Based on the real life story of Genesis - a Maori man– who suffered mental health problems. He had a talent for the game of chess having been taught the game by his elder brother. His nickname was 'The Dark Horse' as he was such an unsuspecting chess champion.
We catch up with him after he is discharged into the, less than studious, care of his brother. Having been told to avoid stress and find a purpose so he volunteers to help a group of disadvantaged kids to learn and play the game he so loves. His journey, that of his family and all those he touches will have a profound effect on all of them.
Now this is one of those films that takes you by surprise, we have biker gangs, drug abuse, mental illness and discrimination all wrapped up in a story that has as its hero a man suffering greatly and a few tips on 'castling'. Cliff Curtis as genesis is just amazing as is Wayne Hapi who plays Ariki – he was a former gang member and was welcomed at the audition. He had no formal acting training and won the best supporting actor at the 2014 New Zealand Film Awards. There are a lot of issues handled here and it is all done with care and understanding – all of the cast are exemplary and the story is as moving as it is rewarding. This is one of those films you will want to tell people about and one that will stay with you – completely recommended.
We catch up with him after he is discharged into the, less than studious, care of his brother. Having been told to avoid stress and find a purpose so he volunteers to help a group of disadvantaged kids to learn and play the game he so loves. His journey, that of his family and all those he touches will have a profound effect on all of them.
Now this is one of those films that takes you by surprise, we have biker gangs, drug abuse, mental illness and discrimination all wrapped up in a story that has as its hero a man suffering greatly and a few tips on 'castling'. Cliff Curtis as genesis is just amazing as is Wayne Hapi who plays Ariki – he was a former gang member and was welcomed at the audition. He had no formal acting training and won the best supporting actor at the 2014 New Zealand Film Awards. There are a lot of issues handled here and it is all done with care and understanding – all of the cast are exemplary and the story is as moving as it is rewarding. This is one of those films you will want to tell people about and one that will stay with you – completely recommended.