District 9 takes place in an alternate timeline where, twenty years ago, an alien spaceship came to a halt above the city of Johannesburg. The inhabitants of the ship are unable to operate the ship any more, so they end up being segregated to their own slum within the city below. Eventually, the government calls for the eviction of the aliens (nicknamed "prawns" due to their appearance) from the slum. The film's ostensible protagonist is Wikus (Sharlto Copley), sent in to organise the removal of the aliens.
What was it with 2009 and Sc-If. First Moon then Star trek and now district 9 a great year for the Sc-Fi genre.
The film is a high concept attempt to integrate, documentary style film making, and a high end special effects film, both work remarkably well. Many of the opening scenes are face to camera interaction, news reports and original interviews.
The use of location, south Africa has been pulled with regards to political agenda, and although there must be something taken from the fact these aliens are being treated badly in a township similar in style and events of eviction to many blacks in the 70s and 80s in South Africa. The film is solid enough not to enhance this, and chooses to go for a straight out and out blockbuster science fiction film.
The acting is solid enough, there is a witty script, but still a number of exciting action set pieces.
The use of location, south Africa has been pulled with regards to political agenda, and although there must be something taken from the fact these aliens are being treated badly in a township similar in style and events of eviction to many blacks in the 70s and 80s in South Africa. The film is solid enough not to enhance this, and chooses to go for a straight out and out blockbuster science fiction film.
The acting is solid enough, there is a witty script, but still a number of exciting action set pieces.
District 9 is a great Sc-Fi that is both original and thought provoking with a heart.
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