A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

This is an astonishing documentary that will wring your heart while it bends your mind

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

"The Dark Horse" is one of many movies focusing on those on society's margins. In this case it's New Zealand's indigenous population. Cliff Curtis (a Maori actor who has played a variety of ethnicities) stars as chess player Genesis Potini, who helped a group of underprivileged children learn the game. One of the most interesting things about it is that we get to hear the Maori dialect; it's so strong that the movie has subtitles for those scenes. I'm not sure if any Maori got spoken in the movie, but this look at the hard lives that the Maori people have suffered ever since the colonization of New Zealand is a movie that I recommend. More importantly, how often do we get to see the Maoris depicted in cinema? Worth seeing.

From the start the story grips you. . Don't be put off with the whole movie based on Chess as this film has a whole lot more for you. Dealing with mental issues, domestic abuse and pier pressure the cast deliver a heart felt performance that delivers on every level. . The film is set in New Zealand and the local Kiwi life gives extra depth to the movie.. So basically watch this movies if you want to watch something a bit special that is not full of CGI or Hollywood A-listers.Enjoy!!!Oh and the lead guy was in Star Wars.Not the good ones sorry!!

I just had the chance to watch this movie at the Shanghai International Film Festival and I went in without knowing what I was getting into as the tickets were purchased for me and I was just tagging along.Well, it could not have gone better. As a German, I only have a vague knowledge about the social problems that New Zealand is facing but that didn't matter at all. The acting was outstanding to the extend that Cliff Curtis will be on my radar from now on. The movie was beautifully shot and felt very close to reality.The story, which is biographical, brought tears to my eyes.It revolves around an emotionally unstable Maori named Genesis who has spent a significant part of his life in a mental hospital and who happens to be somewhat of a chess genius. Genesis is granted the chance to leave the mental hospital under the condition that a family member will take care of him. His brother, who leads a vicious gang out in the New Zealand country site, as his last resort is more or less up for the duty and agrees to take him in. What Genesis lacks in social skill he makes up for with enthusiasm. Focused on staying positive to prevent another relapse, which would surely mean the end of his freedom, he joins a local chess club for troubled children and young adults. Genesis quickly breathes life into the club with his addictive enthusiasm and by being the living proof that you don't need a college degree to be smart.His character mesmerized me because he was simply modest, honest and wholehearted in an environment where people with these qualities don't really thrive. All and all, a truly memorable experience, even if you are not very familiar with the culture in New Zealand!

The Dark Horse is an extraordinary and dramatic New Zealand movie directed by James Napier Roberts and based on the real life of the brilliant chess champion Genesis Potini, who suffered bipolar disorder and spent the last few years in and out of a mental institution. The story opens showing Gen involved in his quilt in sunny shower day which represents part of his bipolar disorder and how he needs to protect himself and stay stable. The most impacting fact in this film is the way how Gen can see the real life through that game, because for him every piece represents a situation or person in his life. In that way, the institution created by him is like the chess table, where everyone and all movement has a reason and a significant result.