Movie Review: District 9 Is Simply Awe-Inspiring

The first trailer for District 9 set the stage for what I would hope was going to be a good science fiction film. You remember, the one with the blurred alien face and no subtitles. That trailer captured my imagination, and then the uncensored version arrived. This version sealed the deal for me. It was not so much the fact the alien's face can be seen, it is the line of questioning and corresponding answers that did it for me.

Combined with the knowledge of where the film was set, the overtones of apartheid, government control, oppression, racism, intolerance, and poverty became hard to ignore. Then the full trailer came and I knew I could not pay any more attention to the viral marketing that was going on around the film's release. I was hyped up enough and did not want to run the risk of spoilage and I really wanted to be at least somewhat fresh going in.

So I sat there in the sold out theater, thinking I was ready for the movie. Then the lights dimmed, and the screen flickered up, first telling us to turn off our cell phones (please remember to do this) then playing a sequence of trailers, none of which I remember. The movie began and for nearly two hours, I was held at attention as District 9 played out in front of me. It was everything I had hoped for and nothing like what I expected. This is a movie that delivers on every level — from fantastic writing, to seamless special effects, to good acting performances, it is one of those rare movies that fails to disappoint.

The first portion of the film is in faux documentary style and goes a long way to setting the stage of this alternate world. We learn that an alien ship has appeared in our atmosphere and drifted to a stop over Johannesburg, South Africa. The year was 1982. The ship's inhabitants were found malnourished, weak, and confused, with no discernible chain of command. They were shuttled off the ship and placed in a refugee camp called District 9.

For more than 20 years the people of Johannesburg have lived with the aliens. This time has bred contempt between the people and their alien visitors. The government has been attempting to learn about their technology, with little success. A powerful Nigerian gang has set up shop in District 9, trading with them for weaponry. There is always violence surrounding the aliens and the fenced off district. The temporary camp has turned into a slum, home to nearly two million aliens, dubbed prawns due to their crustacean-like appearance.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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