District 9 (2009)
Strong violence and coarse language
| Director: | Neill Blomkamp |
| Actors: | Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope |
Twenty years ago, an extra terrestrial mothership appeared above the earth. Humans waited for a hostile attack or giant advances in technology. Instead they found a stranded refugee group of non-humans, possibly the last survivors of their own world. As the world's nations argued over what to do with them, the creatures were relegated to a ghetto area - District 9.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 100mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
Aliens are people too
by Simon Miraudo, 6/08/2009 12:50:00 PM
If aliens ever visit our lovely planet, do you think they would be impressed or disgusted by the human race? I don’t mean in regards to our rampant, illogical racism or our obsession with killing one another. I’m talking specifically about YouTube. As an advanced race of super-intelligent beings emerge from the stars and finally make first contact, what are the odds that the rest of us will be gawking up with our iPhone’s instead of giving them a warm welcome. “Hey Trisha! Chek out this vid! WTF???” we’ll SMS to one another (or at least people who know someone called Trisha). What would get more hits? The alien invasion or that video of the laughing baby? District 9 is an invasion movie for the YouTube generation. Director Neill Blomkamp does not lower himself to TMZ depths with his featu...
If aliens ever visit our lovely planet, do you think they would be impressed or disgusted by the human race? I don’t mean in regards to our rampant, illogical racism or our obsession with killing one another. I’m talking specifically about YouTube. As an advanced race of super-intelligent beings emerge from the stars and finally make first contact, what are the odds that the rest of us will be gawking up with our iPhone’s instead of giving them a warm welcome. “Hey Trisha! Chek out this vid! WTF???” we’ll SMS to one another (or at least people who know someone called Trisha). What would get more hits? The alien invasion or that video of the laughing baby?
District 9 is an invasion movie for the YouTube generation. Director Neill Blomkamp does not lower himself to TMZ depths with his feature film debut, but instead delivers a potentially accurate account of alien/human relations through the use of interviews, news reports, CCTV footage and embedded reporters. All of it has been faked (obviously), but Blomkamp makes his sci-fi drama feel like an Errol Morris documentary. Blomkamp and producer Peter Jackson hypothesise that if aliens were ever to visit Earth, they would be rounded up and held in inhospitable refugee camps. An interesting theory, although it implies that human-kind is calm enough to respond to the unknown without launching countless nuclear missiles.
According to the film, an alien ship arrived over Johannesburg, South Africa more than twenty years ago. Discovered aboard the ship were numerous malnourished alien-beings referred to as Prawns, due to their Prawn-like appearance (racism has never been particularly inventive). With the world’s eyes on the South African government, the mostly-peaceful aliens were segregated from the human population and held in an area designated District 9. Over the years D9 turned into a ghetto of nightmares; slums that would make the cast of Slumdog Millionaire feel so luckyby comparison they’d likely break into another rendition of ‘Jai Ho’. Under the rule of MNU (a privately contracted division with plenty of secrets), a decision is made to move the prawns from D9 to the cleaner, smaller District 10. Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is hired to lead the transition. And then…ah, I really shouldn't give any more away.
District 9 is one of the greatest surprises I’ve been treated to in a long time. The trailers imply a sort of sci-fi mockumentary with the not-so-hidden agenda of discussing the rights of illegal aliens. Fear not. Although the film is dripping in satire (the correlation between the film and South Africa's explosive racial history is too obvious to discuss - and frankly, requires more room than is available here), Blomkamp is more concerned with delivering a balls-to-the-wall action film. District 9 has more in common with Aliens than Babel. Much like James Cameron’s sci-fi classic, Blomkamp builds an entirely believable universe with detailed alien creatures and some absolutely crazy extraterrestrial weaponry. The film is actually pretty damn funny as well, and harkens back to Jackson’s pre-Lord Of The Rings days; back when he used to make all those goofy, gory films like Bad Taste. The number of people that are liquefied or decapitated in District 9 almost becomes too great to count.
Sadly, the action comes at a price. The central premise of an alien refugee camp is terribly intriguing, but it is all but abandoned fairly early. The same goes for the film’s documentary style, which only re-emerges when it suits Blomkamp. He doesn’t commit to the cinema verite style as Matt Reeves did with the underrated Cloverfield. While the picture has some incredible action sequences, it feels as if Blomkamp didn’t know how to work it into a documentary form. The inconsistency is distracting at times, which is a shame because District 9 is genuinely special.
What mostly separates District 9 from other action films is the excellent character work. It was a bold move casting Copley in the lead role. Wikus is dorky, cowardly and sometimes just plain mean. Imagine a South African version of Steve Carell in The Office. This guy shouldn’t be an action hero, but somehow it works. His journey is the film’s central narrative, and his character’s evolution is both thrilling and touching. Also impressive is the characterisation of the prawns, most notably an intelligent engineer named Christopher who teams up with Wikus (for reasons I wouldn’t dare spoil). It is possibly one of the first times that a CG character and a real-life actor have engaged in a truly believable relationship on film. Jar Jar, eat your heart out.
