District 9
4 Oscar Nominations
Rent/Purchase
Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth. Not to conquer or give aid, but to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.
What critics thought
District 9 landed as one of the most inventive science-fiction films of its era, praised for blending apartheid allegory with visceral action in a way that felt genuinely political without sacrificing entertainment. Most critics were dazzled by its originality and emotional urgency, though a notable dissent argued the third act collapses into generic shoot-out territory and that the film ultimately stays earthbound when it could have reached the higher registers of the genre.
“District 9 is the most exciting science fiction movie to come along in ages; definitely the most thrilling film of the summer; and quite possibly the best film I've seen all year.”
Sara Vilkomerson·The New York Observer
“District 9 has the aesthetic trappings of science fiction but it's really more of a character drama, an examination of how a man responds when he's forced to confront his identity during extraordinary circumstances.”
Christy Lemire·Associated Press
“the third act is disappointing, involving standard shoot-out action. No attempt is made to resolve the situation, and if that's a happy ending, I've seen happier. Despite its creativity, the film remains space opera and avoids the higher realms of science-fiction.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
Genres
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Cast & Crew
DirectorNeill Blomkamp
StarringSharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, Elizabeth Mkandawie
ComposerClinton Shorter
District 9
4 Oscar Nominations
Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth. Not to conquer or give aid, but to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.
What critics thought
District 9 landed as one of the most inventive science-fiction films of its era, praised for blending apartheid allegory with visceral action in a way that felt genuinely political without sacrificing entertainment. Most critics were dazzled by its originality and emotional urgency, though a notable dissent argued the third act collapses into generic shoot-out territory and that the film ultimately stays earthbound when it could have reached the higher registers of the genre.
“District 9 is the most exciting science fiction movie to come along in ages; definitely the most thrilling film of the summer; and quite possibly the best film I've seen all year.”
Sara Vilkomerson·The New York Observer
“District 9 has the aesthetic trappings of science fiction but it's really more of a character drama, an examination of how a man responds when he's forced to confront his identity during extraordinary circumstances.”
Christy Lemire·Associated Press
“the third act is disappointing, involving standard shoot-out action. No attempt is made to resolve the situation, and if that's a happy ending, I've seen happier. Despite its creativity, the film remains space opera and avoids the higher realms of science-fiction.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
Genres
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Cast & Crew
DirectorNeill Blomkamp
StarringSharlto Copley, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt, Sylvaine Strike, Elizabeth Mkandawie
ComposerClinton Shorter
Rent/Purchase