Original and emotionally gripping from start to finish.

Rating: 10/10 (16 August 2009)

With the recent decline in quality of summer sci-fi blockbusters (Transformers 2, anyone?), it's nice to see a film such as "District 9" that's original and groundbreaking; with a universe and a web of intrigue that you've never seen before in the sci-fi genre. I won't spoil any details of the plot but I will tell you this: This film is the most emotionally gripping and horrifying experience I've ever had this year. Some parts of the film were unintentionally funny, giving it dose of black comedy that works really well with the grimy, dilapidated slums of South Africa with performances by Wikus Van De Merwe, played brilliantly by Sharlto Copeley. In addition to the well-written script and beautiful direction lies some very original creature designs seemingly inspired by the Cthulu mythos of H.P Lovecraft fame which that are truly terrifyingly realistic. But beneath all the great aspects of this film is the heart of the film showing the good and bad of both sides of the conflict bringing in touching moments of heroism and justice, racial intolerance, isolation, and brutality. Some of the violence is really shocking and disturbing so I advise parents not to let their kids see this one because some of what's up there on screen will really give them nightmares.
I have to say this is if you want to see a thought-provoking, original, and gripping sci-fi film, see District 9. One of the best films in the genre of this year.