Krippendorf's Tribe (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 1998 • 1h 34m
Krippendorf's Tribe received its PG-13 rating primarily for sexual humor, which parents should note is central to the plot. The film follows anthropologist James Krippendorf as he fakes the discovery of a lost tribe using his own children, leading to several fabricated scenes including a suggestive mock circumcision ritual and references to sexual practices. Beyond this thematic content, the film contains infrequent mild language and… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Krippendorf's Tribe appropriate for kids?
Krippendorf's Tribe received its PG-13 rating primarily for sexual humor, which parents should note is central to the plot. The film follows anthropologist James Krippendorf as he fakes the discovery of a lost tribe using his own children, leading to several fabricated scenes… Read more — free account
Content severity in Krippendorf's Tribe
What happens in Krippendorf's Tribe, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:26 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Krippendorf's Tribe
The film's PG-13 rating is driven by moderate sexual humor. The central plot involves faked anthropological footage, which includes a scene depicting a mock circumcision ritual presented with comedic but suggestive props. In another scene, a character giving a lecture compares a tribal artifact to a "dildo." It's also implied that two characters film themselves having sex, framing it as a tribal mating ritual. These scenes are played for laughs and are not explicit.
Violence and gore in Krippendorf's Tribe
Violence is virtually nonexistent. In one brief comedic scene, a character is slapped across the face after a revelation, but it's not injurious and is played for light dramatic effect.
Language in Krippendorf's Tribe
Language is mild and infrequent. The dialogue includes a few uses of "shit" and "goddamn."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Krippendorf's Tribe
Substance use is minimal. Adults are shown drinking alcohol, such as wine, in social settings like dinner parties or restaurants.
Mature themes in Krippendorf's Tribe
The most significant theme is deception, as the main character constructs an elaborate, career-saving lie that involves his children. The film is predicated on academic fraud. Additionally, the story is set in motion by the main character's grief and depression following the death of his wife, and his challenges as a single parent are a recurring element.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Krippendorf's Tribe appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Krippendorf's Tribe is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Krippendorf's Tribe received its PG-13 rating primarily for sexual humor, which parents should note is central to the plot. The film follows anthropologist James Krippendorf as he fakes the discovery of a lost tribe…
What age rating does Krippendorf's Tribe have?
Krippendorf's Tribe is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Krippendorf's Tribe about?
Krippendorf's Tribe received its PG-13 rating primarily for sexual humor, which parents should note is central to the plot. The film follows anthropologist James Krippendorf as he fakes the discovery of a lost tribe using his own children, leading to several fabricated scenes including a suggestive mock circumcision…
Is there sex or nudity in Krippendorf's Tribe?
The film's PG-13 rating is driven by moderate sexual humor. The central plot involves faked anthropological footage, which includes a scene depicting a mock circumcision ritual presented with comedic but suggestive props. In another scene, a character giving…
How violent is Krippendorf's Tribe?
Violence is virtually nonexistent. In one brief comedic scene, a character is slapped across the face after a revelation, but it's not injurious and is played for light dramatic effect.
Is the language in Krippendorf's Tribe appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent. The dialogue includes a few uses of "shit" and "goddamn."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Krippendorf's Tribe?
Substance use is minimal. Adults are shown drinking alcohol, such as wine, in social settings like dinner parties or restaurants.
What mature themes appear in Krippendorf's Tribe?
The most significant theme is deception, as the main character constructs an elaborate, career-saving lie that involves his children. The film is predicated on academic fraud. Additionally, the story is set in motion by the main character's grief and…
How long is Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe runs 94 minutes, directed by Todd Holland, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full Krippendorf's Tribe parent guide?
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