Every now and then, a movie comes along that has the perfect mix of editing, directing, acting, and plot that shakes the film industry. District 9 isn’t exactly one of these movies, but it’s pretty darn close. Now don’t get me wrong, the movie isn’t perfect. But if you’re able to see the message director Neill Blomkamp is telling audiences, you’ll appreciate this movie on an entirely different level, making it an excellent film.
When an extraterrestrial race shows on up Earth’s doorstep, they are forced to live in the lovely city of Johannesburg, South Africa. After a lengthy stay of twenty years, the aliens reside in a run-down and rather “slum-like” area of JoBurg called District 9. The aliens cause a ruckus while awaiting the reconstruction of a part needed to fuel their vehicle in order to return home. When the mafia begins providing the aliens with interspecies prostitution and feeding their addiction to cat food in return for their extremely technically advanced weapons, things get a little dangerous. By now, their population is exceeding well over one million, causing a worldwide frustration. Segregation laws have taken place with “Human Only” restaurants, hotels, parks, stores, etc., but this doesn’t help. The crime and death rate between humans and prawns (the derogatory term given to the extraterrestrial aliens) has risen, and something has to be done.
The humans hate them and the government is done taking care of them. Finally, a small but capable private firm gets a government contract to move the population of prawns to a settlement far away from the world capital. The CEO of the firm assigns his very incapable son-in-law to be the head of one of the biggest migration projects in world history (But bear in mind, this is just a movie).
At this point, things aren’t going so smoothly. Apparently, evicting 1.8 million angry prawns isn’t as simple as they thought it would be. But Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is determined, and will do anything in his power to have a positive impact in the public eye. While searching for weapons in a prawn’s home, he becomes exposed to their biotechnology, which changes everything.
District 9 is emotionally wrenching, as well as brilliant. It can hit you on so many levels, and remains interesting throughout its duration. Blomkamp’s directing is unforgettable, and the special effects team provides you with breathtaking effects that can almost make you forget this is all fiction. The cast was very nicely put together, and newcomer Sharlto Copley is so believable, you feel like this role was a match made in action-movie-heaven.
The movie was strongly received by critics who gave mostly positive reviews. RottenTomatoes has it ranked at 88% and proclaims that District 9 is, “technically brilliant…has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic”, and IMDb has it ranked #44 on their list of the 255 highest rated movies of all time.
Although District 9 received raving reviews from critics, it wasn’t as widely accepted by American audiences. It premiered at number one, but as of last weekend, only grossed just over $90 million since it was released about a month ago. This is by no means bad, but didn’t meet the expectations of the money hungry, monstrously powerful film distributer: Warner Bros.
If you’re not the action type, this movie could be a little over the top. The weapons used in the film splatter people into nothing more than mush and brain matter, and some other elements can be visually disturbing for the viewer. Another commonly mentioned downside to the film is that the prawns are the usual stereotypical alien you would see in your run-of-the-mill alien invasion flick. If those two things really “chap your khakis”, then I’m sure you won’t be too fond of the running time of just under two hours.
That aside, District 9 is moving. It makes you think of the racial discrimination that exists in our country to this very day. Blomkamp’s message echoes the plight of people around the world who still fight for their rights. District 9 is more than just a fun summer movie; it’s a strong political statement. I strongly encourage you to spend some time and money to experience District 9. You won’t regret it.