4.5/5
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Member Reviews (174)
174 Member
Reviews
Susan
says
Absolutely brilliant, the play on racism in South Africa was wonderful and enlightening. The doco drama presentation even better
Ethan
says
One of the greatest movies I have ever seen. I am not exaggerating. This movie changed my life.
Steve
says
.
Johnson
says
Sharp, clever and measured... not often you can say that about sci-fi movies. The ending tends to devolve into typical fare, but the rest of the film is a great ride.
PeterJH
says
This is not about aliens from another planet. It's about aliens who aren't us.
Have done the deep moral thing I now opine that this is a rollickingly fast and engaging sci fi movie with a few novel approaches. I just wish movie makers would stop basing their aliens on humans. I'm sure we don't all have to have two eyes, stand erect on two legs and have arms.
Margaret
says
Early Peter Jackson says it all. Aliens land, but they are refugees and they break down over Johannesburg. The special features claim it is non-political but there has seldom been a more scathing condemnation of racism in general and apartheid in particular. Chillingly shot on the outskirts of Soweto where an abandoned refugee slum was used as backdrop inspiration and recycled building materials. Science fiction with a real bite
Rita K.
says
I felt so sorry for the aliens... bloody humans.
Mickey G
says
I really enjoyed this film. I didn't expect to and I thought the accents where going to bug me throughout, but perhaps it was good that it wasn't set in the USA as all aliens seem to want to go to when arriving on planet earth. Perhaps Disney Land is their real objective?
The violence is strong and some scenes a little gruesome. The level of language is appropriate for what happens in the story. This film is well made, nice plot and interesting questions arise from it. Worth a viewing.
lion67
says
When's the sequel? This is a very intelligent Sci-Fi film with plenty of messages true to SA today. Very funny and incredibly well acted.
movie watcher
says
Not so hot but quite original with only a tiny connection to Alien Nation, the movie and series. Still has some appeal to Sci-Fi lovers.
moggie65
says
An unusual, but excellent sci-fi movie - the best of this genre that I've seen in ages - so much better than the usual American crap that passes for sci-fi these days and mercifully minus the "super-hero" image. Loved it
Simon
says
Great alrounder- it's got intrigue, humour and decent action too
jh
says
Very enjoyable movie and I am not even into Scifi flicks. Makes you think afterwards.
Tanya
says
This would have to be the worst movie ever
Amanda
says
A fantastic movie. Original. If you like monster movies and sci-fi this will suit you.
darkwood1498
says
Judging from the review I've read from viewers, this film polarises. I'm in the loved it' camp. It's a satire. Loads of irony. Loads of subtle humour. Loads of pathos. Loved the accents, loved the acting, loved the well drawn aliens (thanks to the experience of Peter Jackson and the talented people who work for him). Interesting how it parallels with racism in the world today. And it asks the question - what do you think today's humans would do if they found aliens on earth in a vulnerable state? The commercial TV channels would really have a ball - bigger than the royal wedding by far! It's a satire folks - so don't get too serious about it.
ant
says
disjointed and painful to watch - the hype is overblown on this one
vh
says
It's like Quentin Tarantino doing E.T.
Lot's of gore and blood but there is a valuable message in there as well.
We actually quite liked this one.
A very interesting and unusual approach to a theme that has been done many times before.
Alex Vassilieff
says
Absolute Rubbish - Wasted space
Tina
says
This movie was absolute rubbish
ka-tet
says
Smart funny and subversive. The only reason it felt wrong to say this is an anthropmorphization of apartheid is because it forces us to acknowledge such atrocities as a human trait. In fact the "prawns" are more human than human it's impossible not to empathise with them. From the bumbling bureaucrat to the hapless prawn this film covers more of the human spectrum than one cares to admit. From ride along doco style to full blown sci fi action, this is an easy film to enjoy and a good way to confront the more uncomfortable traits of the human condition and the painful path to redemption. For those who think this message is passed its time just take a moment to consider how far away are we from Christmas Island.
RICHARD D T WILSON.
says
ABSOLUTELY BLOOMING DISGUSTING. A WARNING TO HUMANITY FOR ENGAGING IN ET ANTICS DUE TO COMPASSION.
Keith
says
I lasted about 30 minutes but why it took that long to turn it off is beyond me. Would have to be the worst Sci fi I have seen and that includes attack ot the killer tomatoes!
craig ruth
says
a bit of a strange movie //why didnt we try to learn from them
Rick
says
What a piece of rubbish! Mockumentary style, terrible storyline that didnt follow anywhere and very badly acted. I gave it 40 minutes to get better and it didnt so I turned it off. Looked better on the previews but when you watch it you feel cheated. Dont bother with this one.
