The Legend of Johnny Lingo (2003)

Great family entertainment

The "Legend of Johnny Lingo" is actually based on a real south seas legend and was already the topic for another film about this legend some years ago.

This is a more modern interpretation of the legend, and it boasts with a number of famous Pacific Islands & New Zealand Maori actors like Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider), which are of course mostly unknown to the US and European audience. The film was shot at various locations, mainly in NZ and Rarotonga and Aitutaki (the two latter both belong to the Cook Islands) and the beauty of the locations is breathtaking.

The story is quite simple: orphant boy leaves his home island but vows to return one day to marry the daughter of his foster father, boy meets the famous and benevolent trader Johnny Lingo who later makes the boy to take his name, and finally returns as the (new) Johnny Lingo to get his bride who has been patiently waiting for him all these years. However, this seemingly plain story is witty with some very nice twists and contains lots of humour. The film music is by the famous group "Te Vaka" from Tuvalu and supports and enhances the story, adding to the typical South Seas touch.

As I have lived in the Cooks Islands for some years I have particularly enjoyed recognizing some of the places I know. But even without this personal interest of mine this film is great family entertainment and will be enjoyed both by young and old (5+ years).

The film was sponsored by the Mormons (Latter Day Saints) and a Tahitian company that exports Noni juice. Whilst I could not detect any mormon-specific preaching or message in the film (in fact, there are no biblical or church themes in the film at all), the Noni juice is quite prominently mentioned throughout the film, probably due to this sponsorship.

The one thing worth criticising is the German synchronisation which is substandard at the very best (but this really only affects those who don't want to listen to the English master soundtrack). May 21, 2008

What a great story!

Honestly, if I knew how this story was so strongly embraced or endorsed by the Mormon community I would've steered clear.

But if there was any religious propaganda in this movie, I sure didn't see any. This was just a great story. Almost like a fairy tale or fable.

The music of Te Vaka shines in this movie with such great lessons and morals that all young people should watch and learn from. May 16, 2008

Great Movie

Great Movie, good to watch with all the family. Teaches courage and self esteem. March 31, 2007

Excellent movie

This is an excellent coming of age movie. Themes include forgiveness, trust, true love, promise keeping, uselessness of vanity and good work ethics. The movie will be enjoyed by the entire family (6 or so and up). We have recommended this movie to several friends. March 9, 2006

Wonderful!

This is a great family movie. It's a refreshing change from the overly sophisticated material we usually see being peddled to our children. March 7, 2006

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