"Here she is, my angel."

Rating: 10/10 (28 September 2009)

District 9 is perfect. There is absolutely no doubt about this statement. Director Neill Blomkamp creates the single best science fiction film since Star Wars, but is truly on the level of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It is depressing, truthful, brutal, painful, hopeful and the very definition of cathartic. Yet, there is humor that will make you laugh out loud, moments before you cry. The film, as every truly great sci-fi film does, has a true-life undertone, and you could see it very clearly and subtly. This film creates such a connection, from the people to the Prawns. It is the ultimate struggle in life: keeping your humanity. The struggle of life and death is the ultimate string that ties this film together. It transcends from an immensely well-made, well executed 30$M indie sci-fi action film to a glorious epic picture that will have you crying and struggling with each character every scene.
These are some of the truest words I have ever said: Sharlto Copley deserves the best actor Oscar for the 2009 Academy Awards. His portrayal of Wikus Van De Merwe is sublime to say the least. And making this even more amazing, this is actually his first real acting role, aside from his 10 seconds on the short this was developed from, "Alive In Joburg". He doesn't make him out to be absolutely innocent or just a regular action hero. He is human. And that is how you see him. He is a truly normal man with as many flaws as us, put through a hell-on-Earth situation, doing noble things. He doesn't just go from quiet, funny, normal guy to a life-saving defender in a matter of seconds. You see him develop from this kind, considerate, compassionate, simple man with a modest life turn into a noble, caring and vulnerably tough protagonist. He still keeps his modest character and blends it with his noble human nature. You empathize and relate to Wikus and Christopher Johnson and hope for them. This film shows the primal nature of the human essence; we can all die for each other or kill each other. In the end, Wikus gives his human life to Christopher to save himself, his son and his race. For the first time in years, after all of the films about how humanity is a bad thing and how all of us are violent in nature, this film makes us remember that we are also caring, forgiving and heartfelt creatures. It proves that humanity is hopeful.