CP
says
Usual science fiction with special effects, if you like that sort of thing.
viewer with taste
says
Apalling. Aliens versus people. It won an award. Most women
Anne
says
Wasn't as good as we expected, a little to way out. Story line all over the place.
Kathy
says
I couldn't get into this movie, so I didn't finish watching it
Jessica Ly
says
Not a bad movie, worth spending your Saturday night. It has its attraction (alien living in a slump on earth).
Carolyn
says
Wow this is an unexpected treat. If you like Sci Fi with heart (both human and alien) you'll like this. Loved the analogy of the aliens being treated as refugees and the questions of whether they're being treated appropriately. Very well done.
rosz
says
An alien ship arrives at Earth. There's no explanation from anyone about where they came from or why, but the authorities treat the malnourished aliens like refugees and put them into camps. A multinational corporation, which coincidentally is also a weapons manufacturer, is put in control of them. The film follows the journey of a minor bureaucrat who is in charge of moving the refugees to a new camp further from Johannesburg. I liked it. Yes, it has shaky camera work, but it is completely incorporated as part of the plot and is justified. This movie has quite a few layers to it. It is gritty and the violence made me wince a few times because I found it completely believable. It is blackly humourous at times. It says seriously things about people who are just doing their job to the best of their ability, a-la nazi death camps. The main character is very difficult to like and he only just redeems himself toward the end. This is usually something that puts me off a movie, however this movie had some points to make about our society, which it makes strongly and with style.
MelbourneTown
says
I'm not really a sci-fi fan, but did enjoy this one - it is more of a parable than a story. I do not think there is any coincidence that a film like this was made in South Africa.
STEWART
says
A refreshingly origional science fiction action movie. The theme was very down - to - earth and clearly aimed at mimicking local South African conditions.
The hero was also an unlikely fellow and all the usual villans were present -the corporate rogues, the psycho cops and the gang land warriers.
Great movie .
gra
says
one of the best scifi movies of the decade. if u like this your next move is "moon"
mars
says
What an absolutly horrible movie.
Naty
says
Sci-fi is my favorite genre, and this is one of the most original sci-fi movie i have seen in years! Excellent and thought provoking... i only hope that eventually there will be a sequel.
ROYALS
says
Don't know how I missed this as a movie release but it is right up there with Avatar and Inception as cutting edge sci-fi. Completely captivating from beginning to end.
TheMeerkat
says
Best sci-fi in a loooong time. Combines action with pathos and brutality and makes a great statement about the ugliness of bigotry.
Steve E
says
Would we treat 'the Prawns' any differently than the South Africans did.
Not bad for an average Sci Fi movie.
Robertito
says
Very entertaining and thought provoking. It's so rare to see a sci fi film with interesting characters. Hard to say much about the film without spoiling it, in my opinion. If you liked this, you might also enjoy Moon and Children of Men - science fiction with heart.
Patricia Stevens
says
Absoutely ridiculous
A2Z
says
Takes a bit to get into. Worth the watch, but put your preconceptions on hold, give the story a chance. Would have said during the first 20 minutes, what a crock ...... But as the threads came together, so did the story. I'd watch it again.
Cheryl
says
Rubbish, crap, total waste of time, I want to sue the makers for this period of my life back...
Aeris
says
Typical male over the top junk! (and yes I'm a girl). Initially the story started off interesting with the 'mockumentry' style filming, but then it spiralled down into a foul-mouthed, gory and torture infested piece of slime. The ending was okay but was open-ended - they're probably hoping for a sequel, but I wouldn't watch it if you gave me a million bucks! This could have been such a great film if it hadn't lost the plot and become a bloody and foulmouthed mess. I ended up fast forwarding the majority of the film as I got sick of all of the above.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FAMILY VIEWING!
Canker99
says
Great movie. The beginning was slow and strange but dont let that deter you. Fantastic special effects and a sad reflection of human society.
Kat Solo
says
Plenty of awesome tech, gore and explosions if thats your thing, plus pathos, drama and intelligent allegory for those who want to be entertained, but also engage their brains.
This disturbing sci-fi, action and redemption story gets off to a slow start, but once it speeds up it delivers. With an allegory of the recent history of South Africa, with a flawed and very real protagonist.
MJ
says
I didn't like this movie at all but I pushed myself to watch it to the end. It sounded good on the cover, but it was really disappointing.
Danuta
says
Peter Jackson presents a great Sci Fi Movie! Absolutely absorbing until the end, it had so many great elements. Good script with great acting and some comedy in parts, also with various messages about racism with respect to the aliens and not earlthlings.
Loved the documentary style intercut with normal dramatic interludes. It works well in this film! Special effects and CGI were also great. The director should be commended. Hats off to all who worked on it. Will there be a sequel? What happens in 3 years time?
