A Potentially Controversial Science-Fiction Movie

Rating: 7/10 (10 August 2013)

The film was generally fantastic and intriguing with an original plot and adequate acting. If you're interested in more information on these aspects of the film, I recommend reading the other reviews. This review will be addressing some of the underlying concepts and implications I noticed:
Early into the film, I noticed multiple implications within the film that could easily be interpreted as controversial. For example, there seemed to have been some potentially race-based implications within the film. Although this may simply be due to the fact that the setting on Earth was Los Angeles, CA, the vast majority of people represented as living in poverty on Earth were of Hispanic or Latino origin. Moreover, those living on Elysium and the rich on Earth were almost exclusively white or Caucasian. While I do not say this is necessarily inaccurate or problematic, this could definitely be considered offensive to some or racially-suggestive to those who focus on or discriminate against race and/or ethnicity.
Secondly and along this line of thought, I noticed how the majority of people on Earth were, like I said, of Hispanic or Latino origin. I am curious as to what the director and writers intended with this. Some people may find this to be suggestive of immigration problems, or that the writers meant to portray how ethnic and racial demographics may be if the estimates about ethnic-based population statistics are true.
Whether the director and writers meant to be as accurate as they can be with their portrayal of an impoverished, futuristic Earth, or if they intended to make this film politically charged, I cannot say. I can say, however, that this film was interesting and that there are undoubtedly some politically controversial issues implied within the movie.
Overall, I loved the film and would watch it again if it came on television. The graphics were great and the plot was amazing. If you want to watch an awesome movie, watch Elysium.