District 9 Reviews and Ratings


  • gpals91
    November 24, 2009
    gpals91
    I was curious at first, slowly getting annoyed... then angry.. and then sad! , but I liked it :)
  • UsernameMissing
    November 24, 2009
    UsernameMissing
    i'm pretty sure i;m not gonna like it!I'm over big loud alien movies,no matter how high budgeted they are.
  • Jameshy
    November 24, 2009
    Jameshy
    INSTANT CLASSIC!
    I've been waiting for something like this to be made for a very long time. You've got to applaude the approach to this film. It sets up like a documentary which helps keep it realistic and gets across the notion that this alien race of refugees have been stran...( read more)ded on earth for 20 years already and everybody's just gotta accept that.
    Firstly the look and feel to this film is amazing. The CGI creatures and the ship look awsome. The prawn's language sound great too. The weapons and gore is simply horrific which i love. It has a gritty style to alot of the action with documentary-like camera work which looks cool.
    The story starts off with the humans needing to relocate the alien race out of the city because the crime rate is too high and there's too much racial tension between the prawns and humans. The politics of the film are based on the apartheid in South-Africa which is clever i though. There's a great sense of urgency throughout the film and i though the main character was brilliant, the guy playing him did a great job. The action is just mind-blowing! literally! great fun to watch! The story does kind of tail off a little at the end and goes a bit hollywood but still this is a brilliant movie that will be talked about for years.
  • 0001hrs
    November 23, 2009
    0001hrs
    The layers of meaning within this film is extraordinarily thick and it does not take a genius to figure out the nuances of inhumanity that the film sets out to portray.
  • TheMachinist
    November 22, 2009
    TheMachinist
    "He was an honest man, and he didn't deserve any of what happened to him. "

    Wow. Simply put... Wow. The future of the sci-fi genre is saved and Neill Blomkamp is the reason why it all looks so hopeful. Blomkamp was projected to direct the 'Halo' movie, which is based on the succ...( read more)essful video game. Peter Jackson was the producer but things didn't go as planned. The project was cancelled (maybe later?) but Jackson saw something special in this young South African director, who had previously made short films, 'Alive in Joburg' for example (D9 is based on this short film) and visual effects to several TV shows. He gave him a budget of 30 million USD's and free rein to do what he wanted. The outcome? One of the best sci-fi films ever and 200 million USD's worldwide...

    In the beginning of the 80's, a huge alien craft landed over Johannesburg, South Africa. When the humans started to check out the ship, they found thousands of crab like creatures inside, fugitives of their own world. None of them were hostile, just in hunger. All of them were transferred to a district, especially build for them. 30 years later, Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is given the job to retransfer the aliens to a new district, in other words evict them, and at the same time gather all of their weapons and technology for the company, NMU (Multi-National United).

    Van De Merwe gets an alien infection during a search. All of a sudden he starts to feel ill and gets transported to NMU headquarters where things start to go really bad for him. It seems as he has gotten some alien DNA in his own and is now the key to solve the problem with alien weaponry...

    The story of 'District 9' is reinforced with current subjects, e.g weapon technology, and criticism against social things, mainly racial segregation aka apartheid, which was a big problem years ago in South Africa. But it's not all that serious though and never gets too preachy or anything... 'District 9' may go a bit campy at times with its humor and storytelling but the mockumentary style will surely make you want to know what will happen next.

    Weta Workshop, the company behind several award winning special effects (LOTR trilogy..) has given us very fotorealistic effects. The creatures, the end scene battle with alien tech guns etc. And think about the budget? What would Michael Bay do with, let's say 15 million, besides shooting Megan Fox in slow mo... The action looks just as good, at times even better?, than the effects in other effect driven films (Transformers 2, Terminator Salvation etc...). The editing by Julian Clarke and Trent Opaloch's cinematography boost up the outcome of the movie. And think that Blomkamp, Clarke and Opaloch are just in their early 30's! Can't wait to see what they'll bring us next.

    But he real star of the film is Sharlto Copley, I'm sure an unknown face to all of you. 'D9' is his first feature film and what a performance! Copley, a childhood friend of Blomkamp, gives us in overall a mindblowing performance. He shows us that he can do comedy as well as more serious drama. I really can't think of another performance that has amazed me as much as Copley's. His next feature is 'The A-Team' so I'll definitely check it out, just because of him.

    'District 9' is now, without any doubt, one of my all-time favourites in its own genre. This film is one of the most original films I've seen and will surely give the audience laughter, excitement without forgetting its serious subjects.

