The Legend of Johnny Lingo

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

2003 • 91 min • Family · Action · Adventure

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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.

Our family guide

Best from age 6

Movie Knight Score

39 reviews

69 Audience · 39 · 100%

An orphaned boy, Tama, is outcast from his island home only to find mentorship with the legendary trader Johnny Lingo. Years later, he returns, determined to marry Mahana, a young woman deemed undesirable by their community. This adventure explores themes of self-worth and inner beauty.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 2/10
Romance & sensuality: 1/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

Some brief, mild peril in a storm
A character is often shown intoxicated

What it models well

Self-esteem and inner worth
Compassion and kindness
Perseverance in the face of adversity
Honoring promises

Talk about it after

What makes someone truly beautiful?
How do our actions affect others?
Why is it important to keep your word?

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Legend of Johnny Lingo. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.