A Polynesian sailor, Terangi, is unjustly imprisoned for defending himself against a colonial bully. Members of his community petition the governor for clemency, but all pretense of law and order are soon shattered by an incoming tropical storm. In the chaos, Terangi breaks free from prison and embarks on a perilous journey back to his island home, where he must confront the consequences of his actions and face off against the ruthless Governor De Laage, who will stop at nothing to crush the native rebellion.