The Legend of Johnny Lingo

A gentle, sun-washed island fable about worth and belonging, told with earnest warmth and a slow, storybook rhythm.

Directed by

Steven Ramirez

Genres

Family, Action, Adventure

Starring

George Henare, Rawiri Paratene, Joe Folau

Tagline

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

Overview

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.

How it feels

Warm, earnest, uplifting and melancholic. Measured and easy to follow.

About

Identity, coming-of-age, love, redemption

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)