Al
says
Ignore all the negative reviews that don't explain at all why they think the movie is bad.
This is a great movie. The most original Sci-Fi in years. Don't be put off by the possibly strange and slow start which may feel more like a documentary. The movie really picks up and becomes more cinematic once things get rolling, and you'll know when it gets rolling. The documentary style works really well, especially at the beginning, as it sets the film into an authentic like context. I think Copley plays a great role as the Wikus van der Merwe as he is the every day family man and has a very genuine character, unlike most movies where you're stuck behind some typical, gung ho marine or cop that you couldn't care less about.
I have to pity all the impatient and hollow minded people reviewing that watched no more than 30 minutes before switching it off, only to write a review calling it a terrible and boring movie. Watch the entire movie before judging it!
Gavin B
says
I thought this film was great. It seems from the other reviews that you either like it or hate it. The acting was ok and the story was interesting, funny and also quite sad in many ways. The entire movie was a metaphor of the history of South Africa.
Cj
says
Are u kidding me !!! The director Neill Blomkamp sould be sued for waisting my time with this movie. What a total load of stinking rubbish And for those that actually rated it stars, go get ur head read.
I rate it a big MINUS 2 stars
Philippa
says
Hilarious and horrific!!! Very entertaining
peter
says
It was different. I enjoyed it. It was nice not hearing American accents for a change.
Nina W
says
AVOID. I couldn't make it past 13 mins 49 secs.
Nigel W
says
Alien refugees are treated as second class citizens by authorities and even blacks in South Africa. Novel sci fi movie that takes a different approach to the genre. Apart from the shaky camera approach and unusual locale this is a fairly conventional movie in other ways. OK but not great.
Bron
says
I was a bit sceptical when I started watching this - it almost seemed spoof-like
Audrey T
says
Weird movie but unexpectedly enjoyable. It was a refreshing version of the old alien invasion story, even though it's a B-grade movie, I had to watch it to the end.
Graeme R
says
Different. Was enthralled to the end, if only to see how ending played out. Yes, they did resemble prawns, but when you look at some of those Sth.Af. rugby players, they shouldn't be calling anyone names.
Foota
says
Absolutely fantastic and humerous. Was addicting, I loved every minute of it.
The way they act, what the love to eat and especially the way they talk.
The presentation was superb and actors did extremely truthful production.
I cant do reviews but I just want to say that I want one.... with a weapon :)
TKH
says
I did not like this movie at all even though I am a huge sci-fi fan. I had a lot of trouble with the documentary style way it was presented, so much so that I did not even finish the movie. I was very disappointed.
jubei
says
Best Sci Fi movie in YEARS! too bad about the accents :(
3
says
This film was engaging and was different, interesting as well it was good too see south african characters that was out the norm. Not Bad
Nita
says
Given that Sci-Fi is one of my favourite genres I was actually a little disappointed by the movie. I didn't realise it would be in a doco-esque format. However, once I got past that issue of mine I actually really enjoyed the film. It was a completely unique storyline and though a lot of it was very "in your face" it did have it's moments of humour. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a good Sci-Fi, but expect nothing. This movie delivers... but not how you'd expect.
Jorja
says
Worst movie I've seen.
Nat
says
This movie is SOOOOOO BAD! I couldn't figure out if it was meant to be a comedy or just a tragic piece of cr*p and then I realised it wasn't a comedy but the later. Avoid.
Prawn hater
says
Worst movie I have ever seen!! This is no exaggeration. This is an understatement. It's badder than bad.
Prawn
says
Fantastic! Very original, very clever film. Excellent special effects. Funny. Smart. Don't be put off by bad reviews - this is a great film.
sharon
says
that was the biggest load of rubbish i have ever seen ....very bad movie.
kelly smith
says
not really a good movie....
John F
says
Totally original and very entertaining. Wonderful to see a non-Hollywood Sci-Fi outing. Says more than you see on the screen and very impressively produced, despite, I would imagine a very low budget.
moviefan888
says
excellent movie!! really unexpected. the human side of a sci fi action alien movie. great actors. a bit sad. not typical hollywood/american.
kim
says
Wow! I loved the story alot, great sci-fi premise. I dont like horror and this had me cringing with my stomach in knots constantly!
I think it really breaks ground..it was introduced doco style.
Gritty, shocking, triumphant, fantastic!
S
says
A very interesting and thought provoking film if one remembers the old South
Africa. Read District 9 as one of the Townships, I would recommend this movie to
all those who cab see past the entertainment and who will think about it.......
steve
says
strange start but very good waiting for the follow up movie
MIchael
says
While it did have a few LOL moments it was a waste of two hours
Louis
says
Total waste of time, the only way that this film made money is by marketing it's release, and show you interesting pictures like the "No Humans Allowed", I thought I would see something like Alien Vs Predator but once you start watching you'll regret starting to watch in the first place.
