MovieChat Forums > Jumanji (1995) Discussion > Why couldn't the aunt hear the drumming?

Why couldn't the aunt hear the drumming?

posted 11 years ago by TvMovieGuy7
7 replies | jump to latest

Before the kids were supposed to go to school and they heard the drumming from the game, only the kids could hear it. Anyone have an idea why that is?

[–] tullisjordan 11 years ago

Adults are unable to hear the drums. We see this earlier when Alan first hears the game at the construction site in 1969, and the construction workers around him are completely oblivious to it. He and Sarah (as kids), Judy and Peter, the two kids from the 1800s in the beginning, and the two French girls at the end are the only ones who hear the sound, which implies that only children can hear it.

[–] alliemack30 10 years ago

I think only kids can hear it because they are more likely to actually sit down and play a board game. The game looks for "victims" to be curious enough to give it a try, and grown ups likely wouldn't have time or the motivation to play.

[–] amazonprince71 9 years ago

To me the reason was what the game said "a game for those who seek to find, a way to leave their world behind". Alan, Sarah, Judy and Peter were all unhappy in one way or another and the game was an escape from their day to day reality. Aunt Nora and Alan's parents were content in their lives and weren't looking for an escape.

[–] SamsRaven 9 years ago

"a game for those who seek to find, a way to leave their world behind"

Good idea that's it's a state of mind. Kids can hear it, but maybe adults who want to escape can hear it too. But only maybe for the adults.

[–] kimmie_baever 8 years ago

Makes sense.

[–] agentpfan 8 years ago

Over a year late to this one, but I guess I'll comment anyway. I like your explanation, but I always thought it was Jumanji calling out to them specifically, as if it were sentient. Maybe a bit of both?

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"Trust me, Clark. Our friendship is going to be the stuff of legends." Lex Luthor

[–] yihdzelonh 8 years ago

Probably because the aunt isn't part-"Navajo."