Legendary action actor Jean Reno has apparently decided he needs a change. This change comes in the form of his latest starring role, My Penguin Friend, directed by David Schurmann. In the film written by Kristen Lazarian and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich, Reno portrays the old and heartbroken Joao. Joao is a fisherman who lives and works on a small island near Sao Paolo, Brazil. When Joao was younger, he lost his only child, Miguel (Juan José Garnica), in a traumatic mishap at sea on the kid’s birthday. From that point on, Joao is fishing alone in his boat while his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza) works around the home.
One fateful day, Joao discovers our titular character, a mid-size Emperor penguin, unconscious in a puddle of oil. Resolving to aid this waterfowl in distress, Joao takes the penguin home and starts cleaning him and feeding him anchovies. After a few weeks, Joao attempts to set the Penguin free, leaving him on the beach, where he finds him. When the penguin – who will be named Din-Dim by a little girl – returns to Joao and Maria’s house, it’s clear a friendship has been forged, one that will not be easily sundered.
Several researchers, Adriana (Alexia Moyano) and Carlos (Nicolás Francella), are brief yet gentle in their antagonism toward Din-Dim. They will tag, measure, and observe Din-Dim. They will also try to puzzle out his migratory route, as he returns to Joao and Maria every summer without fail.
“…Joao discovers…a mid-size Emperor penguin, unconscious in a puddle of oil.”
My Penguin Friend is a sweet and gentle fare appropriate for children of all ages. Among the details I enjoy is that the film does not attempt to anthropomorphize Din-Dim. He’s simply a sweet penguin who’s taken a shine to this fisherman.
The production team has really done a marvelous job. Lazarian and Ulrich have written a deeply humanist film script. One that considers all the intricate interpersonal details of life in a village, particularly one where a penguin from Patagonia has taken up seasonal residence. Then there’s Adriana and her research team, who struggle with accepting a research grant that may or may not compromise Din-Dim’s life. The very notion of a research university identifying a penguin as one they want to be housed in their institute just because he’s familiar with people is faintly alarming.
David Schurmann marvelously directs My Penguin Friend. He possesses a light and subtle touch. The sequences of penguin swimming are a delight. As is the time spent on both Joao’s island and Patagonia. This is a beautifully lit, well-shot film. The use of Brazil’s natural light is remarkable.
Ultimately, My Penguin Friend is a great film to take your kids to. It is a story about an unshakeable friendship and traversing the roadblocks life puts in your way. It is a life-affirming balm for the soul. In a year where horror has more or less conquered the American cinema space, this is a welcomed variation. It is a film for the whole family, and is a well-spent 97 minutes at the movie theater.
"…a life affirming balm for the soul."
