you did.
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You’re welcome.
I’ve been out mowing and other yard work much of the afternoon. I’m heading over to see what goodies you have posted on today in a short bit.
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No hurry Lisa! So sorry I veered off track! I’m about to cook dinner. Ever since July 4….I’ve been TOTALLY into cooking. Every weekend I get my seasonings or whatever I need. So far… Chicken Alfredo, Garlic Chicken, beef stroganoff, beef hash, Chicken and Dumplings, Meatballs and Gnoochi, and tomorrow I’m trying Swedish Meatballs.
I get my recipes from http://www.budgetbytes.com
It’s really good! They have vegetarian meals. In fact also tomorrow I’m doing a vegetarian dish called Easy Ricotta Gnocchi … it’s no potatoe in this….it’s really easy…mostly ricotta cheese.
https://www.budgetbytes.com/easy-ricotta-gnocchi/
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Max, I like to hear you are cooking on the weekend. Jen appreciates it more than you could know. I hope you clean up the mess afterwards also ;)
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OH she does lol…anything I want to get she is all in for it! I clean the mess but she gets the dishes…she volunteered for that one!
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Whatever works :)
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Thank you for the recommendation! I’m always looking for something really good to watch.
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It’s a film of substance, Lisa. My pleasure to recommend it.
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I saw it earlier in the summer. It’s very charming, indeed. Glad you liked it too.
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Awwww, I’m right about having Kleenex nearby aren’t I.
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You sure are.
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Dang, it’s not available on Netflix Canada. Will put it on the list to watch out for. I really like Coogan, too.
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Dang. Maybe borrow from library? On a YouTube search, I see Coogan has a connection with Criterion (channel?) I’m seriously thinking about subscribing to CC, and I believe this movie will be inducted into their database.
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Dang again. Checked our libraries; they don’t have it. Good idea re: Criterion. Worth considering… my oldest subscribes to that service.
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