The Dark Horse

I had the chance to see this film on the opening night of the 2014 New Zealand International Film Festival. The advance reviews from critics had been so unanimously high that I went in with pretty strong expectations, which can easily backfire when a film is unable to live up to the hype. I really thought that might be the case with this.

But, literally, from the first frame of this incredible film (which silenced everyone around me, it's such a stunning opening shot), I forgot all of that, and became completely utterly wonderfully immersed in the story and performances and everything that unraveled before my eyes over the next two hours.

The way that this film deals with chess, Maori mythology, mental illness, gangs, kids... and weaves them all together, is just so compelling. The way that it moves from tragedy to comedy, without it ever feeling forced... the performances from people that apparently have never acted before in their lives... It's really hard to believe and so impressive.

The reaction around me was also hard to believe. Throughout the film, people all over the theatre (myself included) were literally laughing, crying, applauding, gasping, cheering, weeping... And then at the end after the ENTIRE credits had rolled without anyone moving, there was a standing ovation from the ENTIRE audience - almost 2,500 people! Incredible. I haven't been part of something quite like that before.

The emotion of this film is so powerful, the craft on display is so strong, the directing, writing, acting, music, cinematography. Just sublime. I really was floored.

The person I attended with told me after wards they thought this could be the greatest NZ film they've ever seen. I recently heard the National Radio Review say a similar thing when they were reviewing it.

I would have to agree.

Simply stunning. 10/10.

I have grown weary of ratings over 8 recently and I want to let anyone reading this that I don't give out a 9 or 10 without thoughtful consideration. I developed this trepidation towards highly rated movies in the last few years in reaction to the incredible ratings that I have observed for Hollywood blockbusters in the last few years on review websites.

I go into films expecting to have my mind blown after seeing an 8 out of 10 rating, instead I'm am confronted with formulaic shtick. This film wholeheartedly deserves a 9 or 10 out of 10. It subtly puts across a plethora of social commentaries that will leave you thinking for days.

I am from New Zealand so found it very easy to identify with the characters but I am fairly confident it will come across to anyone from any background or nation. Cliff Curtis deserves to be on the international stage for his performance in this film.

Go and see it, you deserve it! To finally see an 8/9 out of 10 that is actually worthy of it. The group I saw this with was left quietly affected for hours. I suspect for days, I cannot confirm as I was only in this groups company for hours.

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 had some trepidation about it - mental illness and some Maori themes had been explored in excellent "The Insatiable Moon" - and the opening with film-effects rain didn't inspire.

However, a little further in and the film grabbed you by the throat and didn't let go. There are some very intense scenes and some things that are hard to watch though the violence is mostly off-screen. Chris Curtis delivers a truly stunning Genesis - an acting tour-de-force that just has to be seen. Telling his history to Mana up on the monument was a sight to behold - as well as his occasional slips out of the sane world. I know a few bipolars and it was very convincing.

While Curtis carries much of the film, he is very well supported by James Rolleston who has grown up since "Boy", Kirk Torrence, Hapi and the ensemble of kids. Te Hira's malevolence is also important to the script.

The script was brilliant. I thought Mana's attraction to Genesis was a little under-written but everything else came together in a very satisfying way. The linking of chess to warrior tradition and identification with family/tribe was inspired. I wonder if the real Genesis did this - it was certainly convincing as a way to touch these kids. Some excellent sets.

All in all, not one to be missed. The setting and culture are obviously very familiar to NZers, but I cant see why overseas audiences wouldn't enjoy it. The themes are pretty universal.

Spectacular. What can I say. I saw this film yesterday and I am still emotionally changed by it. Cliff Curtis' portrayal of the main character Genesis is incredible. Every facial movement, gaze and words contain such intent and delivery that it makes you imagine or see what is going on in his mind. The opening scene is stunning directing and DOP work and creates the mood for the entire film.

James Rolleston as Mana is excellent. Very powerful delivery and believable. Same can be said for Wayne Hapi who plays Mana's father Ariki. Kirk Torrance as Noble and the rest of the cast is great.

I also felt a close connection to this film because I grew up in a small town in Australia with people similar to the roles portrayed in this film so I can relate.

Great work, I will see again very soon and can't wait to own it when it is released.