There’s something worthwhile to appreciate about this movie. It's regarded as one of the finest films New Zealand has produced. The narrative draws from the life of an individual who experienced severe bipolar disorder. The plot focuses on Genesis Potini, a chess prodigy. Even with his condition, he establishes a chess club, the Eastern Knights, to mentor disadvantaged children. The film depicts both his personal challenges and his efforts to keep Maori youth from making destructive choices. From that angle, it's an effectively presented story. It’s not comparable to 'Once Were Warriors,' though there are scenes that resonate. The portrayal of Maori people grappling with the conflict between positive and negative influences felt particularly direct. I didn’t find myself completely engaged, but I can acknowledge that it is a commendable film with a valuable message. I'm glad I chose to watch it, although it wasn’t really made for someone like me. A significant portion of the movie felt slow because of its two-hour length; it would have been better if it had been closer to ninety minutes. The acting was definitely a strength. Some performers were newcomers but delivered strong performances and received recognition. Cliff Curtis, however, is the standout in the film, having earned several international awards for his performance. As I mentioned, the first half felt slow, but when chess becomes central to the story, things shift and many positive developments occur. It feels like an uplifting movie in a unique way. It’s worth seeing, but it's not exactly lighthearted; therefore, I don’t believe everyone will enjoy it, despite its fascinating subject matter. 6/10

Source on TMDB