This film is inspired by
Jim Marbrook’s 2003 documentary about Genesis Pontini. He is brilliant in playing chess but he
struggles with mental illness. He
has hallucinations and he talks to himself. He finds a purpose and helps his recovery by teaching
underprivileged Maori youth about the rules of chess and life.
I had trouble
understanding some of the lines spoken by the actors? This is also a completely different culture and I found it
difficult to understand the culture and the relationships. 3* (This movie is OK)
124
min, Bio directed by James Napier Robertson with Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston,
Kirk Torrance, Miriama McDowell, Barry Te Hira, Xavier Horan.
Note: Imdb 7.6 out of 10, 97% critic 77% audience
on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3 ½*, Amazon 4.8* out of 5* with 9 reviews
(video 4.1* out of 5* with 208 reviews)
Special
Note: Filmed in Gisborne and
Auckland, New Zealand. Cliff
Curtis gained almost 60 pounds and remained in character as Genesis during the entire
shoot. Genesis Ponti was born
September 5, 1963 and he passed away August 15, 2011. He was known for his speed as a 1-minute chess player and he had
bipolar disorder.
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