I loved it. It has great entertainment value for children and adults alike. There is magic, fantasy and suspense. There are also the lessons of life to be learned for a boy who finds he suddenly has at his disposal great powers, where his actions will determine the fate of the little characters he brings to life in his cupboard. Omri, the main character, and a little later, his young friend Patrick rise to the challenge. There are also poignant moments where the back drop of American history and the fate of its indigenous people and what could have been come to light. The film could be an impetus into investigation into bigger issues: rituals around life, death and loneliness; what were the philosophies of the Iroquois? The human bonding between adverseries as shown between Little Bear and cowboy Boone. What might have been if intercultural understanding had been achieved in Little Bear's time? How has what happened in the past effected the relations between different groups today?
The Indian in the Cupboard
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic, heartwarming fantasy will rivet kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Indian in the Cupboard was written by Rafael Munsi
Parents need to know that this movie has some more mature moments: Omri is upset when he brings an aging figure to life that subsequently suffers a fatal coronary. Little Bear explains that he is mourning his wife. Both Little Bear and Boone explain to Omri that it is time for them to find wives and have children. Younger kids will especially love seeing the toys come to life, but it's the 9- to 12-year-olds who will truly appreciate this story of fantasy and friendship. Teens may enjoy it but feign indifference.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what older kids have had to give up as they've grown up, such as their blankets and childish toys. How did Omri deal with the loss of his friends at the end of the film? Or, families may want to discuss how they make their friends feel cherished every day. How did Little Bear express his love for Omri?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on The Indian in the Cupboard
What’s the Story?
Is It Any Good?
THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD comes to life with help from E.T. veteran Melissa Mathison's script and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic of Star Wars renown. (It's no coincidence that Omri briefly brings to life Darth Vader.) The illusion of the movie is magical, bringing together a wistful school boy and miniature warrior in delightful detail. The friendship between young Omri and the mature Little Bear is a journey of self-discovery and growth. The strength of the film is Little Bear, played by Litefoot, who teaches Omri about the pain of personal loss, and the responsibility that is part of growing up. "Boo Hoo" Boone, the crying cowboy, is a foil for the stoic Little Bear and provides comic relief reminiscent of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.
Though a solid film for children, anyone that likes a good story will be satisfied. Viewers familiar with the novel may be disappointed that several key characters are left out of the screen version. But overall, The Indian in the Cupboard offers a fine example of a book adaptation.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Frank Oz
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/22/1997, DVD release: 8/22/1997
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/22/1997, DVD release: 8/22/1997
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Lessons from the little Indian
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Heartwarming Story
Great story the whole family will love. Brief flash at sexy music video unnecessary. Other than that minor language and violence.
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Adding to my previous review, characters also use the words "what the h*ll" and "b*tthead"
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Just a note that there is some minor language in the film. The medic and Omri both say "d*mn." The cowboy says "a**."
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Good movie
This movie is Indian in the Cupboard. Indian in the Cupboard is a good movie. There is a little violence from the cowboy and there's this Iroquis Indian that shoots the cowboy with a bow and arrow. But the cowboy still survived because they brought back a medicine soldier.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 75% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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