Prawn is Beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (23 September 2009)

I normally write lengthy reviews. With District 9, I can't help remembering the rush I've went through, feeling giddy over each scene, being overwhelmed by each character's desperation, falling in love with a "prawn". Nay, two "prawns" and one first time lead actor.
So I can't say much without being choked up (particularly the very last poignant scene) over a sci-fi flick which doesn't even shout glossy Hollywood all over it. Imagine! Being sentimental over an alien movie? As one critic puts it, "an alien film with a heart." How true.
I wanted to stop watching after the first few minutes of torture and terror over aliens. Those pitiful creatures we glorified as supremely, technologically advanced and non-emotional over us humans. Sadly, I started to question what it is to be human and inhuman. I began to feel for those who weren't.
After watching the film, I forgot myself. I tried to find out who the characters portraying the alien father and child were, completely forgetting they were computer generated.
My hats off to Peter Jackson for giving first time director and screenwriter Neill Blomkamp a chance to show his genius. And then there's Wikus played by Copley...the man you almost hate, then feel sorry for. What a revelation.
Something beautiful came out of so much violence and pain. We learned how the old fashioned values really shape our characters and destiny. We still hope that in the end, everything will be alright.