District 9 (2009)

From NetFlix:

When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU’s ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller.

As one of the more original sci-fi films I have ever seen, the best adjective for this film is FRANTIC. By using hand-held cameras the constant tension never lets up. Sharlto Copley (who is really from Johannesburg, South Africa) is the perfect choice for the honest, well-meaning pawn of the weapons manufacturers. He is jittery and always a giant bundle of nerves. At first I groaned because the “prawns” (aliens) just looked so stupid. But soon even they fit perfectly into this tale of military-industrial suppression.

Subtle this movie is NOT. In a way the film is one big action scene from beginning to end. In this respect it might remind you of a car chase B film. Therefore, to enjoy this adventure you must like science fiction, action films, bloodshed, violence, and noise. What more could you ask for ?

And tell me, what is going on in the last scene ? What exactly did happen ? In fact, if you want to read a detailed spoiler see wikipedia.

3 thoughts on “District 9 (2009)”

  1. Gritty, and disturbing, this film succeeds on several levels. Once one gets through the science-fiction trappings (the headline might read “Aliens from Outer Space on Earth”!) and the action sequences, it becomes apparent that this is political science, not science fiction. How wonderfully ironic that this film is set in South Africa – though in many senses it could only have been made by people from that country, which has such a sordid and painful history – and has come very far toward enlightenment. This film could not have been made 15 years ago in Johannesburg. Did you catch the posted signs saying “Aliens Forbidden” (chillingly reminiscent of Apartheid-era “Whites Only” signs?) The policy of Apartheid was borne of fear (of assimilation and intermarriage) and a government-mandated solution to a problem of socioeconomic and power imbalance. Read “Cry, the Beloved Country” (Alan Paton) for details. The District is a simalcrum for Johannesburg’s Soweto slums, and there are, if not historical parallels, at least suggestions of the hard lessons learned. I thoroughly enjoyed this film – it made me think for days after seeing it.

    Tony, to answer your question, my take on the last scene is that Wikus van de Merwe (Copley) is becoming – has become a Prawn. His horror has turned to acceptance, as his mind has transitioned… but remnants of his past self remain. The anonymous gift of a flower to his wife is a classic example. The experience of Wikus recalls that of Jeff Goldblum’s character in The Fly (1986) in which emotional thought outlasts physical appearance and even (human) rational behavior. Also, read Ray Bradbury’s 1949 short story, “Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed” for a similar experience on the part of Harry Bittering, the character whose family (and self) is absorbed into the Martian landscape when their Earth-based supplies run out. This theme of assimilation, an essentially American tale of resistance giving way to acceptance, adds color and depth to District 9.

  2. I thought District 9 was OK as simple visual candy. The parallels to the apartheid regime were a bit too unsubtle, but the documentary style I thought was quite interesting. (I also thought the film was well marketed when it showed in the cinemas here: posters saying things like “No Aliens Allowed” etc.)

  3. This was a really solid sci-fi movie. Can’t believe I bought the DVD in January and just watched it.

    What I can’t figure out is whether the pilot alien was a guy or girl? Also, why was that alien so smart and the rest weren’t? What’s up with that?

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