Review of The Dark Horse (2014) by David L — 19 Oct 2015

One of the best films of 2015 without doubt and a must-see for any viewer perhaps older than 13 (some gang violence depicted and considerable vulgarity used by gang members). We learn of the Maoris, an ethnic minority group in New Zealand, living in squalor in an urban setting, and of one member who has suffered from schizophrenia since he was a child but who seems connected to his spiritual beliefs, was a successful local speed chess champion some years earlier, and is clearly a very moral and good person, despite his psychosis.

He gives his time to a chess club designed to provide social interactions with peers, safety from gangs or neglectful or violent households, and inspiration to other Maori children from troubled or simply stressed families.

Because the central character is attempting to inspire children via chess, one gets the sense his volunteering is psychiatric rehabilitation for him too, allowing him to reconnect with his life's passion, chess.

Another major theme in the movie is the main character's concern for a nephew about to be inculcated into a violent Maori gang. This introduction gives little away of the story line as it is introduced in the early few minutes - no more will be revealed.

The acting is superb from all characters, the music is excellent, the photography is fantastic, the story is very moving - we are all rooting for the protagonist, for the children he helps, and for his nephew, throughout the film.

It is very much a feel-good movie for the entire family but because of the presence of some violence I would recommend it to a precocious 13 year old or up, male or female. A movie very well executed in all aspects, very intelligent, one likely to enthrall teenagers and adults alike.

Easily one of the best films from 2015 and easily within the top 5 New Zealand films of all time. Highly recommended. Hope it makes it to foreign Oscar nomination as it greatly deserves it.