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Poster for The Legend of Johnny Lingo

The Legend of Johnny Lingo

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

2003 · 1h 31m · G Action, Adventure, Family
Directed by Steven Ramirez

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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.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
13%
Tomatometer
Rotten

If the narrative is unsteady, the acting is even shakier.

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

This exotic little New Zealand film about an outcast island boy is full of surprises that will make even the grumpiest viewer crack a smile.

Kathy Cano Murillo, Arizona Republic
Fresh

The movie's G rating, and its message that even the roughest of edges can be smoothed away to reveal a wonderful person, make for ideal family entertainment, as long as you can get past the corniness.

Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News

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