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The Indian in the Cupboard (PG, 1997)

common sense media says

Classic, heartwarming fantasy will rivet kids.

parents & educators say
  • 60% say language is an issue
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Little Bear helps Omri learn that friendship, responsibility and sacrifice are part of being independent. Omri takes his brother's and father's possessions without asking though he later makes amends. Disturbed by his brothers' presence in his room, Omri lashes out by kicking their pet rat.
Violence & scariness: Little Bear and Boone duel with guns and arrows on their first encounter. By accident, the cowboy Boone is shot in the chest with an arrow, though he later recovers. Omri is accosted by a bigger boy who takes his money. Little Bear must go beneath the floorboards where a rat lives. The rat lunges, but is soon captured.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: "Hell," "damn," and "ass."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on The Indian in the Cupboard

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In this film adaption of the popular book by Lynne Reid Banks, a young boy receives a magical cupboard and key that bring to life an 18th century Iroquois warrior who's all of three inches tall.

Is it any good?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Frank Oz
Cast: Hal Scardino, Richard Jenkins, Steve Coogan
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: August 22, 1997
DVD release: August 22, 1997
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: thematic elements
This review was written by Rafael Munsi
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 60% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Filmagog
parent of 7 year old
9
 
Lessons from the little Indian
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?
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helped me decide (16) | had useful details (13) | read my mind (14)
ccbarts
parent of and 6 , 9 , 11 year old
8
 
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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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (13)
chantal
parent of 4 and 8 year old
7
 
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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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (10)
Beauvais
teen, 14 years old
 
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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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (10)
justamomof2
parent
6
 
Great Family Movie
Mild language in the movie, but a classic in our house! I loved the talks afterward the movie inspired. Full of adventure for the action-movie fans, without the heavy violence, sexual content, and too much intensity for the younger viewers.
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
donnyrob
adult
 
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)
chargnar
teen, 15 years old
7
 
Very Good
KIds will love this great tale of friendship. Adults may find the character a bit annoying
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