A New Zealand story, based on a true story, about a mentally ill chess genius, battling to keep himself together in his brutal surroundings. This was the type of film I had to stay in my seat for as long as possible after, to process what I'd seen and to re- commence breathing.
The story is brilliantly told. While this story is an incredibly violent story, you see very little of the violence directly. Instead the heaviness of the world transfers directly from Genesis, the main character, to the audience.
I'm not sure that I've seen a film that portrays a character struggling to have life with and beyond mental illness. Cliff Curtis' performance is incredible and is as worthy of critical acclaim as the best acting performances. James Rolleston is no one-trick pony from Boy. He's a very fine actor and I can't wait to see him in more. All of the supporting performances are good, but I would be remiss if I failed to mention Wayne Hapi in his first performance. His screen presence is powerful and enormous. Niwa Whatuira also does very well in his small, but intense role.
The cinematography and direction are both subtle but incredibly powerful. Genesis' mental state, his tenderness, his strengths and his weaknesses are viscerally knotted into the audience's stomach and heart.
I can't wait to see more from any of this ensemble.
The story is brilliantly told. While this story is an incredibly violent story, you see very little of the violence directly. Instead the heaviness of the world transfers directly from Genesis, the main character, to the audience.
I'm not sure that I've seen a film that portrays a character struggling to have life with and beyond mental illness. Cliff Curtis' performance is incredible and is as worthy of critical acclaim as the best acting performances. James Rolleston is no one-trick pony from Boy. He's a very fine actor and I can't wait to see him in more. All of the supporting performances are good, but I would be remiss if I failed to mention Wayne Hapi in his first performance. His screen presence is powerful and enormous. Niwa Whatuira also does very well in his small, but intense role.
The cinematography and direction are both subtle but incredibly powerful. Genesis' mental state, his tenderness, his strengths and his weaknesses are viscerally knotted into the audience's stomach and heart.
I can't wait to see more from any of this ensemble.