The Dark Horse wins over Brit critics

A scene from the movie The Dark Horse.

New zealand film The Dark Horse continues to win global acclaim, with prominent British reviewers giving it glowing reviews as it hit UK cinemas over Easter weekend.

The movie, directed by James Napier Robertson and based on the life of bipolar chess champ Genesis Potini, stars Cliff Curtis.

The Observer praised the movie's leading man saying "Cliff Curtis, best known internationally for his supporting role in Whale Rider, dominates the screen as the mercurial Gen. It's a breathtaking performance, note-perfect in every gesture, mesmerising in its conviction."

The Guardian called it "a solidly entertaining drama with an intriguingly unconventional lead".

"A committed, compellingly unpredictable central performance from New Zealand actor Cliff Curtis is the driving force behind The Dark Horse, said The Times.

"Robertson gives himself and his actors time to ponder the board and build convincing relationships and tensions: he's especially deft around his younger performers, allowing them to register as distinct, often defiant personalities - pawns with a purpose, " said The Daily Telegraph reviewer about the film's director.

"A film all the more heartwarming because it is based in truth." noted The Daily Express.

The Dark Horse is due for a United States theatrical release in June, followed by releases in more European countries.

The movie took Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor at last year's New Zealand Film Awards.

- TimeOut