The Penguin Lessons (2025) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 1976, as Argentina descends into violence and chaos, a world-weary English teacher regains his compassion for others thanks to an unlikely friendship with a penguin.
Rated PG-13 • 2025 • 1h 51m
The Penguin Lessons is a biographical dramedy set against the backdrop of the 1976 Argentine military coup, focusing on a teacher who finds emotional healing through an unlikely bond with an orphaned penguin. Parents should be aware of the film's serious historical context, which includes scenes of political kidnapping, physical violence, and the emotional weight of grief. While the central animal-human relationship is heartwarming… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Penguin Lessons appropriate for kids?
The Penguin Lessons is a biographical dramedy set against the backdrop of the 1976 Argentine military coup, focusing on a teacher who finds emotional healing through an unlikely bond with an orphaned penguin. Parents should be aware of the film's serious historical context… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Penguin Lessons
What happens in The Penguin Lessons, moment by moment
- 0:22 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 1:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Penguin Lessons
The film contains a brief scene of romantic tension where a character expresses mutual interest, but this is interrupted by an amicable rejection due to the woman being married.
Violence and gore in The Penguin Lessons
The film features moderate, intense moments of political violence. This includes the on-screen abduction of a protestor and a scene where the protagonist is arrested and beaten by armed militants.
Language in The Penguin Lessons
The film uses intermittent strong language, including a few uses of 's---' and mild profanity consistent with its PG-13 rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Penguin Lessons
There are occasional scenes of adults drinking alcohol in social settings, such as at a dance club and during dinner, but these instances are incidental and not central to the plot.
Mature themes in The Penguin Lessons
The story deals with heavy, mature subjects, including the grief of losing a child, political oppression, forced disappearances, and the death of a beloved pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Penguin Lessons appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Penguin Lessons is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Penguin Lessons is a biographical dramedy set against the backdrop of the 1976 Argentine military coup, focusing on a teacher who finds emotional healing through an unlikely bond with an orphaned penguin. Parents…
What age rating does The Penguin Lessons have?
The Penguin Lessons is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Penguin Lessons about?
The Penguin Lessons is a biographical dramedy set against the backdrop of the 1976 Argentine military coup, focusing on a teacher who finds emotional healing through an unlikely bond with an orphaned penguin. Parents should be aware of the film's serious historical context, which includes scenes of political…
Is there sex or nudity in The Penguin Lessons?
The film contains a brief scene of romantic tension where a character expresses mutual interest, but this is interrupted by an amicable rejection due to the woman being married.
How violent is The Penguin Lessons?
The film features moderate, intense moments of political violence. This includes the on-screen abduction of a protestor and a scene where the protagonist is arrested and beaten by armed militants.
Is the language in The Penguin Lessons appropriate for kids?
The film uses intermittent strong language, including a few uses of 's---' and mild profanity consistent with its PG-13 rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Penguin Lessons?
There are occasional scenes of adults drinking alcohol in social settings, such as at a dance club and during dinner, but these instances are incidental and not central to the plot.
What mature themes appear in The Penguin Lessons?
The story deals with heavy, mature subjects, including the grief of losing a child, political oppression, forced disappearances, and the death of a beloved pet.
How long is The Penguin Lessons?
The Penguin Lessons runs 111 minutes, directed by Peter Cattaneo, released in 2025.
Where can I read the full The Penguin Lessons parent guide?
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