First-time Director Neil Blomkamp has not only created an action-packed science fiction thriller but an emotionally poignant movie exploring the nature of discrimination and segregation. “District 9” is often suspenseful and always thought-provoking. It is a sadly realistic look at what would occur in a situation where human beings had the tide of power on their side. With heavy influence by producer Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings”) this movie although imperfect is an original technically-brilliant movie that captivates.
Filmed as a “mock-umentary District 9” is the story of first contact with an alien race in an unconventional manner. The alien spaceship for reasons originally unknown comes to a standstill over Johannesburg South Africa. The spaceship is immobile for months without any signs of alien activity. Eventually MNU agents (“Multi-National United those who deal with alien affairs) are able to penetrate the spaceship to discover a startling sight – more than a million extraterrestrial beings, malnourished and confused, trapped inside. Consequently, MNU establishes District 9, a refugee camp that separates prawns” (derogatory term for the alien race) from the general public supposedly as a temporary solution while finding a wayto return the aliens home. But as the audience soon realizes MNU has a different motive.
This movie succeeds on many levels but two in particular come to mind. The first is the impressive action sequences. They are exhilarating realistic bloody and fun. Anyone who loves action will find plenty here.