Instant classic of the genre...its that good.

Rating: 9/10 (8 September 2009)

District 9 feels like a very original cinematic experience; more so in tone rather than content. Alien arrival and body shock elements are classic sci-fi but the way this film manipulates the familiar is both new and exciting for the genre. Aliens aren't threateningly unfamiliar here - they are persecuted and put into asylum! A designated shanty town to segregate the "prawns" from the humans - now there's a great concept and one that manages to speak for human intolerance, racism and all the inadequacies that stem from our self appointed ruling dominance over all other living things.
That brings me to how misanthropic this movie really is; thats not a slight against it, but the protagonist is a barely redeemable character whilst every other human is emblematic of the more disgusting traits of human nature. You really are rooting for the strangely likable aliens all of the way. The pseudo-documentary feel implies that the film makers believe 'this is what would happen, if aliens arrived', and the grim actions of corporate agencies lend the film a disconcerting believability. Little Miss Sunshine this ain't, you will leave the cinema fascinated, thrilled, awe-struck and yet appalled! I certainly have to see a film this year that has made such an impression.
There are a few hokey elements that rather hack handedly force the characterisation but D9 wouldn't necessarily be a better film without them. For the sake of this review, I'm trying to think of flaws but thinking of District 9 really just wants makes me want to see it all over again.