WoW, what a sensational powerful story .. the plot is engaging and growing perfectly with so much heightened emotions. the script looks tight and connected and for a young man as James Napier Robertson to be writing and directing such a masterpiece is really outstanding.,. with many intense scenes distributed in balance over the two hours.Honestly, this project turned out to be so much better than i expected , when i thought it was all produced in New Zealand which i can't recall i'v ever watched a movie of sorts. but they've really got so much potentials could even compete Hollywood. yeah i had a bit of trouble understanding some sentences because they really speak in a vague intriguing fast way but i managed it and understood it all and i surely felt the story to its end.As for the cast,, i love Cliff Curtis , he is one of few from outside of the states who were able to shine and make a solid name for themselves in the film industry ,, so bravo for him.. as for the other members ,, the kids performance was commendable as for the others.The only thing which you might agree or you might not , is see the production was spot on and perfect but i kinda started thinking what if it's been produced and directed in Hollywood !! would it overpower the level of Foxcatcher which i think it was one of the best Biography/Drama last year !! but again it doesn't mean here as is it wasn't good because it went perfectly.Stamp recommended ;)

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!

I have always firmly believed that Cliff Curtis is our finest actor and it would appear that he as proved me right with his role as Genesis in this excellent, gem of a film. His portrayal of someone who suffers from bipolar disorder is so raw and real that it is hard not to connect with the character and feel for him. Cliff has delivered the performance of his career, even piling on 30 plus kilograms for the role and absolutely immersing himself in the character of Gen, that he not only dressed like him for the role but continually played chess non stop. It is a shame that this film did not get a world wide release earlier or and nominations because it should have. A remarkable film about overcoming adversity and having the strength and courage to battle on.

Without giving too much away, the depiction by the lead actor of a person on modecate medication with its side-effects was comprehensively the best. It confounds me that films such as this one do not get more screens in mainstream exhibition.It is an absolute should go-see piece before it ends its big-screen run. Because of its subtlety, you may miss it. - Look for the hand-tremor of the lead and a smaller hand tremor of his brother later in the story. This masterful supplementing piece of visual storytelling, sets up its own two-option arc which pays off unexpectedly without reliance on wordstuff until the arc's own resolution.