Fisherman João (Jean Reno) and his wife Maria (Adriana Barraza) live in the small village of Ilha Grand, Brazil. They had always been happy, outgoing people, but ever since suffering a tremendous loss decades earlier, João has since primarily kept to himself, not really venturing into town. One day, when returning from fishing, he discovers a penguin in the water, covered in oil. He decides to nurse the bird back to health, and at first his wife is annoyed by how much mess DinDim (the name given to the penguin by a young neighbor) makes around the house. However, they both come to love and appreciate the bird, who helps fill a void that’s been in their hearts for a long time. However, just as quickly as he arrived, DinDim heads back out to the sea to head home. But when the summer rolls around, DinDim somehow finds his way back to his new friend João. This friendship starts to change João, healing him the same way he first healed the bird.
Meanwhile, 5000 miles away in Patagonia, Argentina, a team of marine biologists—leader Adriana (Alexia Moyano), cynic Carlos (Nicolás Francella), and optimist Stephanie (Rocío Hernández)—are studying the migration patterns and natural GPS abilities of a group of penguins, one of whom happens to be DinDim. They notice that this bird is a bit unusual, and oddly comfortable around humans. But they don’t think anything of it until they see a viral video about a penguin named DinDim who is constantly returning to a small village in Brazil. And so they enlist the help of local Brazilian freelance journalist Paulo (Ravel Cabral), to see if this could be the same unique penguin.
My Penguin Friend is inspired by a true story, and is a heartwarming and delightful tale about love, friendship and a bond that not even a vast ocean can divide. Jean Reno gives a strong, emotional performance as this heartbroken fisherman who helps a lost and injured penguin, only to have his own heart healed and opened again. But the true star of the film is definitely the cute and cuddly DinDim, who will make viewers laugh while also melting their hearts. You can’t help smile every time he waddles onto the screen, or when seeing him dressed in a makeshift sweater. You almost forget this is a movie, and just believe in this friendship, and the amazing journey taken by this penguin.
Lionsgate has only given My Penguin Friend a digital release. We were sent a code for the 4K version on Fandango at Home for review, and it looks and sounds amazing. While there is no HDR, the colors still pop, and the locales look quite beautiful, from the bright blue-green water to the sandy beaches. The film looks especially cinematic as the sky greys and a storm rolls in. The level of detail is excellent, particularly in penguin fur and human faces. Darker sequences with DinDim swimming underwater are also very clear and easy to follow. Throughout the film, we also see some shots from DinDim’s POV, which make use of a fish eye lens, and are slightly less focused.
The film’s audio track provides clear dialogue throughout, and makes extensive use of the stereo and surround channels to give the movie a fully-immersive experience. Whether it’s the crashing of waves, thunder and rain pouring overhead, or just the sounds of nature such as birds and the trilling of insects, you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all.
The digital release also includes 2 short behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast and crew, totaling just over 5 minutes.
What’s Included:
Specs and availability of bonus features may vary by provider. The following are based on Fandango At Home.
Film: (1:37:33)
- 2160p / Widescreen 2.35:1
- Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus
- Subtitles: English
Extras:
- A Penguin POV (2:02)
The cast and crew talk about working with the penguins. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director David Schurmann, producer Jonathan E. Lim, penguin trainer Fabian Gabelli, and stars Jean Reno (“Joao”) & Adriana Barraza (“Maria”). - A Global Story (3:17)
The cast and crew discuss the premise and themes of the story, the performances, the filming locations, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director David Schurmann, producer Jonathan E. Lim, and stars Jean Reno & Adriana Barraza.
Final Thoughts:
My Penguin Friend is a delightful and heartwarming film the whole family can enjoy. While the film’s opening prologue may be a bit intense for younger viewers, everyone will enjoy the antics of the cute DinDim as he waddles his way into their heart. Lionsgate’s digital release looks and sound great and even includes a couple short bonus features. This release is certainly worth picking up for fans of these kinds of animal movies, or of Reno.
My Penguin Friend
$12.99 (as of October 1, 2024 18:41 GMT -04:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
