The Dark Horse

Name: The Dark Horse
Genre: Drama
Released: April 1, 2016
Duration: 124 min
Rating: 77
Cast: Barry Te Hira, Cliff Curtis, James Napier Robertson, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance

2016

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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6.8

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6.8	Your Score
6.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 16 Ratings

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The Dark Horse

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Movie Details & Credits

Broad Green Pictures | Release Date: April 1, 2016 | R

Starring: Barry Te Hira, Cliff Curtis, James Napier Robertson, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance, Miriama McDowell

Summary: An inspiring true story based on the life of charismatic and brilliant chess champion, Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis). His emotionally-charged story is about finding the courage to lead, despite his own struggles – finding purpose and hope in passing on his gift to the children of his community. [Broad Green Pictures]

Director: James Napier Robertson

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 124 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Joe Morgenstern

Mar 31, 2016

The Dark Horse brings Cliff Curtis back home, and he gives a performance that’s transcendent in more ways than one. Read full review

Peter Debruge

Nov 13, 2015

The Dark Horse is as good a title as any for a film that takes an overplayed genre — the inspirational mentor story — and still manages to surprise, sneaking up to deliver a powerful emotional experience within a formula we all know by heart Read full review

RogerEbert.com Sheila O'Malley

Apr 7, 2016

Strategy combats chaos, strategy focuses people on one goal, and with strategy, winning is actually possible. That's what The Dark Horse is all about. Read full review

Time Out London Cath Clarke

Nov 13, 2015

It’s a film with the texture and truth of life, and at its heart is a beautiful performance by Cliff Curtis, who never in a million years will be nominated for an Oscar, but deserves one. Read full review

Peter Keough

Apr 14, 2016

Dark Horse falls into the formula of underprivileged kids challenging the elites at their own game. But the outcome is never certain. Read full review

Elise Nakhnikian

Mar 28, 2016

Despite the occasional cliché, this film mostly feels as messy as life, and as movingly complicated. Read full review

The Telegraph Mike McCahill

Nov 13, 2015

Robertson gives himself and his actors time to ponder the board and build convincing relationships and tensions: he’s especially deft around his younger performers, allowing them to register as distinct, often defiant personalities. Read full review

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User Reviews

CaptainEve

Apr 22, 2016

Incredible film making relying on performances and closeups to bring the emotional content to the surface. Curtis excels in the role of Genesis whose struggles with bi polar disease and his attempts to deal with its consequences, leave you both feeling sad for him and celebrating hisIncredible film making relying on performances and closeups to bring the emotional content to the surface. Curtis excels in the role of Genesis whose struggles with bi polar disease and his attempts to deal with its consequences, leave you both feeling sad for him and celebrating his triumphs at the same time. The story telling by this film maker should be celebrated as well.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

EpicLadySponge

Apr 24, 2016

The Dark Horse shows how powerful and dark this horse (Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis)) can be. I have never experienced a movie about chess that can be so dark and energetic at some times.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

smiyamot

Jul 15, 2016

What is it about chess geniuses (Bobby Fischer) that makes them mental cases? This guy is a Maori who has his demons. He comes from a depressed area and no one there has much reason to fight for something better. He sees a kid's chess club and that gives him something to focus on to helpWhat is it about chess geniuses (Bobby Fischer) that makes them mental cases? This guy is a Maori who has his demons. He comes from a depressed area and no one there has much reason to fight for something better. He sees a kid's chess club and that gives him something to focus on to help him fight his mental problems. It also helps the kids to stay out of trouble. And the biggest surprise, it's a true story. It's sad to see how many people in this world have such a hard life. Reality check!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Brent_Marchant

Apr 17, 2016

A slightly overlong but otherwise-engaging biopic about the life of Maori speed chess champion Genesis Potini, who battled bipolar disorder while coaching proteges from troubled backgrounds. Despite some intermittent pacing issues and some horrendous sound quality problems during the firstA slightly overlong but otherwise-engaging biopic about the life of Maori speed chess champion Genesis Potini, who battled bipolar disorder while coaching proteges from troubled backgrounds. Despite some intermittent pacing issues and some horrendous sound quality problems during the first 30 minutes, the film delivers on all other fronts, with superb performances from its excellent ensemble cast (especially protagonist Cliff Curtis) and a nuanced script that tackles its complex story line on multiple levels. A heartrending, inspiring tale for more than just fans of the game.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

LeZee

Aug 4, 2016

Something positive to focus on.

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 KnightsSomething positive to focus on.

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… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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