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"Great SCI-FI Action Film With Strong Political and Social Overtones"
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A 2009 science fiction / action film directed by Neill Blomkamp.
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Rating:
I went into this movie feeling slightly mislead, but in a good way. I'm not sure why, but I thought this was going to be some shallow, action oriented sci-fi movie that's only really enjoyable in theaters. I left feeling like I had seen one of the better sci-fi movies of the past few years. I could tell my friend was disappointed leaving the theater; he's the kind of person who loves terror, destruction and mayhem...yes, he's evil. I, on the other hand, enjoy a certain level of sophistication beyond the action (in most cases, there are exceptions). District 9 focuses on social and political issues just as much as it does on aliens and the mystery behind them, and it makes the movie that much better.
+5
Right from the opening frame I knew this was going to be an original movie. The beginning is handled like a documentary, explaining how the aliens (called "prawns") got to where they are and the interactions between them and the humans. One thing I loved is how the humans and prawns talk to each other despite using different languages. With movies in this same vein, usually you have the aliens not communicating at all and just mindlessly killing people. District 9 goes deeper than that and addresses social and political issues. The main story closely follows Wilkus Van Der Merwe, who's in charge of handling District 9 (where the prawns live). His experiences change him, and the difference in his demeanor and attitude by the end of the movie is staggering.
I don't want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. Having "Peter Jackson presents" be a focal point of your marketing scheme is sure to gain a wide audience, but that doesn't guarentee a good movie. Luckily director Neil Blomkamp was able to make a distinctly unique film that manages to go beyond your average summer sci-fi/action movie and get you thinking a bit. There's also action and suspense for those who are interested, so it strikes a nice balance. It's certainly a must-see for 2009.
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More District 9 reviews
Okay, I'm a pretty big sci-fi geek. I watch numerous sci-fi shows and I'm a big fan of most sci-fi films. I enjoy watching science fiction be used as a platform that explores deep personal truths about the human condition. Every good sci-fi movie reveals something deep about ourselves, but amongst the good ones, there are terrible sci-fi movies that never should have seen the light of day. I'm normally an easy reviewer and I'll even give a bad sci-fi film some credit every once in … more
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District 9 is one of those movies that I bought on DVD (though I soon upgraded to blu-ray) on a whim and wasn't burned by a bad movie. This was one of those times that I wish I watched the movie in theaters, and that when the hype behind a hit movie is largely justified. STORY In 1982, a giant alien ship grinds to a halt above Johannesburg, South Africa. The aliens are referred to negatively as “Prawns” for their scavenger-like personalities, … more
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Compliments (47)
Co-produced by Peter Jackson, the acclaimed director of the “Lord of the Rings” and directed by Neil Blomkamp; ‘DISTRICT 9” screams “Cult Classic”. Blomkamp has adapted his short film called “Alive in Joberg” and has crafted a film loosely inspired by the events of District 6 in South Africa. “District 9” collects some familiar pieces of history, science fiction elements, and some cool action in a tale which is mainly a retelling … more
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The idea of using science fiction and horror stories as a way of discussing taboo or controversial social, political, and religious themes is nothing new. Since the birth of the horror genre, which came into being after the popularity of 18th century gothic romance took off, and since science fiction was first acknowledged as a genre unto itself in the late 19th century, the two have often dealt with issues that were considered to be of the utmost social importance while disguising … more
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Despite the movie's less-than-subtle messages about humanity, I found this to be a strong film because of the fact that the characters have decent levels of depth to them, which is one of the main deciding factors for why I like District 9. In particular, I found Wikus's change in character, physically and in terms of personality, the most interesting. The cool action scenes and visual aesthetics to the Prawn technology are also helping factors with this. … more
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District 9 begins when a very large star ship lands in South Africa during 1982. These are aliens called "the prawns" and are initially welcomed by the human race. Now, twenty-eight years after this, the aliens are stuck and mistreated in a beat up, worthless camp called District 9. The Multi-National United, otherwise known as MNU, cares very little for the alien race, but has strong interest in their advanced weapons. An MNU field operative, Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) … more
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review by Lopez15.
December 30, 2009
I've seen Sci-Fi films that try and fail miserable to get that emotional reaction from audience by telling a recycled story and a dried up plot. But I'm finally happy to report that there is such a Si-Fi film, and this film is called "District 9." District 9 tells the story of a lone man, who is infected by an alien biotechnology and him and him alone becomes the only hope for the salvation of the aliens. It's a powerful film that resonates with Science … more
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'District 9' is one of those movies that blindsided me - I had heard a little about it before seeing it, but few specifics. I was excited and hopeful, usually signs that I'm about to be disappointed. Not only did the film not disappoint, it went well beyond any expectations I had of it. In terms of story, it's a film where very little is as it initially seems. You are presented with a deceptively simple scenario - a large alien craft has sort of broken down over Johannesburg, … more
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Compliments (33)
I must be honest. When I first saw previews for District 9 my only thought was that it was remarkable how Transformers 2, GI Joe and District 9 could all look like the same preview. Yet the more I began to learn about it, the more I realized that unlike the other two, District 9 might actually be a good movie. A fun movie that could be more than meets the eye. The previews don't make the film look like much. Not in my eyes, but then again... the preview … more
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I loved this film for many reasons, but I'll try to keep this review spoiler-free so you can enjoy the film the way I did. It's really quite deep and thought-provoking. No big name stars. To me this is a plus, especially in an action film, because you never know where the big action might come from next. It keeps you guessing. Great effects. The creatures are really believable. I can't wait to get the behind-the-scenes extras on the DVD to hear more about how these aliens … more
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About the reviewer
Anthony (amlabella)
I'm a video game, movie, sports, and music nut. I also enjoy watching TV, reading, and playing golf.
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About this movie
A provocative science fiction drama,District 9 boasts an original story that gets a little lost in blow-'em-up mayhem. Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, District 9 begins as a mock documentary about the imminent eviction of extraterrestrials from a pathetic shantytown (called District 9). The creatures, it turns out, have been on Earth for years, having arrived sickly and starving. Initially received by humans with compassion and care, the aliens are now mired in blighted conditions typical of long-term refugee camps unwanted by a hostile, host society. With the creatures' care contracted out to a for-profit corporation, the shantytown has become a violent slum. The aliens sift through massive piles of junk while their minders secretly research weapons technology that arrived on the visitors' spacecraft.
Against this backdrop is a more personal story about a bureaucrat named Wikus (Sharlto Copley) who is accidentally exposed to a DNA-altering substance. As he begins metamorphosing into one of the creatures, Wikus goes on the run from scientists who want to harvest his evolving, new parts and aliens who see him as a threat. When he pairs up with an extraterrestrial secretly planning an escape from Earth, however, what should be a fascinating relationship story becomes a series of firefights and explosions. Nuance is lost to numbing violence, and the more interesting potential of the film is obscured. Yet, for a while District 9 is a ...
Director:
Neill Blomkamp
Genre:
Action,
Drama,
Horror,
Sci-Fi,
Thriller
Release Date:
August 14, 2009
MPAA Rating:
R
Screen Writer:
Neill Blomkamp,
Terri Tatchell
DVD Release Date:
December 22, 2009
Runtime:
112 minutes
Studio:
Sony Pictures
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i did like how there wasn't too much voiceover or documentary stuff about the ending. even though I was totally puzzled by that weird flower. I don't understand why the guy didn't just leave a real flower for her. Or maybe the flower will be a bio-weapon in the sequel.