Greaeme
says
Very entertaining and deep movie. It's a film about charcters and not crazy action scenes like most people seem to think it should be. This is a classic. People who say this is the worst film they've ever seen musn't go out much. The acting is great, the storyline original and the special effect awsome dispite the films low budget. If you like films with real human emotion and don't just watch for action this film is for you.
Fiona
says
I don't usually like these sorts of movies but I loved District 9!
Keiran
says
Fantastic, very original. Although there is a Sci-Fi 'theme' this is a movie that even people who don't like Sci-FI could watch. The setting is Johannesburg and the movie wouldn't have worked anywhere else.
Sad, but touching.
liana
says
didn't really like it
Julian
says
Very weird at first but then you realise this is a spoof or satire about the apartheid years in South Africa and the aliens are in effect the blacks and the whites are the Dutch /Afrikaans caffers and no body wins. A very different movie.
Robin
says
One of the more intelligent science fiction movies I can remember in a while. The documentary format is great, really draws you in to a compelling, but depressing, story. Well worth watching.
Shelley
says
Thought it was a joke at first, however it was a really good film. The first 40 minutes or so, we could have turned it off, however it was well worth it to watch the whole movie. Great story in a documentary style that we thought really worked.
alias j
says
Love this movie. one of the better ones
Glenn
says
One of the most original SciFi movies I've ever seen. Special effects done well, not too over the top, combined with a good story. Puts an interesting spin on the whole "Aliens Coming To Earth" thing. If you like alien movies, you'll probably like this.
Kendy B
says
Took a bit to get into this movie, but in the end I really enjoyed its unique view. An interesting portrait of human nature to distrust what it dosn't understand. A very enjoyable, though strange film.
Christos
says
Totally disapointing and un-intelligable! Couldn't make head or tail of it! Comical toward the end! a cross between Alien and Spiderman! Totally woeful!
Maureen
says
Get's a little better as it goes, but really didn't enjoy it at all - a waste of time!
chrissymac
says
Stupid, stupid movie, was a documentary!!! Only watched for 1/2 hour
Diane
says
Hopeless movie. No recognisable storyline. Watched about half-hour.
Tracey
says
This was absolute rubbish!!
Karla
says
Is actually better the second time you watch it - Bit hard to follow and leaves the ending open. Watch it twice to get the full story.
Samantha
says
Rather odd and not at all what we thought it was going to be. Found it very slow and weird. Not a very worthwhile watch.
Jessica
says
Brilliant film. Best sci fi I've seen in a long time. I looooooved it. I'd rate it up there with Aliens. Can't work out how to give this film 5 stars but that's what I'd like to give it. Damn thing is stuck on 2 and a half stars. Outrageous! :-)
Michael
says
worst movie I have ever seen
Antony D.
says
Excellent movie..
Extra-terrestials that seem to be refugees instead of trying to take over the world... Put in a 'refugee - camp' with fences and guards to prevent them escapng... need to be 'relocated' to District 10.... away from the city of Johannesburg....
I cant say more, but suffice to say, nothing is what it seems.....
Themovie is as real as the 'War of the Worlds' radio show all those years ago..
the movie is in the form of a documentary with interviews of the people involved in the 'relocation' of the 'aliens' or as the derogatory term the South Africans used 'prawns' ...
a must see!
Christopher A.
says
Such an original script. Worth seeing if you like you sci-fi with a bit of social commentary.
Laura S.
says
This film was a real treat in todays no-brainer world of cheesy, soft focus Hollywood dribble. Its best to see this film without knowing everything about it, then you are in for a more interesting ride.
An original (yet sadly too often repeated) story line proves excellent material for some really credible acting performances. The film techniques used add to the realism as do the excellent SFX. There is some awesome full blown action and clever dialogue in this film that makes you think about the subject matter in a way you werent expecting.
Kate
says
Absolutely just could not sit through it. Worst attempt at a movie we've ever seen. No idea what it's about or who the hell might actually enjoy just drivel. sorry quickflix.
Ben
says
Filmed like a bad documentary. Didn't like the main character. Don't bother with this one.
Bridget
says
Was too close to the way South Africans (black) were treated in their own country, not all that long ago. This is probably how we would treat aliens - we hate what is not like us. It made me sad, but some parts made you laugh. Worth the effort, even though the doco style presentation was a little odd. Definitely room there for a sequel - return to District 9....
Carol R.
says
great movie, good sci-fi, loved the prawns!!
Stephen D.
says
What a load of c**p, don't waste your time ordering it
Tamara
says
Interesting use of sci fi to play on how we can repeat the passed wrongs.
Melanie J.
says
OMG worst movie ever, think u have to be high to watch it!!!! Waste of 100mins of my life!
