OK for kids 12+
Visually stunning but scary fantasy for older tweens and up.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this dark, futuristic Tim Burton-produced fantasy may be animated, but it's not meant for younger kids. Violence and scary scenes are prevalent throughout the film, with the main characters frequently battling killer robotic machines -- which are merciless as they pursue (and, in several cases, kill) their ragdoll-like prey in frightening ways. The robots also make alarming noises and often pop up out of the blue. Dead human bodies are shown briefly, but there's no gore. On the up side, despite the movie's ominous tone and frequent peril and violence, there's no language, drinking, consumerism, or sexual content.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence and scary scenes. Is it any less scary because humans aren't involved, or is it still intense?
- What is the movie saying about technology? Is technology portrayed negatively in other films?
- Who do you think the movie's intended audience is? Do you think young kids will want to see it?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite its often-bleak tone and some conflict among the characters, the movie's overwhelming messages are about banding together to battle evil, not leaving anyone behind, redemption, and self sacrifice for the greater good. As in the Terminator movies, there's a clear caution about giving too much power to machines/technology. There's also a spiritual undertone to some parts of the movie, especially in regards to how the main characters came to be.
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Role models: The character 9 is resourceful, selfless, and brave from the start. He inspires the rest of his kind to band together and fight against the machines. The 7 character, who is female, is a fierce, independent warrior. Leader 1 is initially resistant to change, curiosity, and risk, but he sees the error of his ways in the end.
What to watch for
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Violence: Several scenes of frightening machines attacking and, in several cases, killing the main character's friends. Although the battles are between ragdoll-like creatures and robots instead of humans and aren't gory, they can be quite intense and scary. There are also disturbing images of a machine being beheaded, characters having their life force sucked out of them, explosions, and other moments of intense, suspenseful peril. Dead human bodies are shown briefly, including a mother and child, and flashbacks and newsreel footage show an intense battle between people and rampaging machines. Weapons include spears and, in the flashback sequences, guns and chemical bombs.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
9 is almost a 10!!! Actual Grade: A-average. (Based on a advance VIP press preview) by MOVIES REVIEWER
Tuesday 9/08/09.
Produced by Tim Burton, directed by Timur Bekmambetov(co-producer) - and based on a 2005 Academy Award Best Animated Short film by Shane Acker, 9 is a 81-minute gorgeously crafted, visually lush, and superbly well-made full-length animated movie(written by Shane Acker, Pamela Pettler, and Ben Gluck).
This film is EVERYTHING that I expected in a TOP-RATE animated movie - creative, layered/textured, detailed, well-designed - with a well-executed(but weak) plot and heavy themes(survival, friendship/sense of community, leadership, wisdom, courage/valor, honesty/trust, etc. - and most importantly - HOPE).
Well-known thespians such as Elijah Wood, Christopher Plummer, Jennifer Connelly John C. Reilly, Martin Landau, and Crispin Glover contributed voice talents.
VERDICT:
9 is not really a kid's movie due to violence, scary images and the heavy themes.
A MUST SEE for fans of animation.
9 received a healthy applause from the preview audience at the end.
5
Definitely worth it, but NOT a kid's movie by InfiniteLoop
If you've never seen the short, I highly recommend it. The movie expands on the themes presented in it and integrates many of its elements, which is nice for fans of the earlier work. Both are visually stunning and have an impressive amount of detail and ambiance. The post-apocalyptic setting is convincing and sufficiently creepy, but the monstrous antagonists in the story complete the terrifying package.
The back story is a familiar apocalypse scenario, but the doll protagonists is a unique twist which makes the story all the more interesting considering the size of the protagonists to the demolished world they inhabit and the challenges they face. Each protagonist is unique, with a personality and depth convincingly conveyed by their mannerisms and dialog. I had my doubts about the voice casting, but left pleasantly surprised.
The movie is short compared to some of the three-hour epics, but it is a perfect length and well-paced. Not bad, given that it started as an 11 minute short.
