Akito HirataReview - District 9
October 3rd 2009 04:27
Stranded, malnourished and unable to relocate their alien craft, aptly named "prawn" like aliens are given food and shelter while being nursed to health. 20 years later and long forgotten by the rest of the world, the alien camp District 9, has turned into a poverty stricken slum. Locals are unhappy about the location of the aliens and the South African government is forced to take action as the rest of the world looks on. The government in all their wisdom hires Multi-National United (MNU) to take charge of a large scale relocation operation to move them to a less human inhabited area, District 10.
The hero of the tale is Wikus Van De Merwe (a fantastic Sharlto Copley), an unlikely and seemingly incapable person given charge of the task. Due to his marriage ties, he is nonetheless responsible for notifying the prawns of their upcoming eviction. MNU and in particular, Wikus, are unprepared for the task and a little gung-ho in their approach. Chaos thus ensues and Wikus in his clumsiness becomes infected with a liquid which causes him to turn "prawn".
The infection is slow at first but when the appearance of an alien arm appears, both MNU and the neighbouring Nigerian gangs are pleased with the result. The aliens were certainly not unprepared for battle upon their arrival as their weapons suggest. Although 20 years on and apparent failure to study the mechanics behind the alien weaponry is met with frustration and despair. Only alien DNA is able to operate the equipment and the government and the Nigerians are quick to connect Wikus' affliction as the solution to their problem.
Meanwhile the aliens have been biding their time, largely ignored, trying to find a way to get their craft back to the mother ship to ultimately rescue the stranded aliens. Part social commentary with a lot of black humour and gore, District 9 is a movie that manages to be something without particularly trying to be much of anything.
The battlefield may be muddied at times but it is clear in the end who the bad guys are! Highly recommended for sci-fi and action fans alike.
Voyage Review: 4/5
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I liked District 9 too and was quite satisfied with it's subtext as well as visuals.
From my own review:
"Dark and witty, District 9 lovingly salutes the films of Sci-fi past while retaining a fresh originality. Avoiding traditional beats, the character driven work is ripe in social commentary. Brutal, invigorating and decidedly ‘real” when viewing, this is an exciting, emotional and suspenseful sci-fi horror experience.
Reinvigorating the genre right from the first frame where the U.F.O arrives, not as Hollywood cliché has us repeatedly believe in the U.S.A but instead South Africa. From there the films influences may be easy to spot but in the context of the story it all seems to be a strikingly new perspective. John Doe was immensely satisfied, drawn into this alternate history. In the end with the exception of a few minor quibbles District 9 is certainly a superior science fiction blockbuster that blends popcorn fun with a substance that triggers dissection upon cinema departure. "
If your interested you can read my review of District 9 by clicking HERE.
I've been away a while but have finally rediscovered your site.
Some nice concise reviews of some decent films.
Comment by Michelle Sweeney
Competition Queen
This movie was such a pleasant surprise for me as I had not seen anything about the movie or read any reviews prior to the viewing.
Comment by Anonymous