THE DARK HORSE (M)

Directed by James Napier Robertson. Starring Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance. Movie: ✪✪✪✪✪ Extras: ✪✪✪

In the 20 years since his breakthrough role in Once Were Warriors, Cliff Curtis has proved anything but a dark horse, landing key Hollywood parts while producing local movies such as Boy. But in this reunion with Boy star James Rolleston, he races ahead of anything he’s done with a true-life portrayal that’s funny, touching and fiercely grounded. He plays a homeless bi-polar chess maestro who helps troubled Gisborne youth overcome the kind of challenges that threaten the future of his young nephew, gang prospect Rolleston. There’s nothing black and white about the issues this award-winner confronts, but deft direction, memorable performances and clever writing keep Horse surprisingly upbeat with nary a false move. (Subtitled.)