With a sluggish pace, The Dark Horse revisits a tired old theme done many a time before but without any sense of direction or elaboration of plot.The core problems of the film are surely the lack of engaging characters and the absence of a convincing script and narrative. At no point did it become anything other than a brutal test of one's patience only serving drawn-out and repetitive scenes that failed to build up to some kind of climax or otherwise interesting turn of events.Aside from the annoying and undeveloped lead, no character is focused on, leaving nothing but walking/talking stereotypes one couldn't possibly relate to, dragging forward through mud, an already wafer thin plot.The positive reviews for this film here on IMDb are suspiciously disingenuous. Even though the acting was fine, a film with such a lack of hubris, originality and pace, can't possibly get more than 3 stars when judged fairly.Avoid..1/1

It is considered as one of the best Kiwi films ever. Inspired by a real person with the severe bipolar disorder. The story centres on the character Genesis Potini, a chess prodigy. Despite his mental issue, he forms a chess club called the Eastern Knights where the underprivileged kids are trained. The film follows his own struggle, as well as his fight for other Maori descent youngsters not to fall prey for the wrong paths. In that perspective, it was very well told tale.It is not another 'Once Were Warriors', but it had its moments. Especially the Maori people with their struggle between the good life and bad life was boldly revealed. Honestly, I did not enjoy much, but won't deny it is a nice film with a good message. I'm happy that I picked it, except I'm not the audience for it. Because the large portion of the film remained dull due to the 2 hour long stretch. I would have been very happy if it was around a 90 minute narration.So the actors were the plus point. Some of them had no prior experience, but did well and was recognised widely. Whatever it is, Cliff Curtis is the man of the film. He won a couple of International awards for the role he played. Like I said the first half was boring, but once the chess theme come into play, the scenario changes and lots of good things happens. I feel it is an inspiring film at a different level. Worth a watch, but it is not a very cheerful screenplay. So I don't think everybody would end up happy, despite a very interesting theme.6/10

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.