PG-13

Krippendorf's Tribe

He's discovered the wildest tribe in his own backyard!

1998 • 94 min • Comedy · Family

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Synopsis

After squandering his grant money, despondent and recently widowed anthropologist James Krippendorf must produce hard evidence of the existence of a heretofore undiscovered New Guinea tribe. Grass skirts, makeup, and staged rituals transform his three troubled children into the Shelmikedmu, a primitive culture whose habits enthrall scholars. But when a spiteful rival threatens to blow the whistle on Krippendorf's ruse, he gets into the act as well.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

95 reviews

46 Audience · 95 · 100%

Desperate to save his career, an anthropologist fakes the discovery of a lost tribe using his own children. Their elaborate charade, filled with quirky rituals and cultural misunderstandings, quickly captivates the academic world, but a rival threatens to expose the truth. It’s a comedic exploration of family, honesty, and identity.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 3/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Some slapstick humor and mild peril
Brief discussions of cultural rituals including circumcision
Underage characters pretending to be adults

What it models well

Importance of family bonds
Creativity and imagination
Learning from mistakes

Talk about it after

Honesty and deception
Cultural appreciation vs. appropriation
The meaning of "family"

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Krippendorf's Tribe. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.