    For a debut feature, 'D9' is a really strong performance by Neill Blomkamp. There's already been some discussion of a prequel or a sequel, as the story is left a bit open. Hopefully I'll get to read some good news at some point... Highly recommended to all you buffs!
  • domsi96
    November 21, 2009
    domsi96
    I can't watch scary things!
  • aburns33
    November 21, 2009
    aburns33
    There is so much about this movie that makes it as good as it is. The graphics are very well done, giving the movie an enhanced sense of realness. I also really like how it was based out of Johannesburg instead of a major American city. It had everything from intense action scene...( read more)s to moments of sadness which based on the documentary style of the movie allowed us to connect with the characters, especially the main character.
  • agentsnash
    November 21, 2009
    agentsnash
    This movie shines in the first two acts but takes a drastic crash in the last act as it feels like a pointless sci-fi shootout. While the shootout near the end was entertaining, I felt it didn't change a lot to the plot.
  • aleksei96
    November 20, 2009
    aleksei96
    Starts off very promisingly but then dillutes into Sci-Fi/Action flick with lots of plot holes.
  • killantzb4itzl8
    November 20, 2009
    killantzb4itzl8
    Over-rated in my opinion.
    I would say other than the effects, and documentary style setting for this film. There's not much too brag about.
    It's not for everyone.

    Wikus Van De Merwe: [Points out Alien graffiti] This is basically a guy, and there's 3 humans here, basically tryin...( read more)g to make a warning, you know, saying "I kill 3 humans, watch out for me."
  • burnsbooks
    November 19, 2009
    burnsbooks
    There's my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All my love- miss talking to you-
  • droopy8869
    November 19, 2009
    droopy8869
    Good syfy,makes you think of how we treat those who are different from us..
  • elkinky
    November 19, 2009
    elkinky
    If you don't allready know what the movie is about then it's about time you found out! A truly different offering, far removed from the usual tinseltown productions. The film is brought to you in three distinct aspects. Presented in a documentary style programme which chronicles ...( read more)the story of the main characters and events by third parties 'after the event' whilst the feature is split between realtime action and media coverage. I pre-empted a hint of Cloverfield and Transformers from the trailers but if your like me, you'll be glad to know that there are miid influences but that's about as close as it gets. No shaky, vomit and headache inducing blurry camera effects thankfully and no A-Team style theatrics whereby no casualties occur.. There are many positives to this film.
    I found the realism amazing. The aliens are more than credible as are all of the events. Although improbable, this could actually happen. The action too is very realistic with everything you'd expect from a Peter Jackson film.
    Based around a million or so alien refugees whom come to earth and find themselves housed in 'District9', a containment area in South Africa...another bonus...no glitz and glamour venues here, just realism with Hollywood making way for urban grit. The visitors find themselves being relocated from their slums after rising population numbers and unrest results in their human neighbours demanding their removal. From here on in we have the main story of 'Wikus', the man put in charge of the eviction process whom inadvertently sprays himself with an alien liquid. I won't divulge the plotline but needless to say we have fighting, brutality, weaponary, technology, drama, special effects and much more. The casting is good, the effects are very good, its originality is excellent and the plot plausable. The whole experience was a breath of fresh air for me. If I had to deduct points for anything it would only be for the irritating south African accent of Wikus and possibly a tad longer than was necessary but that would be doing it an injustice...4 1/2 from 5 - Brilliant.
  • dreadinny
    November 18, 2009
    dreadinny
    I liked this movie for the social commentary. Even more, it happened in South Africa. Read between the lines!
  • reetzbrian
    November 18, 2009
    reetzbrian
    I'm waiting for it to come to my local video store
  • kerberos19
    November 18, 2009
    kerberos19
    VERY ORIGINAL & ENTERTEINMENT!
  • memo147
    November 18, 2009
    memo147
    No cabe duda que somos una mierda los humanos!!!
  • Maeliki
    November 18, 2009
    Maeliki
    Good Movie....makes you feel emotional for aliens.....
  • DannyK79
    November 18, 2009
    DannyK79
    Nice and different from the usual Hollywood movies.
  • khyati1101
    November 18, 2009
    khyati1101
    A cliché but definitely something you might remember. A "mockumentary" is the word used for it. Ans Its surprising.
  • jgknight23
    November 17, 2009
    jgknight23
    Set up as part movie, part documentary this movie surprises in just how well it's pulled off.
  • gpanou78
    November 17, 2009
    gpanou78
    Nice movie , worth watching!
  • dkp069
    November 16, 2009
    dkp069
    This really makes you think of how humans fear the unknown....an how the prejadices really come out! Doesnt make a lot of sence in some areas leaves a lot to be explained....of course good set up for sequels...
  • nicolemarley4
    November 16, 2009
    nicolemarley4
    this movie was awesome, one of the best of 2009
  • elli17
    November 16, 2009
    elli17
    I really enjoyed this movie! Great story and really good acting, and the CG was seamless enough to not be distracting from the plot and other characters. Excellently done!
  • mynameissupertramp
    November 16, 2009
    mynameissupertramp
    This is the best science fiction movie of the year and it had tough competition (Star Trek and Moon were also great). It was brilliant and with a reasonably low budget and no stars, this is more proof that the old standards of blockbuster filmmaking are dying.
  • davejdavies
    November 16, 2009
    davejdavies
    I thought this was a really intelligent film with just enough action, but enough high concept story to keep me interested. Not your usual FX laden movie, this one has a plot worthy of your time too.
  • QueenDebbie
    November 16, 2009
    QueenDebbie
    This is a film that if I'd seen a proper trailer for, I wouldn't have really fancied. I'm glad I didn't see one, as it was a really good watch. Really felt sorry for the aliens!
  • anthonydutoit
    November 16, 2009
    anthonydutoit
    not as good as everybody made it out to be, but love the piss taking in it... if you from SA you will see it.
  • dianalaura74
    November 15, 2009
    dianalaura74
    no me gusto,me mareo
  • suren3250
    November 15, 2009
    suren3250
    just watch it last 2 night wth my frenz..
    at the beginning,the story a little bit bored..
    after 20mint,wah..so interesting..so pity lar wikus..
    i expect in the end of story,wikus can change being human back but he was'nt..
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    November 15, 2009
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    Pretty decent movie! Very original and real as it could be.