5
Visionary, Moving, and Thought Provoking by AnubisScales
9 is amazing. It IS dark though, so unless your children are not easily frightened or cause to have nightmares, I would advise against taking any under 7-year-olds. This is NOT you little brother's animated movie. It is NOT Toy Story, it is NOT Robots, it is not even as lighthearted as Nightmare before Christmas.
Can you tell there was a screaming child in my audience that the parents ignored? Heh.
ANYWAY, I believe the best way to explain this particular movie is just to go see it. It's post apocalyptic, high-tension, fast action, "Little Big Planet" on steroids. With a deep message for humanity (without being preachy), and a frighteningly realistic setting, this movie may just change your life.
It did mine.
5
realistic and believable by sharee100
You can definitely see Tim Burton's hand in the characters! The characters have unbelievable depth of character that you rarely see in live actors. The development of the character relationships was perfect. And the last 15 minutes...wonderful! This is an intense story for everyone over the age of 12. And definitely worth buying the DVD when it comes out.
4
Good at creating some momemtum by cinefilonyc
kind of deflates at the end
4
Nine was good, but could have been so much better by peowmeow
Overall I thought the movie was good. My husband and I went to see it and we are big fans of animated movies and Tim Burton. It was very different and I liked the characters but I thought it could have been so much better. Its really vague on the details on the technology used to bring these creatures to life and really rushes through some parts of the movies while it drags in others. I still liked it though and I'm glad I saw it.
4
9 is very dark...what a Tim Burton Production should be. by TheBearJew\m/
9 is the latest of dark animated movies, following The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, and Coraline. Produced by Tim Burton and the director of Wanted (whose name I can't remember how to spell), and directed by Shane Ackler, the movie tells the story about how a scientist creates 9 rag dolls to save the world from the machines that have ended humanity. From beginning to end, it is extremely dark and visual amazing. The way the ragdolls are is very unique and the way the machines look is very creative. A lot of great minds went into this film, and the result was great. And everyone who says that this isn't a kids movie is right. In no way is this a kids movie.
5
The question is not if you should go see this movie, its why you're sitting on your butt and NOT out there watching it by shassouneh
I must say this is one of the few very interesting movies I have seen in ages. Its one of those where you may not completely understand the storyline at first, but find your eyes can't be taken off the screen. Its honestly THAT good.
THe pros:
great storyline
great animation / graphics
good character depth and development
NOT cliche
very "dark" throughout the movie (not in terms of lighting, just the general eerie look and feel) [It certainly feels like you're in a post-war destruction era]
Good timeframe (the movie does not declare a specific date or history but it has enough elements from the 1930s and the present to drive the point that its events could happen at any time!)
The cons:
1.) You can only see a movie so many times before you spend all your money
2.) The sequel is not out yet!
GO SEE THIS MOVIE. I can honestly give it a 5 out of 5! :-)
5
9 by Rich S
This movie is a very fine story told in a way that will appeal to diverse audiences. It takes place in a future world in which "humans" have lost control of machines [by instilling self replication to ends determined by the machines' superior intelligence]. Of course a single genius is singularly responsible for the loss due to its "misuse" by pols and profit seekers [left out maniacs and despots since our culture has not yet been treated to them]. The cute little "ragdoll" humanoids are not aware of their purpose, but seem to sense it as they struggle to survive in the machine controlled world. At first I thought that their antics and their oppression was gratuitous; to play to the "action" audience and the immature in the audience. But it turns out to be required to understand that their lot is actually self fulfilling prophesy, embodied by their faithless "leader". This film is NOT just another morality play in sci-fi costume. Its semi-surprise ending will be pause for thought.
4
9 by classicsgal
"Nine" was a very intriguing with a refreshing twist. While it is a movie that echos standard sci fi themes (the end of the world, man vs. machine) it also asks age-old philosophical questions about life and our purpose as a species. My friend who is a biologist will ge thrilled with this movie as it does allow science and aspects of faith to blend/coexist. My movie buddy thought it was a bit short but I thought the length of the movie was just fine - enjoy!