In 1982 an extraterrestrial race become stranded on earth in Johannesburg, 28 years later the aliens or "prawns" are still on earth secluded to a refugee like camp called District 9. The camp has been overrun with crime with the South African Government under pressure to remove the aliens to a more remote location outside the city. The main priority is not for the aliens well-being but for the exploitation of their weaponary, that proves to only work with their specific genetic makeup. During the evacuation process Wikus Van De Merwe (Sharlto Copley) who is overseeing the evacuation for MNU (Multi-National United) becomes exposed to an alien chemical that leads to drastic consequences.
The movie itself is set up like a documentary with sociologist, doctors and other experts providing their views of the situation. These interviews give the movie an independent and realistic feel making the movie seem like a real documentary. The film has such an original idea and setting, taking place over the slums of Johannesburg in modern day as apposed to the generic science fiction film portraying futuristic cities or from the backdrop of space, making the film that more effective.
The aliens themselves are very well designed with excellent CGI. Given that the film is produced by Peter Jackson I would expect nothing less. Whilst Jackson has given his support to the film the credit has to be given to Neill Blomkamp. Blomkamp's first directorial feature is based on his short film 'Alive in Joburg', he has also written the screenplay with Terri Tatchell, making it one of the best film debuts for any director.
The film is dominated by Sharlto Copley who is also making his feature film debut after only appearing in 'Alive in Joburg'. The fact that there are no Hollywood celebrities ads to the films authenticity as a documentary, with the quality of acting not suffering as Copley delivers an extremely moving performance. His physical and mental transformation throughout the movie is at times gruesome to watch but remains captivating throughout. The movie continually builds up in suspense and action mirroring the desperation and fear of Copley as the chemical takes its effect. The conclusion to the movie is one of the more moving ends to a film I have seen. The movie is so effective that I was left sympathising for the aliens by the end of the film as they are depicted almost as a novelty that has lost its appeal now descended to live a life of despair on earth, with no means of escape.
The movie boldly confronts the themes of poverty, racism, greed and power, causing the viewer to evaluate how people are still subject to inhumane living conditions, despair and discrimination around the world everyday. The movie also displays the most common solution humans find for conflict, which is violence. When violence isn't used we simply look for a quick fix, moving the problem away so that we no longer have to see it or feel responsible for it. This is depicted in the movie and is an accurate view of what happens in our present day society.
At the end of the day this is just a movie, however it is movies like this that need to be made as they bring light to issues such as poverty and make us as humans ask ourselves how can we as a race treat ourselves like this.
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