The Dark Horse (2014) Reviews

• A stunning, beautiful triumph of New Zealand film

  lindsay-thompson2014-08-04

  I had the chance to see this film on the opening night of the 2014 New Zealand International Film Festival. The advance reviews from critics had been so unanimously high that I went in with pretty strong expectations, which can easily backfire when a film is unable to live up to the hype. I really thought that might be the case with this. But, literally, from the first frame of this incredible film (which silenced everyone around me, it's such a stunning opening shot), I forgot all of that, and became completely utterly wonderfully immersed in the story and performances and everything that unraveled before my eyes over the next two hours. The way that this film deals with chess, Maori mythology, mental illness, gangs, kids... and weaves them all together, is just so compelling. The way that it moves from tragedy to comedy, without it ever feeling forced... the performances from people that apparently have never acted before in their lives... It's really hard to believe and so impressive. The reaction around me was also hard to believe. Throughout the film, people all over the theatre (myself included) were literally laughing, crying, applauding, gasping, cheering, weeping... And then at the end after the ENTIRE credits had rolled without anyone moving, there was a standing ovation from the ENTIRE audience - almost 2,500 people! Incredible. I haven't been part of something quite like that before. The emotion of this film is so powerful, the craft on display is so strong, the directing, writing, acting, music, cinematography. Just sublime. I really was floored. The person I attended with told me after wards they thought this could be the greatest NZ film they've ever seen. I recently heard the National Radio Review say a similar thing when they were reviewing it. I would have to agree. Simply stunning. 10/10.

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• Fantastic!

  jdroam2014-08-03

  I have grown weary of ratings over 8 recently and I want to let anyone reading this that I don't give out a 9 or 10 without thoughtful consideration. I developed this trepidation towards highly rated movies in the last few years in reaction to the incredible ratings that I have observed for Hollywood blockbusters in the last few years on review websites. I go into films expecting to have my mind blown after seeing an 8 out of 10 rating, instead I'm am confronted with formulaic shtick. This film wholeheartedly deserves a 9 or 10 out of 10. It subtly puts across a plethora of social commentaries that will leave you thinking for days. I am from New Zealand so found it very easy to identify with the characters but I am fairly confident it will come across to anyone from any background or nation. Cliff Curtis deserves to be on the international stage for his performance in this film. Go and see it, you deserve it! To finally see an 8/9 out of 10 that is actually worthy of it. The group I saw this with was left quietly affected for hours. I suspect for days, I cannot confirm as I was only in this groups company for hours.

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• Powerful, moving.

  patanddebs2014-08-27

  This went straight into my top 5 movies of all time. Powerful story, raw in places. It brought a real depth of emotion and connection to the viewer. Cliff Curtis is a tour De force in this film, the best role I have seen him in. The supporting cast, despite being largely unknown, add a richness to the film, and also an authenticity to the setting. The fact that it is a true story also adds to the film, and made me want to find out more about the lead character, Genesis Potini. Although there are elements of violence, and that can be harrowing, they are tempered by extraordinary scenes of tenderness, and of humor. While the story has a New Zealand setting, it is a film for all people, from all parts of the world. If you are going to see one film this year, this is it. A must see.

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• Stunning

  craig-parker2014-08-10

  This film easily ranks as one of the 3-4 greatest films to come out of New Zealand for me. NZ film has produced some powerful drama over the years, particularly films like Whale Rider, Once Were Warriors and The Piano. IMO, The Dark Horse stands shoulder-to-shoulder with all those and actually exceeds them in some regards. It's not an easy watch at times, there were moments I felt myself almost having to turn away from the screen... The tension is pretty relentless during periods, and I actually felt exhausted by the end. But there was also plenty of genuine laugh out loud humour littered throughout, which balanced it all out nicely. And boy was I glad for the experience. I actually had moments of not wanting to laugh because I was worried it would start me crying...! It was pointless... I ended up doing plenty of both in the end. An instant NZ classic. Bravo to the filmmakers.

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• Fantastic!

  carstenwendler2015-06-16

  I just had the chance to watch this movie at the Shanghai International Film Festival and I went in without knowing what I was getting into as the tickets were purchased for me and I was just tagging along. Well, it could not have gone better. As a German, I only have a vague knowledge about the social problems that New Zealand is facing but that didn't matter at all. The acting was outstanding to the extend that Cliff Curtis will be on my radar from now on. The movie was beautifully shot and felt very close to reality.The story, which is biographical, brought tears to my eyes. It revolves around an emotionally unstable Maori named Genesis who has spent a significant part of his life in a mental hospital and who happens to be somewhat of a chess genius. Genesis is granted the chance to leave the mental hospital under the condition that a family member will take care of him. His brother, who leads a vicious gang out in the New Zealand country site, as his last resort is more or less up for the duty and agrees to take him in. What Genesis lacks in social skill he makes up for with enthusiasm. Focused on staying positive to prevent another relapse, which would surely mean the end of his freedom, he joins a local chess club for troubled children and young adults. Genesis quickly breathes life into the club with his addictive enthusiasm and by being the living proof that you don't need a college degree to be smart.His character mesmerized me because he was simply modest, honest and wholehearted in an environment where people with these qualities don't really thrive. All and all, a truly memorable experience, even if you are not very familiar with the culture in New Zealand!

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