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District 9 (2009) 8.0
Ratings:
8.0/10 from 352,784 users
Metascore: 81/100
Reviews: 1,178 user | 437 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly finds a kindred spirit in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology. Director:Neill Blomkamp |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Sharlto Copley | ... | ||
| Jason Cope | ... |
Grey Bradnam - UKNR Chief Correspondent /
Christopher Johnson
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| Nathalie Boltt | ... | ||
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Sylvaine Strike | ... | |
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Elizabeth Mkandawie | ... | |
| John Sumner | ... | ||
| William Allen Young | ... | ||
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Greg Melvill-Smith | ... | |
| Nick Blake | ... | ||
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Morena Busa Sesatsa | ... | |
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Themba Nkosi | ... | |
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Mzwandile Nqoba | ... | |
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Barry Strydom | ... | |
| Jed Brophy | ... | ||
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Louis Minnaar | ... | |
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Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
In 1982, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refugee camp where the aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
Taglines:
You are not welcome here. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Release Date:
14 August 2009 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Sector 9 See more »Box Office
Budget:
$30,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
£2,288,378 (UK) (4 September 2009)Gross:
$115,646,235 (USA) (30 October 2009)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Performed by Jon & Drikson
Written by Gerhardus Bouchere and Hendrik Bezuidenhout
Courtesy of JD Records by arrangement with pigFACTORY USA LLC
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
In South Africa, the last name "van der Merwe" really is a fairly common surname (it, like many Afrikaans names, comes from the Dutch), but it would also be recognizable to most South Africans as the common name in a whole genre of jokes about stupid, bumbling, oblivious, or incompetent Afrikaaners. The fact that the Wikus van der Merwe character is (at least at the beginning of the film) an ineffectual, catastrophically clueless bureaucrat is immediately communicated by the screenwriters' decision to give him that particular name. See more »Goofs
In the scene where Wikus first meets Christopher and attempts to get his signature on the Eviction Notice, the pen on Wikus' clipboard is attached with Velcro and can be seen switching from parallel to angled and back again several times between shots. See more »Crazy Credits
The end credits are back to front, with the actors names on the left and character names on the right. As opposed to most films where its the other way round. See more »Soundtracks
"Die Leeuws (The Lions)"Performed by Jon & Drikson
Written by Gerhardus Bouchere and Hendrik Bezuidenhout
Courtesy of JD Records by arrangement with pigFACTORY USA LLC
See more »
District 9 is a story about aliens who make contact with Earth and the relationships with humans and society. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens' welfare. Their sole interest, alien technology and weapons. Weapon research would mean huge profits for the company. Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is placed in charge of the filed operation to evict, remove, and place the aliens in a new holding facility. Conflict and tension threaten the operation as agents move in.
Don't be fooled. This isn't your typical alien sci-fi action movie. What got me was the believability. If there were aliens out there that were able to make contact with Earth, it seems it could have gone something like this. The way the perspective switches from mock documentary style to standard third person certainly contributes to it. "Real" news footage and interviewers tell the story in retrospect, as the events of the movie have already occurred when they are being interviewed. I think it all added to the realism of the experience.
Usually in these type of films, it's mostly mindless action and the story is lost. Not the case here. There's so much more to it. It's also about betrayal, loyalty, trust, relationships, and sacrifice. It can actually be pretty deep and thought provoking with many themes floating around. The film's really about the story which is really a fresh, gritty, original concept, which is good to see nowadays.
While the creatures can be most readily described as monsters, though they are like us. Family and friendship are still important ideals in their world. The film explores a fine line between human emotions and monsters. With all the selfishness, hatred, and greed within us, maybe we are the real monsters or at least that's how it can be perceived.
Neill Blomkamp does a tremendous job with the direction and realism of the film. Sharlto Copley blew me away. I was shocked to see this was his first acting role. The action sequences were well done as well. District 9 is a very unique sci-fi film, one that shouldn't be missed. Mind you, this isn't a film for everyone. It's violent, and many parts can be cringe worthy. Be warned but be ready for one of the best films of the year thus far.