The Dark Horse (2014)

Touches You

best movie i've ever seen.

Absolutely Fantastic

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The Dark Horse (2014) Director: James Napier Robertson Watched: 6/3/18 Rating: 6/10 A troubled chess wiz, Worthy bipolar showing, Humane true story. Clichéd mentor film, Against-the-odds, poverty, Gang life exposé. Comes alive with kids, Teaches us Maori ways, Chess/life metaphors. Chess games to feel for, Characters we will cheer for- Or 'tis vice-versa? Formulaic- but not trite; Somewhat contrived feel-good film. Haiku Sonnets are comprised of 4 3-line haiku plus a couplet of either 5 or 7 syllables, adding up to 14 lines, the same number of lines found in a sonnet. (5-7-5, 5-7-5, 5-7-5, 5-7-5, 7-7/5-5) #HaikuSonnet #PoemReview #BrainGames #Competition #Mentor #NewZealand

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!

Behind the beautiful cinematography, engaging and detailed performances, and deftly-paced editing is a master work of a screenplay. A wholly empathetic protagonist, with his wellbeing so delicately balanced, bombarded by obstacles. The stakes continue to rise, the subplots interweave seamlessly, with the whole story building to a perfectly weighted, moving, climax. Once filmmakers could be just "good" or "interesting" and pull a crowd to the cinema to see their kitchen-sink dramas. The new Golden Age of television has put paid to that. We get great storytelling and interesting ideas pushing boundaries all the time, delivered on-call to our living rooms. if filmmakers are not making blockbusters, or special effect laden sensual experiences, then the stories must be wonderful and totally captivating to get a crowd in the car and front up with the ticket price. There's no place to hide...This film is a great reminder of why there is still a place at the cinema for a low budget, domestic drama, they just need to be this good!