Alison L.
says
Original script - however not really my style of movie. All I can say is that there must have been some really bad movies made between the Oscars if this was selected as one of the best to deserve a nomination this year.
Tatum
says
Don't be put off by the subject matter (aliens) - this is a brilliant film that combines mockumentary, action and comedy styles. A bold experiment in direction setting new standards for the industry. Excellent special effects without being too over the top. The performance by the lead actor playing Wickus was brilliant. I foresee great things for this diverse talent and look forward to seeing him in movies made outside of his home country of South Africa. If I could work out how to give this film 4.5 stars I would!
Alan
says
Brilliant, absolutely stunning in every regard.
The documentary / news reporting start of the movie gives a stubtle warning that the worse side of human nature has kicked in again. Hard hitting and thought provocing I can't wait for the sequel.
Opening a can of cat food will never be the same again.
new member
says
I selected this DVD by the cover. Although a little strange at first, I remained glued to this flick through it's entire duration. A brilliant view of how life on earth 'could' be if we met our alien neighbours.
However, as smart as aliens are supposed to be, Johannesburg would not have been my choice for an alien holiday!
Julie
says
for some reason i thought this was a cop flick.. wat a pleasant surprise. this film was a bag of surprizes.. i felt pity for the 'prawns' disgust at the cruelness and violence shown.. but it was these critical elements that made this flick stand out for me.. extremely enjoyable film..
Amanpreet
says
Good Movie. I liked the movie.
Jodi B.
says
absolute dribble, in the first five minutes i thought you have got to be kidding it has to get better than this, but sadly it didn't.
Steven
says
So there is such a thing as an original sci fi movie. From the awkward anti-hero to the setting in Johannesburg, (thank god the aliens have finally given up on New York and Washington DC) this is a strikingly original film. You know you are breathing fresh air when you find yourself cheering the aliens on in their struggle with the nasty humans. Role on District 10 - The Rescue
Shane E.
says
What a dumb movie. Don't watch it.
Scott P.
says
Good sci-fi movie for what it was, but it could have been much better.
Walter B.
says
Original and a must see for Sci Fi fans and really anybody. Love those Seth Efrican eccents - See Uncle Arthur as an Alien Control bureaucrat.
Kerri
says
what a load of rubbish. when time is precious, don't waste it on this.
Jacqui O.
says
It is very rare that my husband and I would rate any movie very highly. It is not that we are such harsh critics but I think that very few movies deserve the hype or accolades they receive. District 9 held no expectation for us and we had no real knowledge of what we were about to see. In short we loved it and were taken in by the story and the way it was told. The first 15 minutes is a bit slow but it does develop the story nicely and the action, drama and effects are well worth the investment. Highly recommended...Go Christopher!
Thomas L.
says
Enjoyed this movie. I connected with the characters and it is fast paced. A few ridiculous moments but isn't that part of the charm of a SF flick. Worth a watch.
Jason C.
says
Don't waste your time - couldn't tolerate this dumb movie past the first 15 minutes
Bruce P.
says
No stars for this appalling load of rubbish.
I love science fiction, but this is science garbage.
The documentary style concept is like a boring TV show. It is visually bland. The film looks like it was made on a shoestring budget shot on location in a South African rubbish dump, and the aliens look like badly painted paper mache.
Fiona
says
hmm the star says it all
Margaret
says
Apparently not intended as a social-comment film, the sideways look at human behaviour makes this film's running about, big guns and slightly stupid people worthwhile, and it's watchable either as just sci-fi with plenty of splatter and some fun machines or as one take on the problem of racism.
Fulcrum
says
Terrific. I like it when sci-fi has a message (without laying it on too thick). One irritation was the POV changed from following a guy around in a documentary style film to seeing what the 'prawns' were doing in secret. Then it ended up as a standard shoot 'em up like Transformers, but the location of slums was so believable that I didn't care. Just go with it.
Jessica
says
Great film, very different, special effects are amazing, no famous or recognisable actors, lots of action, lots of shootig and violence, a bit of gore and a few gross out moments (to be expected in an alien film!). Quite sad in parts. The shaky camera might cause motion sickness. Overall, very enjoyable and totally deserving of its Best Picture nomination at the Oscars!
andjoh
says
I for some silly unbeknown reason watched it with the Directors commentary through it and thought it was how the movie was made as a documentary style and thought it was intriguing that way. However, the Movie was interesting and makes you think what if this was to happen to Earth one day (will I be around to see it) and how would it really be. District 9 gives you the idea that alien life form could be just another pester bug roaming the world like rats and such. Very enjoyable I recommend to watch but not something I'd like to keep a copy of as I wouldn't watch it again.
Carol J.
says
This film was fantastic in it's originality - I've never seen anything like it! And funny too! The special features were also excellent for exploring some of the double-layered meanings. I think it's one of those pics that you'll either love or hate, but I thought it was brilliant - 5 stars!
