I won't soothe the point here, this movie isn't technically good, and it is clear as day. Any human being watching this would have eyebrows raising at the wack, cheesy dialogue and question where these directors found the desperate salaryman who would now want to work as a voice actor on top of their already garbage job for that extra yen. I mean, seriously, you can be one of those people that likes everything, but this is not passing your innate detection ability to understand something is off. Nonetheless… there's something in Penguin's Memory that makes it worth the while anyway; in my case, even worth the praise a lot would be unwilling to give.
The plot is inherently entrancing, but the execution is mostly unengaging. It's fascinating, really. I felt the need to sleep the first time I tried to watch this, the second time was close, but I managed to prevail. I suppose the times in both cases were initially very late anyway, but I will leave it to you to decide how my case reflects your style. As the aforementioned stated, the dialogue is amateur, in addition to the unenthusiastic animation, disheartened delivery of every line and the somewhat haphazard jumps to suggest this was some kind of Disney musical on every occasion. It's just not good. However, the saving grace pulled a miracle and a half, balancing the tragic execution. The story is actually something enjoyable and a little unique. Mike, his PTSD, and his journeys all mix very well with each other when called for. When the scene sets and you know the clear intent of what is being relayed to you (found more so in the more philosophical and dramatic parts of the movie), you do get a reasonable and thoughtful section to consume and reflect upon. I suppose the dull voices masked in calmness do provide from time to time, but the whole movie doesn't work as a LOTGH type-beat dialogue or whatever has characters talking to each other as if it's just another day, especially when the scene is supposed to be heartfelt. Maybe cute penguins and the Vietnam War has bad chemistry.
I will say that this guilty pleasure doesn't come with bad OST, though; it's anything but. It wouldn't even be so unreasonable to have this OST in your top 10. I will admit that one upbeat song with the children was kinda wild, but most of the tracks here are impeccable, immaculate, and pure elegance. I am mostly speaking of Seiko Matsuda's Sweet Memories (it's one of those songs you can truly have on repeat without it being tiring), but the others aren't even bad at all. They work so well at conveying what the scene tells and can stand alone with zero issues. Hell, there's even some decent symbolism which is something else considering what was going on with the production value. Aside from that note, the music does have more meaning when you actively see where it is used; it's not something that is mastered a lot in anime for some odd reason. Penguin's Memory hits the nail on how to present with music, allowing for stylish moments to come basically on command. It's all in all a blessing. Begs the question, does time have to do with anything? This is the city pop era, after all. I'll leave that to you.
Try not to reject watching this after coming from the Club Penguin meme. Chances are you might not find it the most enjoyable thing in the world, many people do have a heart attack over anything before the year 2010, but I'd say this one is not that bad. If not the movie, then I'd recommend the commercials Suntory had using this movie and just find the OST on YT or something. You aren't missing out on a whole lot. To be honest, this anime might serve better to some as "some obscure stuff I came across", but I wouldn't use that label to describe it in its entirety. There is something legit going on with this movie, and it is enough to have my praise. You wouldn't have thought penguins, PTSD, and the Vietnam War would make a decent move.
What an expensive beer advert.
