Rating 6/10
João (Jean Reno) is a fisherman in Brazil who forms a unique bond with a penguin. After suffering a personal loss, his life changes when DinDim, which means “ice pop” in Portuguese, arrives on his beach. Over several years, the flightless bird migrates annually from Patagonia and returns to João, creating a soulful bond. The movie follows their alliance as the fisherman finds healing through this special relationship. Meanwhile, researchers in Patagonia (Alexia Moyano, Nicolás Francella and Rochi Hernández) are also interested in DinDim’s unusual behavior.
My Penguin Friend is an inspirational adventure based on a true story. João Pereira de Souza is a retired Brazilian fisherman who found Dindim covered in oil and near death on an island beach on the coast of Rio de Janeiro in 2011. After nursing the aquatic bird back to health, he released him back into the wild, only to have Dindim return the following year. Remarkably, Dindim routinely made the 5,000-mile journey from the coast of Argentina and Chile back to João’s home in Brazil, each time staying with him for eight months before heading back to the sea.
The chronicle initially captivated the world in 2016, gaining viral fame on social media before spreading from Brazilian outlets to a global audience. Directed by David Schurmann (Little Secret) and written by Paulina Lagudi Ulrich and Kristen Lazarian, this co-production between Brazil and the United States decides to have everyone speak English rather than Portuguese. Renowned international actor Jean Reno (The Professional) and Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza (Babel) star, their warm personalities infusing the narrative with humanity and depth.
Classics like Old Yeller and Born Free tap into the strong affinity between humans and animals, reminding us of the unconditional love that can exist. My Penguin Friend is less sweeping and more basic than those movies. Yet the narrative is just as heartfelt. Using real birds intensifies the emotional impact. The decision to relegate CGI to merely a few scenes depicting peril is a wise one. The presence of wildlife brings authenticity, drawing viewers into the story. The drama feels genuine.
In the end, this tale doesn’t demand much from its audience—just a willingness to embrace a simple but sweet saga. If you’re open, My Penguin Friend should waddle right into your heart.
08-27-24