CLEMENTINE'S REVIEWS

7th October 2009
District 9 (2009)

Director: Neill Blomkamp
Writer: Neill Blomkamp (screenplay) & Terri Tatchell (screenplay)
Starring: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Vanessa Haywood, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, Elizabeth Mkandawie, John Summer, William Allen Young, Greg Melvill-Smith

Aliens stranded on earth are forced to live in slums in Johannesburg. When the local population wants to relocate them, the evictions are handled by Multi-National United, MNU headed by the  Wikus van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a nervous figurehead appointed by his father-in-law. Things get a bit out of hand and Wikus is accidently exposed to some hazardous alien chemicals.

Neill Blomkamp's original short film was based on his experience growing up in South Africa as a child and comments about apartheid. He was offered a massive budget to produce a film by Peter Jackson who had great faith in his ability and vision. The original short film also starred Sharlto Copley who is now propelled as the major action star in this blockbuster. Copley is exceptional, he is believable as the Wikus' transformation from geeky self important team leader, to the desperate man on the run for his life. Wikus is humanity pushed to the very edge of sanity - he is anguished, wretched, selfish, and shameful.

Overwhelmingly the sense of the film is disgust of discrimination, racism, and abhorrent human greed. Taking on a documentary style filming is incredibly effective, the events are so real, the growing panic and fear, every scene is dire. I found this brilliantly engaging, raw, brutal, and thrilling. The comments on humanity are painful and timely. Highly recommended.

Verdict: This is just what we need - smart, powerful, sci-fi action with social commentary.

Read Alaris' review of District 9 (2009).