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.

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
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Release Date
August 29, 2003
Runtime
1h 31m
Genres
Action, Adventure, Family
Director
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