The story combines amusing penguin escapades with touching meditations on grief and healing. My penguin friend tells an enchanting and redemptive story about the healing power of love and friendship.
About the film
They say dogs are man’s best friend. But in moments of deep despair and loneliness, sometimes any animal is good enough. Based on a remarkable true story, My penguin friend tells an inspiring story about an unexpected friendship between a grieving man and a lost penguin. With a refreshingly gentle tone and a solid performance by Jean Reno, My penguin friend interweaves amusing penguin escapades with touching meditations on grief and healing.
Inspiring, family-friendly films about animals are unlikely to end up on an endangered species list any time soon. Every year, several films are released that are carefully designed to touch animal lovers. Still, there is something refreshing about My penguin friend. Its raw authenticity lacks some of the usual Hollywood tricks. At times, the film feels like a documentary, as if the camera is capturing real people and events rather than actors and staged performances (not to mention the many stirring nature shots that wouldn’t be out of place in a National Geographic series). The film has plenty of opportunities to slip into sentimentality or ratchet up the tension, but it opts instead for a more subdued, understated approach.
The lack of Hollywood character might leave some viewers wanting more. There is very little dramatic tension. In fact, the first major obstacle that threatens the budding relationship doesn’t occur until an hour in. It’s an inspiring and entertaining story, but not necessarily always an “exciting” one. The film is family-friendly, but not specifically aimed at children. Younger viewers will certainly enjoy the cute penguin, but they might struggle with the slow pace and thoughtful mood.
On the other hand, the gentle approach is largely responsible for the charm of the film. The limited dialogue also contributes to the soothing tone. Especially in the first 30 minutes, the story is told almost exclusively through images and music rather than dialogue. The film is at its best when it takes this lyrical approach. Tonally My penguin friend is perhaps a little monotonous, but undeniably pleasant.
The film’s success also owes to Jean Reno’s portrayal of Joao, a father grieving the tragic loss of his son. Joao is a man of few words, but Reno expresses plenty of emotion with his eyes and subtle facial expressions. He’s instantly likable. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for all the human characters. The research team that carries the subplot is fine. But aside from their loose connection to the penguin, the film doesn’t give the audience much reason to care about them, and their acting is sometimes stilted. The touching relationship between Joao and Dindim (the penguin) is the heart of the film, and anything outside of the basic dynamic feels like an unnecessary distraction.
The penguin himself is a star, and repeated camera shots from his perspective work to establish his personality. But even though it is an “animal film,” My penguin friend is a deeply human story. The penguin serves merely as a catalyst for Joao’s journey of healing, rediscovery of joy and return to society (see themes section below).
At one point, a freelance journalist working on an article about the relationship remarks to Joao, “You have quite a friendship. And it gives me hope. It made my day. I needed it.” That’s perhaps the perfect summary of this film. My penguin friend is an unassuming story that is unlikely to become a classic or inspire repeat viewings – and that’s okay. It tells a touching tale of camaraderie and rediscovering joy. It reminds us that the world is hard and full of tragedy, but it also contains love and unexpected joy.
On the surface
For consideration
Language: None.
Force: A little boy drowns. He falls out of a boat and his silhouette sinks into the water.
sexuality: None.
Other: Scientists speak of “adaptation” in connection with penguins.
Beneath the surface
Hire the film
Sadness, love and joy
My penguin friend is not an overtly religious film, apart from a brief scene set in a Catholic church when members of the congregation gather to pray for Joao and the penguin. But the film (produced by Christians – you can read my interview with producer Jonathan Lim here) contains some uplifting and redemptive themes about the importance of being loved and loving one another.
Fittingly, the defining moments for Joao and Dimdin occur during storms (Joao with the drowning of his son; Dimdin when he gets lost during migration and covered in oil). They are brought together by literal storms, but also by metaphorical ones. As one of the villagers says of Joao, “The old man is broken.” His anguish is evident in his hollow eyes and withdrawn demeanor. Through the loving relationship between Joao and Dimdin, the spark begins to reignite.
The healing process for Joao progresses as the penguin guides Joao to reintegrate into his community. Man was created for community and cannot be fully human outside of the relationship with God and man. We are beings who were not created only to Be loved, but also To Love your others (Matthew 22:36-40, Colossians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 13:13). My penguin friend confirms this biblical truth.
