Parents' Guide to

The Magician's Elephant

By Jennifer Green, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Child bravely faces danger in book-based tale of hope.

Movie PG 2023 103 minutes
The Magician’s Elephant movie poster: Peter and the elephant.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

book by Kate DiCamillo</a> can compare it with the film adaptation and talk about the different experiences of reading versus watching a story. The film could also lead to conversations about animation, as well as about aspects of the story's themes -- for example, hope, magic, and family.</p> ">
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  • 1:03
  • The Magician’s Elephant: Peter hugs the elephant.
  • The Magician’s Elephant: Peter flies over the town.
  • The Magician’s Elephant: Peter and Leo float among the clouds in a dream.
  • The Magician’s Elephant: Characters march through town with the elephant.
  • The Magician’s Elephant: The painted elephant.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 15 parent reviews

Taylors22
Taylors22 Parent of 10-year-old
March 19, 2023
age 7+

Wholesome family watch! No controversial agendas.

Entertaining! Great messages about hope, faith, family and putting others before yourself. Good option with no agendas or controversial messaging. Solid pick for movie night, especially for a Netflix movie.
84KLVA84
84KLVA84 Adult
December 10, 2023
age 13+

Occult: Fortnite Teller and Spell

It started off promising, but pretty close to the beginning was a scene with a fortune teller. We skipped it, but then came a spell cat by the magician on the stage. We chose not to expose our kids to the occult, even in entertainment.
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT is the book-based story of Peter (Noah Jupe), a boy orphaned in war and taken in by a sergeant (Mandy Patinkin) who is raising him to be a good soldier. One day a fortune teller informs Peter that his sister is alive, and he can find her by "following the elephant." When a magician (Benedict Wong) comes to town and conjures an elephant, Peter sees his opportunity. Trouble is, the local countess (Sian Clifford) isn't willing to let the elephant go. When the fun-loving king (Aasif Mandvi) arrives, he offers to give Peter the elephant if the boy can surmount three difficult challenges. Peter is supported by his kindly neighbor Leo (Brian Tyree Henry). And unbeknownst to him, his sister Adele (Pixie Davies) is already in town, drawn by the presence of the elephant.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (15 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This book adaptation offers a visually engaging take on a very sweet tale. Among the standout elements of The Magician's Elephant are the detailed buildings and cobbled streets of the colorful European-style village, and gorgeously haunting magic realist dreamscapes where both the elephant and Peter envision themselves flying or floating among loved ones. A moving moment comes when Peter is fed a warm, home-cooked meal for the first time. The look in the animated character's eyes says it all. Another memorable scene has the action stop while one character talks to the camera and walks between the others, all frozen in time. The film's themes of rekindling a sense of hope and wonder offer valuable messages for our times.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Peter's character. Do you think he's courageous or foolhardy in accepting the king's challenges? Why?

  • Peter shows great compassion for the elephant, and Leo shows compassion for Peter. Why is compassion for others an important character strength?

  • If you've read the book, how does this movie compare with it? What other book adaptations have you watched?

Movie Details

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