First Rate Science Fiction

Rating: 9/10 (14 August 2009)

Science fiction is often perceived as a genre dominated by explosions and spacecraft chases strung together by mere whispers of plot. However, there are some science fiction films that transcend this stereotype and use the genre as a forum to discuss a larger issue. District 9 belongs to this upper echelon of science fiction movies.
Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, District 9 transports us to world where aliens referred to as Prawns have landed on earth some twenty years ago and after the tension between the two races escalates to violence, the slum District 9 is created to house the Prawns. This is the backdrop of this incredibly well crafted story. The actual plot I will not discuss, as it is better to walk into District 9 knowing as little as possible. District 9 achieves an incredible balancing act that few blockbusters even attempt. It is blends science fiction and political drama flawlessly, fusing them together with a healthy does of in your face action and violence.
Blomkamp's script does not shy away from the complex and deep themes that drive the film. Running just under two hours, the film has a brisk pace but is by no means in a hurry. Blomkamp takes the time to set up a believable political and social backdrop for the mayhem to ensue. And even as the bullets fly and spectacular action sequences unfold, it still never loses sight of it's original intentions. That being said, District 9 is no pensive drama, it's a solid action film. It just so happens to have something to say as well.
Filmed for an amazingly cheap 30 million dollars, District 9 is a sight to behold. The film looks and sounds amazing. The films star, first time actor Sharlto Copley does an outstanding job as the film's hero Wikus. The performances are strong and fill out this completely convincing reality.
District 9 is both exciting and thought provoking. Something few blockbusters can manage. It is without a doubt, a must see film.