The Legend of Johnny Lingo

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The Legend of Johnny Lingo

G

2003

1h 31m

Kids & Family

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

13%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

One day, a canoe carrying an infant boy washes up on the shores of a remote island. Hailed as a good omen, the boy, Tama (Joe Falou), is adopted by Malio (Rawiri Paratene), the island chief. Malio grooms Tama to be his successor, but a string of bad luck causes Malio to rethink his decision. Tama is passed from family to family until he winds up with Mahana (Kayte Ferguson) and her drunken father. When Tama eventually decides to leave the island, he vows to come back for Mahana, whom he loves.

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Jay Boyar

Orlando Sentinel

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

Rated: 2/5

Oct 3, 2003

Full Review

Kathy Cano-Murillo

Arizona Republic

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.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 28, 2003

Full Review

Gary Dowell

Dallas Morning News

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.

Rated: C+

Aug 28, 2003

Full Review

Renee Schonfeld

Common Sense Media

Earnest but amateurish tween fairy tale set in South Seas.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 14, 2010

Full Review

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...there's not much here to keep older viewers engaged.

Rated: 2/4

Apr 14, 2005

Full Review

Jeffrey Overstreet

Looking Closer

The whole affair comes off as an after-school special filmed in the rainforest.

Rated: C

Dec 6, 2004

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Joshua R

One of the greatest love stories of all time, and a truly excellent homage to Polynesian culture.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/13/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Fun movie to watch. Family friendly. If you are a fan of the original, this is a good extension.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I loved this story of everlasting love told in more than Black and White. It was so heartwarming that it made me cry. That I have not done in a romance movie for many years. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I loved it! Great family movie and so many great values taught!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Audience Member

Could not stop watching this movie. Like love stories and adventures my whole life and this movie is one of the better ones.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

La vi hace mucho, la volvi a ver hace poco y me siguio pareciendo una pelicula de amor, superacion y lealtad muy buena, con dialogos muy creibles y una ambientacion muy bien lograda.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

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Steven Ramirez

Director

George Henare

Johnny Lingo

Rawiri Paratene

Malio Chief

Joe Falou

Tama

Alvin Fitisemanu

Chief Steward

Kayte Ferguson

Older Mahana

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Synopsis

One day, a canoe carrying an infant boy washes up on the shores of a remote island. Hailed as a good omen, the boy, Tama (Joe Falou), is adopted by Malio (Rawiri Paratene), the island chief. Malio grooms Tama to be his successor, but a string of bad luck causes Malio to rethink his decision. Tama is passed from family to family until he winds up with Mahana (Kayte Ferguson) and her drunken father. When Tama eventually decides to leave the island, he vows to come back for Mahana, whom he loves.

Director: Steven Ramirez
Producer: John Garbett
Screenwriter: Riwia Brown, John Garbett
Distributor: Number 8 Production LLC, Innovation Film Group
Production Co: Turtles Crossing
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 29, 2003, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $710.2K
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Surround

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