Genesis Potini (Cliff Curtis of Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider fame) is a New Zealand legend: a bipolar Maori who spent time in and out of institutions, he joined the Eastern Knights chess association and used chess to turn around the lives of some 15,000 Maori kids. This superbly realized biopic traces Potini’s damaged but ultimately rewarding life. And there is much humor to be found amongst the drama, especially from the many unbridled children — all damaged, all essentially still innocent — Potini teaches.
“An emotionally potent story of redemption anchored by a heart-piercing lead performance from Cliff Curtis. . . There’s a grit and a dread that hang over this underdog tale.” – The Hollywood Reporter.
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