The Dark Horse

Kiwi star Cliff Curtis makes a triumphant return to his homeland with this multi-award-winning true story after Whale Rider propelled him to a career in Hollywood in 2002. He plays Genesis Potini, a brilliant speed chess player with bipolar disorder who takes a group of troubled kids under his wing for an unlikely tilt at the national chess championships. However, his mission unwittingly brings him into conflict with his gang member brother (Wayne Hapi), who is less than impressed that his son (James Rolleston) is showing more interest in chess than following in his criminal footsteps. Curtis's moving performance is well supported by fine naturalistic turns from Rolleston (fulfilling the promise he showed in the Kiwi hit Boy, a film Curtis co-produced) and the rest of the cast, most of whom hadn't acted before. Director James Napier Robertson manages to avoid most of the sentimental clichés usually associated with these sorts of true stories, giving the film a gritty sheen that ultimately makes its inspirational message all the more uplifting.