

40 votes
2003
1h 31m
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.
Directed by Steven Ramirez

George Henare
Johnny Lingo
Rawiri Paratene
Malio Chief
Joe Folau
TamaAlvin Fitisemanu
Chief StewardKayte Ferguson
Mahana
Hori Ahipene
Pioi
Sima Urale
Hoku
Peter Sa'ena Brown
Miriama's FatherJim Perry
Malio ElderGoeretti Chadwick
Malio SeductressTausani Simei-Barton
Young TamaFokikovi Soakimi
Young MahanaEsela Alo
Young ManSela Apera
Miriama's Mother
Christina Asher
UlaniSuivai Autagaia
Young VianeTungia Baker
Turtle Island Grandmother
Teuila Blakely
Natiti's Sister
Ross Duncan
Writer
Taungaroa Emile
Pua's Friend #1Status
Released
Release date
August 29, 2003
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Language
English