    In 1990, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refu...( read more)gee camp where the aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends.
  • lprimavera1958
    November 15, 2009
    lprimavera1958
    Very good and political to there should be a sequel to this
  • december0001
    November 15, 2009
    december0001
    cool and original right till the very end wen it turns totally hollywood and crashes. "no, leave me behind, ill sacrifice myselve so you can live" wtf?! But aside from the crappy ending its a relly good movie and the effects are sweet.
  • raptoredge
    November 15, 2009
    raptoredge
    An instant Sci-Fi clasic for 2009.
    A must see!
  • MichelleasaurusRex
    November 14, 2009
    MichelleasaurusRex
    I saw this in theater and it was so worth it. When I saw the trailer I had no clue it would be this good. This movie was really good and very sad at times. But really very neat. The whole concept is pretty amazing. I wish things like this could really happen.
  • pantalla9
    November 13, 2009
    pantalla9
    Con seguridad District 9 es una de las mejores películas del año. Es uno de los filmes más originales de ciencia ficción que haya visto en mucho tiempo. No está ambientada en los Estados Unidos (por alguna extraña razón, lo extraterrestres siempre eligen llegar a los E.U.), ni el...( read more) gobierno estadounidense estará involucrado cuando una nave espacial gigantesca llegue accidentalmente a Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica, en 1982. El ejército y el gobierno sudafricano se las han arreglado solos con la llegada de alienígenas a la Tierra.

    No han llegado a invadirnos, ni a exterminarnos. Lo novedoso de este relato, es que los extraterrestres son las víctimas de los terrícolas, y viven confinados en una especie de guetto llamado ?District 9?. Los aliens viven en condiciones marginales, su alimentación se basa en comida para gato y viven subyugados ante la fuerza armamentista del ejército. Lo que hace Neill Blomkamp, quien previamente había realizado un cortometraje llamado ?Alive in Joburg?, de donde se inspiró para crear ?District 9?, es un ejercicio de corte realista. Blomkamp, apadrinado por Peter Jackson en la producción, experimenta con varios formatos: el falso documental, el melodrama, la ciencia ficción y el ?horror orgánico?. Hay varios guiños a películas representativas del género, como ?The Fly?, en la versión de David Cronenberg, o también ?Enemy Mine?, de Wolfgang Petersen, una interesante película de ciencia ficción, en el que se relataba la amistad que surgía entre un humano y un extraterrestre, cuyas razas se encuentran en guerra, cuando sus naves se estrellan en un extraño planeta.
    Con seguridad District 9 es una de las mejores películas del año. Es uno de los filmes más originales de ciencia ficción que haya visto en mucho tiempo. No está ambientada en los Estados Unidos (por alguna extraña razón, lo extraterrestres siempre eligen llegar a los E.U.), ni el gobierno estadounidense estará involucrado cuando una nave espacial gigantesca llegue accidentalmente a Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica, en 1982. El ejército y el gobierno sudafricano se las han arreglado solos con la llegada de alienígenas a la Tierra.

