The Legend of Johnny Lingo
“What if you were born a king and didn't know it?”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Legend of Johnny Lingo (2003) VHS Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-07-14
Top Cast
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George Henare
Johnny Lingo
Rawiri Paratene
Malio Chief
Joe Folau
Tama
Alvin Fitisemanu
Chief Steward
Kayte Ferguson
Mahana
Hori Ahipene
Pioi
Sima Urale
Hoku
Peter Sa'ena Brown
Miriama's Father
Jim Perry
Malio Elder
Goeretti Chadwick
Malio Seductress
Tausani Simei-Barton
Young Tama
Fokikovi Soakimi
Young Mahana
Esela Alo
Young Man
Sela Apera
Miriama's Mother
Christina Asher
Ulani
Suivai Autagaia
Young Viane
Tungia Baker
Turtle Island Grandmother
Teuila Blakely
Natiti's Sister
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 29, 2003
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Steven Ramirez
- Screenplay & Story
- Riwia Brown, John Garbett, Patricia McGerr
- Original Score
- Kevin Kiner
- Original Title
- The Legend of Johnny Lingo
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand, Cook Islands
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Production Studios
- Turtles Crossing, Morinda, Inc, Molen/Garbett Productions, Number 8 Production LLC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Steven Ramirez
Riwia Brown, John Garbett, Patricia McGerr
Kevin Kiner
Allen Guilford
Steven Ramirez
Gerald R. Molen, John Garbett, Tim Coddington, Brad Pelo
Department Leadership Roster
Riwia Brown
Writer
Steven Ramirez
Director
John Garbett
Writer
Steven Ramirez
Editor
Gerald R. Molen
Producer
John Garbett
Producer
Robert Gillies
Production Design
Allen Guilford
Director of Photography
Jane Holland
Costume Design
Peter Bell
Stunt Coordinator
Dean Lyon
Visual Effects Supervisor
Kevin Kiner
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Legend of Johnny Lingo.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Legend of Johnny Lingo
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Legend of Johnny Lingo about?
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.
Who directed The Legend of Johnny Lingo?
The Legend of Johnny Lingo was directed by Steven Ramirez.
Who stars in The Legend of Johnny Lingo?
The principal cast of The Legend of Johnny Lingo includes George Henare, Rawiri Paratene, Joe Folau, Alvin Fitisemanu, Kayte Ferguson.
When was The Legend of Johnny Lingo released and how long is it?
The Legend of Johnny Lingo was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 1h 31m.
Who composed the musical score for The Legend of Johnny Lingo?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Legend of Johnny Lingo was composed by Kevin Kiner.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Legend of Johnny Lingo?
The Legend of Johnny Lingo holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).