The Legend of Johnny Lingo backdrop

The Legend of Johnny Lingo 2003 Directed by Steven Ramirez

What if you were born a king and didn't know it?

When a storm washes a canoe bearing an infant boy ashore upon a small South Pacific island, he is at first well-received as a gift from the heavens, even to the point of the tribal chief adopting him as a successor. However, with time as hardships are blamed upon Tama (as he is named), he is finally outcast to live with the poorest people on the island, Mahana and her drunken father. Mahana is considered homely and undesirable, but Tama feels differently, so when he is old enough to build a craft to sail away, he vows to return for her one day. A lucky stroke brings him to land upon the island of the legendary Johnny Lingo, the wealthiest trader in the islands, and after years of service to him, Tama has learned much about life and himself as he dreams of honoring his pledge to Mahana.

Production Countries New Zealand , Tokelau
Language English
Spoken Language English
Release Date 29 August 2003
91 mins
Cast
George Henare Johnny Lingo
Rawiri Paratene Malio Chief
Alvin Fitisemanu Chief Steward
Peter Sa'ena Brown Miriama's Father
Jim Perry Malio Elder
Goeretti Chadwick Malio Seductress
Fokikovi Soakimi Young Mahana
Esela Alo Young Man
Sela Apera Miriama's Mother
Suivai Autagaia Young Viane
Tungia Baker Turtle Island Grandmother
Teuila Blakely Natiti's Sister
Ross Duncan Writer
Taungaroa Emile Pua's Friend #1
Mele Lola Fifita Young Natiti
Daniel Logan Young Pua
Pete Smith Scary Island Chief
Aleni Tufuga Pua's Friend #2
Ateli Valahi Young Miriama
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