The Legend of Johnny Lingo facts for kids

The Legend of Johnny Lingo is a movie from 2003. It takes place in the beautiful islands of Polynesia. Steven Ramirez directed this film. It is based on a shorter movie from 1969, also called Johnny Lingo. Both films come from a story written by Patricia McGerr.

The Story of Johnny Lingo

Tama's Early Life

The movie begins with a young orphan boy named Tama. An island chief, Malio, adopts him. Chief Malio has no children of his own. He plans to raise Tama as his son and future leader.

However, some bad things happen. Chief Malio starts to believe Tama brings bad luck. Because of this, Tama becomes an outcast. He moves from one family to another around the island.

One day, a villager named Moki takes Tama in. Moki has a daughter named Mahana. Other islanders think Mahana is not pretty. Even though her father and others treat her badly, Mahana is always kind. She becomes friends with Tama.

Tama Leaves the Island

Tama gets tired of how he is treated. He is also unhappy living in Moki's home. So, he decides to leave the island. He builds his own canoe to sail away. Before he goes, he makes a promise to Mahana. He tells her he will come back and take care of her.

A big storm catches Tama's canoe. He washes up on another island. This island is home to a famous trader named Johnny Lingo. Johnny is kind and welcomes Tama. But Tama has been rejected for so long. He is suspicious of everyone, especially Johnny's main helper.

Tama decides to leave this island too. He tries to steal some jewelry from Johnny's treasure. But he gets caught. As punishment, Tama must work for Johnny for seven years. This will pay back his debt.

Working for Johnny Lingo

Tama is very clever. He invents simple machines to finish his work faster. He works hard and shows great effort. Because of his diligence, Johnny starts to respect him.

Eight years pass by. Johnny decides that Tama is ready. He asks Tama to go with him to a nearby island. They need to complete an important trade there.

During their visit, Tama accidentally offends the island's people. They take Johnny as a hostage. They demand payment for Tama's mistake. Tama bravely sails back to Johnny's home alone. He gets a cow from Johnny's herd for the ransom. This act helps him earn the trust of Johnny's chief helper.

A New Discovery

Johnny, Tama, and the chief helper are invited to a wedding. It is for the chief's son. There, Tama learns a big secret. He is actually the rightful leader of a nearby island!

At first, Tama accepts this new role. But he soon realizes he is happier working for Johnny. After they return home, Johnny tells Tama something important. He is dying. Johnny then leaves his name and all his wealth to Tama. Tama becomes the new Johnny Lingo.

The Return to Mahana

As the new Johnny Lingo, Tama sends the chief helper ahead. He wants to find out what happened to Mahana on Malio's island. Then, Tama arrives himself. He announces that he will choose a bride from the island's young women.

A big feast is planned for that night. Everyone will be there so he can meet them. That night, everyone is at the feast except Mahana. Tama goes to Moki's home to find her. But she meets him on the way. She does not recognize him as the boy who left years ago. She rejects him.

Later, he meets her again. Mahana tells him she waited at the shore every day for eight years. She waited for Tama to come back. But she believes he lied and now hates him. Tama does not give up. He announces he will trade with Moki to marry Mahana.

A High Price for Love

At the trading ceremony, Moki's health is very bad. He asks for two cows as Mahana's dowry. This would be the largest dowry ever on the islands. But Tama offers eight cows instead!

Mahana is very angry. She thinks Tama is making fun of her. She storms out of the ceremony. Outside, she sees the eight cows. Moki is very happy about his new wealth.

Mahana confronts Tama. She demands to know why he offered such a high price. Tama believes she no longer loves him as Tama. He also thinks she hates him as Johnny Lingo. He releases her from the marriage agreement. He tells her to keep the cows. She can use the money to care for her father.

However, Mahana notices something. Tama is wearing the armband she gave him when he was a boy. She finally recognizes him! She pretends to be angry about his long absence. She slaps him, but then they hug happily. The movie ends with Tama telling his story to a writer. He is surrounded by his happy family.

Characters in the Film

• George Henare — Plays Johnny Lingo
• Rawiri Paratene — Plays Chief Malio
• Joe Folau — Plays Tama
• Alvin Fitisemanu — Plays the Chief Steward
• Kayte Ferguson — Plays Mahana
• Peter Sa'ena-Brown — Plays Miriama's Father
• Hori Ahipene — Plays Pioi
• Jim Perry — Plays Malio Elder
• Sima Urale — Plays Hoku
• Tausani Simei-Barton — Plays Young Tama
• Fokikovi Soakimi — Plays Young Mahana

See also

In Spanish: The Legend of Johnny Lingo para niños