Jean Reno and a Cute Penguin Overcome Strife in Family-Friendly Film

It’s been a few decades since we last saw Jean Reno portraying a withdrawn curmudgeon safeguarding a pint-sized companion in “The Professional.” Director David Schurmann’s “My Penguin Friend” marks a welcome return to this winning formula.

In this tender-hearted, all-ages adventure, Reno portrays a grief-stricken father who acquires a small companion after rescuing him from polluted waters. Inspired by the true bond between a Brazilian fisherman and a Magellanic penguin, Reno reveals new dimensions as a performer. He skillfully mixes playfulness and poignancy, crafting a must-see narrative that celebrates redemption, perseverance, and empathy.

Reno’s character, João, had a life filled with love, music, and laughter at his cozy beachside home in Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro. In his youth, played by Pedro Urizzi, João was a devoted father to Miguel (Juan José Garnica) and a loving husband to Maria (Amanda Magalhães). However, tragedy struck when a violent storm overturned their fishing boat, resulting in Miguel’s drowning.

Years later, in Patagonia, Argentina, DinDim, portrayed by 10 rescue penguins, encounters a similar ordeal. The penguin becomes stranded in an oil slick, unable to swim, until João rescues him while fishing nearby. Feeling a sudden responsibility, João, alongside Maria (Adriana Barraza), cleans and rehabilitates the lost penguin. Parting ways proves difficult, as DinDim grows fond of his tropical home. Yet, he eventually leaves, navigating the treacherous journey back to Patagonia. Miraculously, DinDim returns the following year, and their story catches global attention, even attracting three researchers monitoring penguin behavior.

Screenwriters Kristen Lazarian and Paulina Lagudi enrich the simple story with emotional depth, avoiding preachiness while promoting an ecological message. The narrative subtly explores João’s grief, demonstrating how it isolates him from happiness, alongside the damaging impact of pollution on marine life.

The relationship shifts between João and his best friend Oscar (Maurício Xavier) illustrate the penguin taking on a surrogate son role without extraneous exposition. Tender moments, like João crafting a sweater from his late son’s knit hats for DinDim, are highlighted. By not heavily relying on dialogue, the film achieves understated emotional moments.

Schurmann and his skilled team demonstrate visual finesse, offering a refreshing departure from the condescending tone often found in family-friendly films. The film’s imagery excels in depicting both dramatic sequences, such as the boat capsize, and restrained emotional moments like Maria’s heartfelt confession. The narrative also provides glimpses through DinDim’s perspective, enhanced by special lenses and the expertise of wildlife cinematographer Cristian Dimitrius who captures the penguin colony’s daily life.

Despite its strengths, the film occasionally falters by over-relying on Fernando Velázquez’s score. While it may help young viewers interpret their feelings, it can seem heavy-handed to adults. Scenes featuring DinDim’s mischievous antics would be just as effective without the extra musical cues. The natural sounds, like his webbed feet scurrying across surfaces, are charming enough on their own.

Nevertheless, the film’s humor, heartwarming moments, and endearing penguins make it easy to overlook these minor flaws. The themes of love, forgiveness, and hope resonate, particularly in the epilogue, which offers an update on João and DinDim’s continuing bond. “My Penguin Friend” ultimately stands as a heartwarming testament to the transformative power of friendships, whether with humans, animals, or nature.

Source: Variety