Cheryl A.
says
I didn't have any preconceived ideas as to what this movie may be like, and I hated it. We stuck through the whole thing but only due to a morbid fascination to see where it ended up. Sad to see that humanity hasn't progressed past seeing the exterior and still prejudging everything that is different...even the black Africans in the movie had no empathy for what the 'prawns' may have been feeling or needing.
Greg
says
Well it's a diffrent move from your normal alien invation move, I see the aliens as the victoms in this move and the aliens are one of the best I have see, if you can get past the first 15 minits I think you will enjoy it .
And I also have the felling there might be a District 10
Arthur S.
says
Extremely violent, extremely disgusting, but highly original tale of man's inhumanity to man, uh, alien with a dystopic vision of evil corporation/states violating human, uh alien rights without compunction. Really, though, this was too gross.
Kellie R.
says
Ridiculous - didn't even watch the whole film, total waste of time!!!
*
Natalie M.
says
Very boring movie. Turned it off after 15 minutes. Couldn't handle any more than that. Very disappointing
Janine
says
Very interesting boy movie. The aliens are very well thought through, designed etc. Lots of gooey body fluids - yukky - but the story line really gives you something to think about - how do we treat people who are different, why and what should we do about it in the future? I skipped all the chasing and shooting but the males in the family watched it twice.
Sam
says
What a terrible movie or perhaps its a 'chick' thing - I'm sure guys would probably rate this movie. And I just didn't like the whole filmed for TV documentary style of the film. I fast forwarded through the whole thing waiting for something to catch my interest. I was pleased when I saw Peter Jackson directed it and assumed I would be seeing something of his usual style. If I wanted to watch a TV documentary I'd tune in to SBS.
Nicholas H.
says
Once you get past the annoying main character and the stupid looking aliens and story behind it is compelling. Ultimately this movie deals with immigration and corruption This movie is really not so far fetched if you look at how it illustrates how conflifted ideas, policys of government agencies and human aid agencies would deal which a similar situation.
Krystie W.
says
Dissapointed, though it did get better towards the end. This had so much potential to tell a story in an original way. I found myself getting bored throughout yet im a big fan of scifi and horror so i had wanted it to do more. And to be honest i found the accents very very annoying! Sorry, felt like a waste of time.
Les
says
Throw this movie on if you have suffered insomnia for years and medication is not working. Great to see a movie set in Africa. Great concept. Probably had a decent ending but I tried 3 times and never made it past half way without falling asleep.
Rebecca
says
starship troopers meets men in black.
Karen
says
To start with thought it was another "documentary type" movie, but once it got into it, bout 1/2 hour later after I was getting bored, it finally kicked in, then it was very interesting and worth watching. Enjoyed it from then on in to the end.
Erin
says
whats not to like?
Wendy-Ann
says
different
Sunet N.
says
Very original SF if you watch over the first half hour which is pretty boring and filmed like a documentary.
The special effects are heaps good and sometimes shocking. The first vision of the aliens is quite funny, kind of the one scene in the first star war, the bar scene but you will get used to them once the action has started. I found the characters very down to earth and the idea is quite simple however it works. A pity that the end turns into a lenghty battle good vs bad with explosions, guns... Hire it you might enoy it even more than I did.
Leah
says
Great movie - made really well. Very different but I would definatly recomend.
Robyn M.
says
Good idea to use mockumentary to set the back story, but it goes on for a little too long. The movie feels more like a first episode for a series rather than a stand alone movie. The alien effects are great and it is a change to see a sci-fi movie that is not full of goody too shoes.
Paul S.
says
The first part of this movie runs a bit like a news reel or a documentary, but finishes up like the latest terminator movie. Interesting story line with a deeper message and great effects too. It's nice to see the aliens descend over a city other than London or New York for a change.
John
says
What a load of garbage.
Camie
says
Terrible, terrible fiim. I mean really getting aliens to sign evition notices. Don't wast your time I could only watch about 20 mins
Katrina
says
I did not like this movie and this the kinds of movie a really enjoy but there was something that I just did not like about it.
Amy
says
I Dont reccomend this movie to anyone, I was Highly dissapointed!
Crystal
says
feel like a documentary at beginning, but pretty good. however, the ending is a bit disppointing, don't know whether the mothership has left or not, whether Christopher will keep his promise or not....
Helen R.
says
Another who saw this on the big screen. Not many movies have me glued to the screen but this one did. It was so believable and had me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. Not sure how it would translate to the small screen but am willing to give it a try as it was just such an amazing movie.
