clarkmick33 I have seen a few of the NZ films over my time. Once Were Warriors, Boy, Whale Rider, however The Dark Horse to me is the stand out film of New Zealand Cinema thus far. Congratulations to the actors, writers, camera crew. The subjects that are touched on in this film include Mental Illness, Depression, Poverty, Team Work, Leadership, Community Strength, Power of Community engagement in the lives of youth.The acting was so natural it pulls you into the story so well. Usually I turn to the chips or popcorn when I get bored in films but I just left my food alone throughout the whole movie. In fact I was more inclined to sneak a tissue or two to stop my eyes sweating(while my wife was not looking). The facial expressions of Cliff Curtis in key scenes speak a thousand words. Hope, Fear, Confusion etc. Now that is great acting!!! He probably wont get an Oscar for this but he is worthy of one. The story is greatly balanced without it getting too much into the dark or light. I found "Once Were Warriors" too dark and "Boy" too light on subject matter. The Dark Horse balances the drama well; you will laugh and you will cry. In this materialistic and fast paced world this film will touch your soul and probably make you think about your impact on the community and how we are quick to judge those caught in poverty and who suffer from mental illness. STaNDING OVATION IN MY LIVING ROOM (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap) Thank you for making beautiful cinema, thank you Genesis for your positive impact in your community.

Neo James (xxxtreme_raver) I have always firmly believed that Cliff Curtis is our finest actor and it would appear that he as proved me right with his role as Genesis in this excellent, gem of a film. His portrayal of someone who suffers from bipolar disorder is so raw and real that it is hard not to connect with the character and feel for him. Cliff has delivered the performance of his career, even piling on 30 plus kilograms for the role and absolutely immersing himself in the character of Gen, that he not only dressed like him for the role but continually played chess non stop. It is a shame that this film did not get a world wide release earlier or and nominations because it should have. A remarkable film about overcoming adversity and having the strength and courage to battle on.

christopherRclarke 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.

jhana-horacio The Dark Horse is an extraordinary and dramatic New Zealand movie directed by James Napier Roberts and based on the real life of the brilliant chess champion Genesis Potini, who suffered bipolar disorder and spent the last few years in and out of a mental institution. The story opens showing Gen involved in his quilt in sunny shower day which represents part of his bipolar disorder and how he needs to protect himself and stay stable. The most impacting fact in this film is the way how Gen can see the real life through that game, because for him every piece represents a situation or person in his life. In that way, the institution created by him is like the chess table, where everyone and all movement has a reason and a significant result.