Le prince du Pacifique

Capt. Alfred de Morsac is a French naval officer who is sent to Tahiti in 1914, to persuade the natives to join the French army. However, he finds that the island is ruled with an iron hand by Lefebvre, the French military governor. Morsac attempts to intervene; while earning the admiration of the Tahitians, he ends up in prison for his troubles. But Reia is convinced that Morsac is "Tefa'aora," a leader of local legend who will rise up to lead the Tahitians in a revolt to win their freedom. (answers.com)