Belinda E.
says
Wasnt sure about this one at first, but hang in there for more than 15 mins cause this one is awesome! action packed, not like the documentary it appears at the start. So dont fall asleep yet
Jamie W.
says
bad bad bad... not worth the time of day.....
dentydog
says
This movie is good, very good, a definite meaning in it. SXF's are excellent. Acting is cool. Gotta love the South African Movies. This one is a 5 star no problems at all.
Tim
says
In my opinion, this is the movie of 2009. It acomplished a much better movie than Avatar with a fraction of the budget. I cannot recommend this movie high enough.
Dogtaro
says
Wow, one of the best movies of 2009. If you give it one star, go to hell. This was awesome. Great visuals, Neill Blomkamp was magnificent, as was Sharlto Copley. Great story and makes you think. It's a film with a deeper message than it seems.
Tanya
says
After Peter Jackson's fanastic effort with Lord of the Rings how can he go back to doing this sort of sci-fi, gory, over the top crap? He is right back where he started. The special effects were good, but cat food eating aliens living in a ghetto?
Francis
says
District 9 could have been so good with the visual effect of the district prompting a very good story-line, but I was hugely disappointed. Worth a look though.
Matthew B.
says
This is a very different but ultimately enthralling and well-made sci-fi film that exists beyond the realms of normal sci-fi films. It looks great, and really pulls you in.
S M.
says
Peter, Peter, Peter, what were you thinking?? I usually love anything that Peter Jackson has worked on, but this....this was probably the worst movie I've ever watched. I was so bored, I think I even fell asleep at one point. It had so much potential, and its obvious they've tried to go for "gritty", but it fell so far short of the mark its not funny. I read quite a few reviews before adding it to my list and chose it because more than a few times it was called one of the best Sci-Fi movie ever made. Obviously those newspaper reviewers have never watched any of the classics. The only plus of the movie....it wasn't set in the United States for a change. Seriously, that's the only thing going for it.
A very sad disappointment.
Barry
says
I saw this at the movies and it was great. Documentry slash sci-fi slash action flick. Great film.
Peter F.
says
Takes some minutes to get into this..the start is very stuttery but once this movie gets rollin' it's one heck of a ride fellow scifers...this has Osacr award written all over it too.....best movie I reckon..a 10/10 from me
Shirley
says
Quirky film by Peter Jackson. Hilarious at times. Lots of blood but you tend to ignore it as you know it is not meant to look real. Can be taken at face value or analyzed more deeply regarding what ti says about human behaviour.
Jan
says
Very strange movie.
David
says
Strange movie. Heard good things about it and actually strangely grew to like it as it went along.
If a sequel came out, which I assume it would from the ending, definitely would get it.
Stephen
says
WOW I DID NOT KNOW THERE WERE ALIENS HERE! GREAT DOCO.
Christopher Suren W.
says
Very unreal. I mean the aliens have been here for 20 years and still there is no control over them ? Their weapons cannot be still operated by humans. 1.8 million of them are put into camps ? This film is so unreal because after 20 years it is expected that we have some of their (alien) technology and have developed adequate defences etc againsts them in case of invasion (either from the 1.8M on earth or more from outer space).
Although the visual effects are very good, the story lacks the depth that is expected from a film depicting alien occupation of earth for 20 years.
Luisa E.
says
interesting take on aliens. the effects are very good. so very happy it wasn't based in the united states.
Peter D.
says
It was not what I expected. Once you get past the South African accents(Weird to here them in a major motion pic) it was excellent. The cinematography was a class, the acting good but the sequences and special effects were second to none. The way it was shot(like you were part of the action(Documovie Style) was a refreshing change and I reccomend you see this. Give it 15 minutes and you'll be hooked.
Nice work, 2 thumbs up.
Trevor
says
Worst movie I have seen in a long time, can't believe I wasted my time sitting through it.
would not recomend.
Peter L.
says
I love science fiction,hate to say this ,but I only lasted 15 minutes through this and had to turn it off.Special effects were great.It reminded me of what happenned in the Holocaust and how the jews were treated.
Jack K.
says
Alien outcasts called “prawns” live in ghetto-like conditions in South Africa. Weird? It is, but before you think just a run-of-the-mill Sci-Fi film, it isn’t. You’ll probably end up siding with the prawns and their leader, curiously named Christopher Johnson, and his young son, Little CJ. A dorky human, Wikus van der Merwe, an exuberant field operation chief is initially sent to relocate the cat food loving otherworldly populace, but ends up aiding them instead. Convincing special effects create a huge hovering disabled spacecraft, tentacle mouthed extraterrestrials, and nasty super weaponry clashes. This innovative, thinly disguised morality tale takes humans to task for their corporate corruption, racism and treatment of refugees. Food (prawn) for thought?!
Andrew H.
says
Saw this on the big screen. Terrific, original sci-fi thriller. The location gives it a real authenticity and so does the way it is filmed. Some awesome sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. Really worth seeing. I can see why Peter Jackson got on board.