    No han llegado a invadirnos, ni a exterminarnos. Lo novedoso de este relato, es que los extraterrestres son las víctimas de los terrícolas, y viven confinados en una especie de guetto llamado ?District 9?. Los aliens viven en condiciones marginales, su alimentación se basa en comida para gato y viven subyugados ante la fuerza armamentista del ejército. Lo que hace Neill Blomkamp, quien previamente había realizado un cortometraje llamado ?Alive in Joburg?, de donde se inspiró para crear ?District 9?, es un ejercicio de corte realista. Blomkamp, apadrinado por Peter Jackson en la producción, experimenta con varios formatos: el falso documental, el melodrama, la ciencia ficción y el ?horror orgánico?. Hay varios guiños a películas representativas del género, como ?The Fly?, en la versión de David Cronenberg, o también ?Enemy Mine?, de Wolfgang Petersen, una interesante película de ciencia ficción, en el que se relataba la amistad que surgía entre un humano y un extraterrestre, cuyas razas se encuentran en guerra, cuando sus naves se estrellan en un extraño planeta.
    Con seguridad District 9 es una de las mejores películas del año. Es uno de los filmes más originales de ciencia ficción que haya visto en mucho tiempo. No está ambientada en los Estados Unidos (por alguna extraña razón, lo extraterrestres siempre eligen llegar a los E.U.), ni el gobierno estadounidense estará involucrado cuando una nave espacial gigantesca llegue accidentalmente a Johannesburgo, Sudáfrica, en 1982. El ejército y el gobierno sudafricano se las han arreglado solos con la llegada de alienígenas a la Tierra.

    No han llegado a invadirnos, ni a exterminarnos. Lo novedoso de este relato, es que los extraterrestres son las víctimas de los terrícolas, y viven confinados en una especie de guetto llamado ?District 9?. Los aliens viven en condiciones marginales, su alimentación se basa en comida para gato y viven subyugados ante la fuerza armamentista del ejército. Lo que hace Neill Blomkamp, quien previamente había realizado un cortometraje llamado ?Alive in Joburg?, de donde se inspiró para crear ?District 9?, es un ejercicio de corte realista. Blomkamp, apadrinado por Peter Jackson en la producción, experimenta con varios formatos: el falso documental, el melodrama, la ciencia ficción y el ?horror orgánico?. Hay varios guiños a películas representativas del género, como ?The Fly?, en la versión de David Cronenberg, o también ?Enemy Mine?, de Wolfgang Petersen, una interesante película de ciencia ficción, en el que se relataba la amistad que surgía entre un humano y un extraterrestre, cuyas razas se encuentran en guerra, cuando sus naves se estrellan en un extraño planeta.
    Más en pantallanueve.blogspot.com
  • martinberntsson
    November 13, 2009
    martinberntsson
    High class south african alien documentery style drama!
    The aliens shanty town is of course reflecting reality as so the race issue
    It's a pleasure to see these prawn aliens having flaws and feelings and not just absurdly plain evil as in anya american movie
  • davidjonathangriffit
    November 13, 2009
    davidjonathangriffit
    Not what you expect, sci fi and apartheid in the same film!
  • tgustafvii
    November 13, 2009
    tgustafvii
    I wasn't expecting much when I went to see this and was thankfully wrong.
  • blondebeyondreason
    November 12, 2009
    blondebeyondreason
    Weird but original. Finaly a movie where I didn't already know the whole story line the first fifteen minutes in.
  • cuervoblanco03
    November 12, 2009
    cuervoblanco03
    excelent movie of scifi and great social satiric movie
  • sunrhythms
    November 12, 2009
    sunrhythms
    I actually really liked this movie... towards the end. the beginning comical. One thing is there were very strong connections and relations to modern segregation, poverty, racism and welfare.
  • thebeasttaz
    November 12, 2009
    thebeasttaz
    Awesome. I loved it great sci fi. Loved the documentary style way of shooting it. It was great. Go see this movie!
  • aimhaze
    November 12, 2009
    aimhaze
    great movie,fresh story & good cgi

Summary

District 9 Summary