The Dark Horse

Cinephile deep dive

The take

James Napier Robertson directs. Denson Baker behind the camera. Peter Roberts cuts. Produced in New Zealand. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

• 1Released 12 years ago.
• 2Directed by James Napier Robertson, shot by Denson Baker. Note their partnership — DPs and directors often return to each other across a career.
• 3Editor Peter Roberts shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
• 4Cliff Curtis and James Rolleston and Kirk Torrance carry the top of the cast.
• 5Marketing tagline: "Bravery is contagious".
• 6IMDB entry: tt2192016 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

The technical file

Cinematography

Denson Baker

Editing

Peter Roberts

Production design

Kim Sinclair

Runtime

124 min · 2h 4m

Aspect ratio (typical)

1.37:1 (Academy)

Status

Released

Original language

EN

IMDB

The Dark Horse (2014) ↗

Also by

James Napier Robertson

• 
  Whina

  2022 · ★ 7.6
• 
  I'm Not Harry Jenson

  2009 · ★ 7.3
• 
  The American

  2023 · ★ 6.8
• 
  Romper Stomper

  2018 · ★ 6.7

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

Full-resolution frames — open one to save it as a wallpaper.

Wallpaper

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

• 

  ▶
  The Dark Horse Official Trailer (2014) - Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston Movie HD

  Trailer

Community reviews

What people are saying

• Reno2016-08-04
  ★ 6/10

  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

  Read full review ↓

Production companies

Who made it

• 

  Four Knights Film

  NZ

Key crew

• Script SupervisorKath Thomas
• ProducerTom Hern
• Co-ProducerJim Marbrook
• EditorPeter Roberts
• Co-ProducerJames Napier Robertson
• Production DesignKim Sinclair
• Executive ProducerTimothy White
• First Assistant DirectorLuke Robinson
• Second Assistant DirectorSophie Calver
• Third Assistant DirectorRachael Boggs
• Third Assistant DirectorAnt Davies
• Executive ProducerCliff Curtis
• Associate ProducerSasha Wood
• Associate ProducerTim Wood
• Additional EditingAnnie Collins
• MusicDana Lund

Themes & keywords

What it's about, really

• chess
• new zealand
• based on true story
• auckland

Release history · US

When it landed

• Theatrical2015-04-25

Also known as

International titles

• GenesisNZ
• 幽暗骏马CN