The Dark Horse

Broad Green Pictures | Release Date: April 1, 2016

6.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Ratings

USER RATING DISTRIBUTION

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Watch Now

Buy on

Stream On

Review this movie

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Please sign in or create an account before writing a review.

Check box if your review contains spoilers

0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User score By date Most helpful

Brent_MarchantApr 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 someA 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

All this user's reviews

LeZeeAug 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,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 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

All this user's reviews

smiyamotJul 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 clubWhat 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

All this user's reviews

EpicLadySpongeApr 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

All this user's reviews

CaptainEveApr 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 youIncredible 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

All this user's reviews