My Penguin Friend

We've all seen films based on true stories, inspired by true events and the like, but of all the films that have been produced based on a true event or story, "My Penguin Friend" has got to fall into the best five films under this category. This simply put the 'H' in heartwarming since it chronicles the unlikely friendship between a human and a penguin.

Inspired by an epic true story, comes this enchanting adventure about a little lost penguin, subsequently named 'Dindim' who--after being rescued from an oik spill--transforms the life and soul of a heartbroken Brazilian fisherman, Joao (Jean Reno) years after he experienced a life altering tragedy. The support he receives from their tight-knit community is overwhelming as he gets to know Dindim. His wife, Maria (Adriana Barraza) didn't understand at first, however, after a while,  couldn't say no to him staying with them. 

Others to round out the cast are Alexia Moyano as Adriana, Nicolas Francella as Carlos, Rocio Hernandez as Stephanie, Juan Jose Garnica as Miguel, Ravel Cabral as Paulo, Duda Galvao as Lucia, Roberto Berenstein as Luis and Ellen Camp as young villager. 

This was remarkably directed by David Schurmann ("O Mundo Em Duas Valtas" '07, "Desaparecidos" '11, "Little Secret" '16, "Conexao Schurmann: Patagonia" (TV movie) '18) plus TV and a short. The pathos and heart that this filmmaker used in reaching his audience was utterly brilliant. His innate ability to be able to encourage his actors to exude the emotions they conveyed was incredibly effective. It was equally written brilliantly by Kristen Lazarian ("Tales of Everyday Magic" '12, "My Greatest Teacher" (co-writer) '12, "Trust" '21) plus TV and a video and Paulina Lagudi Ulrich ("Mail Order Monster" '18) plus TV and shorts. As this story unfolded, I was amazingly swept away with the heart, the hurt, the despair by Joao, and as his relationship slowly starts to heal him as he goes through this transformation, I could see how the simplest of things/events can radically change someone. And the fact that this was based on true events makes it that much more appealing since it's a story that is remarkable that it could ever happen. The writing was sequenced impeccably well as was the staging and pacing. It was cohesive and concise as well.  

This is a story that everyone should see, especially if they are hurting--physically or emotionally. It has it all: fear, hurt, despair that is turned into heart, hope and redemption. With a world that is falling apart, this is just  the kind of film we all could use right about now. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: PG                                             98mins.