An interesting look at a community and its problems. The story had a certain predictability but excellent all the same and it makes chess look interesting.
This is a profoundly moving film about a schizophrenic outcast who comes from a very violent family. His motivation and solace is chess. This is a low budget film about a very poor New Zealand community some of whom are very violent. Not easy to watch. The main character "dark horse" is extremely engaging and emotionally involving. The tale is generally of triumph over adversity and you will not be too depressed for watching it. Advertised as a classic, I would agree.
I got this one out based on the trailer which focuses on some kids from a very deprived area finding self-respect through learning and competing in chess - and billed it to my family as a feel-good movie.
Well, I got a bit more than I bargained for, with some very violent scenes, and some vicious attitudes, as you delve into the depths of human dysfunction in an area dominated by drugs and gangs .
However, it was an extremely powerful film, with a positive ending and some very moving performances.
Highly recommend it.