DISTRICT 9 3.5 *** for general film category but 4.0*** for a Sci-Fi film. “District 9” is a fantastic, gritty, realistic science fiction movie that goes way beyond your typical ”lot of action and no story’” Sci-Fi film. Not since "Blade Runner”, “Star Wars” or "Alien" have we seen a Sci-Fi film with such a unique vision and presentation.

The movie abandons the usual Hollywood sci-fi setting and places us in the harsh slums of South Africa ( much like “Slumdog Millionaire”) Then we are given an stunningly original screenplay which takes risks in the way it tells its story. Finally, there is no overused, overexposed celebrity in sight to detract from the exhilarating plot. And, the “stars” of the show, the aliens are brilliantly created trough the magic of computer generation (CGI), and done so well done, you actually believe them to be real.

District 9 takes place in an alternate timeline where, twenty years ago, an alien spaceship came to a halt above the City of Johannesburg, South Africa (remember “Apartheid”). The aliens( thousands of them ..this is a monstrously huge spaceship) are unable to operate the ship anymore, so they are taken off by an international police force and segregated in their own ghetto-slum..called District 9.. on the outskirts of the city. Eventually, the international government calls for a resettlement of the aliens (nicknamed "prawns" due to their appearance) and this is where the story gets complicated…but I dare not tell you anymore as it is better to walk into District 9 knowing as little as possible. I will say that the movie/story achieves an incredible balancing act. It is blends science fiction and political drama flawlessly, fusing them together with a lot of in your face action and violence.




The best thing about District 9 is that it always manages to stay fresh and surprising throughout . It starts off as a mockumentary in order to establish the background for the storyline. The film gradually crosses over to being a more conventional film, although still having a very documentary feel…using news interviews and TV footage. You don't really notice these changes in style the because you're so wrapped up in the ingenious story.

“District 9” has so much to like and literally is a sight to behold. It's spectacular, darkly funny, entertaining and thoughtful all at the same time. For Sci-Fi fans, it is a MUST see and for others it is an excellent adventure…a lot of action, some violence but no real gore…it does have an “R” rating but this is not a hard “R”.

Clark


NOTE: All the shack used in District 9 for the alien ghetto/slum were actual shacks that existed in a section of Johannesburg which were to be evacuated and the residents moved to better government housing, paralleling the events in the film. Also paralleling, the residents had not actually been moved out before filming began. The only shack that was created solely for filming was Christopher Johnson's shack.