Iffy for 15+
Sci-fi stunner is smart but gory; way too violent for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this gritty, buzzworthy sci-fi epic filmed in South Africa (and produced by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson) is full of extremely realistic, bloody violence, including severed limbs, lots of bodies, piles of high-tech weapons, and even torture. The movie's aliens aren't cute or appealing in any way -- they're scary-looking, insectoid creations with complex biologies and lives. Expect constant strong language (especially "f--k"), as well as some drinking, smoking, and discussion of sex.
- Families can talk about the movie's extreme violence. Is it meant to be realistic (in that, yes, high-tech alien weaponry could bethis horrible) or is it just eye candy for action fans? Does it have more or less impact than the violence in a movie like G.I. Joe?
- How does the movie's news footage/documentary-like style compare tothat of other large-scale sci-fi films? Does it seem more realistic?Does that make it scarier?
- How does the movie's setting echo the real-life conditions of poverty andprejudice during South Africa's apartheid era?Even though it's a sci-fi film, what messages does the movie send aboutthat period?
- Can you think of other sci-fi movies (or other types of media) that have tackled tough political ideas through metaphor andfantasy?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although it takes place in a sci-fi context, the movie offers a fascinating perspective on South Africa's struggle with apartheid -- and on any nation's struggle with immigration and fear of "the other." The realization that the filmmakers didn't have to build the slums that their disenfranchised alien immigrants live in should also offer pause for thought.
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Role models: The movie ultimately culminates with two beings -- one human, one alien -- working together in the service of the common good and struggling to do the right thing at great personal cost and danger. A lot of painful, upsetting stuff happens to them and others along the way, of course.
What to watch for
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Violence: Constant, bloody, and brutal violence, some of it involving humans and some involving humanoid, insect-like aliens. Kicking, fighting, severed limbs. Torture, including a man being jabbed with cattle prod so that his hand will pull the trigger of a gun. Characters use high-tech sci-fi firearms, some of which strike with such force that they liquefy their victims. Alien weapons are tested on living beings. Scary medical experimentation imagery, including bloody, explicit body modifications as a man has his DNA rewritten by an alien virus.
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Sex: Some discussion of prostitution and exotic venereal diseases in connection with talk about human/alien interspecies sex.
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Language: Lots of harsh/strong language, including "f--k" used near constantly, as well as "bastard," "oh my God," "balls," "crap," and more. Some of the swearing may be hard for American audiences to understand given the actors' accents.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some smoking and drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
A very good movie by Jirekianu
If you're someone who got too into the hype there's a good chance you may be underwhelmed. Though if you're like me and limited your excitement to watching the trailers then you'll be suitably impressed with the movie. It has a unique take on the humans meet aliens movie theme.
The aliens aren't evil, they're not saints, but they're not evil. Humans are complete monsters at times but we are redeemable as well, and it's very ugly and gritty how the characters behave. The realism present in the emotions that both human and alien portray is astonishing and you have to ask yourself how much is media propaganda (in the movie) and how much is real?
4
A gritty yet refreshing film - like laying on a sandy beach and letting the tide roll over you. by animacomplex
I can't help but laugh as I read through these 'Fan Reviews' of District 9. I tend to read the 'bad reviews' first and couldn't help but notice that the individuals giving this movie a bad review appear to be young, uneducated, ignorant, or all of the above.
The movie has strong parallels to the REAL LIFE events that took place in Cape Town, South Africa under the apartheid regime in the 70's (District 6). Granted, very few of today's generation will know about the racial atrocities that occurred back then, but the underlying message remains true - even in a blockbuster Sci-Fi film.
Good action sequences, intriguing plot, great special effects, and unique character/monster design.
This movie is gritty...but then, more often than not, so is the truth.
5
District 9 is the most unique, intelligent sci fi movies in years by earthbound_loveship
it seems most reviewers are like "OMG best movie ever" or "it sucked..." of course that doesnt really help most people reading these reviews. so heres my review:
District 9 IS one of the best movies of the year, and the best Sci-fi movie to come out in several years. why? because it has every element key to a good movie. amazing acting, story, action, and even cultural significance. it has a good message too really makes you think
Sharlto Copley really did an amazing job in this movie. He takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, hes one of those rare actors that really allows you to feel his pain, feel his suffering rather than just acting it. whats even more impressive is that he improvised in most of the movie! The aliens are really well done too. most other movies portray them as these powerful, all knowing creatures, but in this, they are poor, starving, almost worthless creatures.
Go see District 9, even if your not a sci-fi fan! if you want to see a well made movie, this
5
The best movie of the summer! by advonspaandc5
I watched the midnight showing. I had no expectations of this movie at all and knew nothing about it except from what I seen from early trailers. My god, I was BLOWN away! This is an absolute must-see movie. Though I'm reading the negative reviews and it seems like those people just don't understand it. What do they expect? G.I. Joe with aliens? No, this movie was much more than that. Thought provoking. What if aliens really did come to our planet? Unlike the typical alien movies, no they aren't here to kill us nor will they magically go to a city like New York. Instead in District 9, they come to South Africa and are as vulnerable as humans. It's a much more realistic imagination of what could really happen. Again, don't let the ignorant people voting this movie down sway you from seeing it. Oh, and lastly. This movie isn't for the faint hearted, people are blown up and it can get pretty gorey at times.
5
Much more than you think by tasgeo
This movie is exactly that: much more than you think. I was really surprised to see a movie that started almost as if it were a comedy just to turn into one of the most serious and deeply thought allegories of one of the greatest problems of our planet today. Apartheid as well as the story of refugee/uncontrollable immigration and the intolerance of modern societies unravel in front of our eyes in the form of a very powerful and shocking allegoric thriller that have us psychologically involved from the first minute. An excellent work with very strong and clear messages, the kind that we unfortunately don?t see around very often.
5
Horror witth a point! by ChaimEliyahu
I almost fled from the second quarter: how could this horror be worth it? And the fourth quarter was excruciating, as I was so involved withe charcters, human and otherwise. But ultimately, a deep and rewardng film -- not to be entered into lightly!
5
Best Sci-Fi Movie in years! by hellhammer6
OH WHATEVER!
Bad movie companies must pay homeless people to write bad reviews about rival movies.
District 9 is one of the best movies I have seen in YEARS.
The people writing bad reviews are probably the same people that said GI Joe was good!!!!?!?!?
This movie was amazing in every way... the special effects, the plot, and the acting.
It is a very artistically done Sci Fi epic that will be a favorite for decades.
It is a level above most stupid hollywood overbudget films today.
If you see this film, you will love it. It is intelligent and emotionally gripping.
It is simply the most incredible movie experience ever.
5
Finally.. a movie worth my time by Halo is overrated
Original, gripping, beautifully violent. The first movie I've ever felt compelled to write a review about. I can't disagree more with the negative reviews some people are giving this film. They must enjoy the cliche, over the top holly wood films that directors like Michael Bay produce. Compelling story that was never once predictable or dull, immaculate CGI (as close to perfection as computer generated imagery has gotten), believable characters that aren't drawn out throw aways. Life-like gore and violence (the popping bodies never got old), and no failed attempts at corny humor that pollute the film industry. If the trailers for this film intrigued you, you will NOT be disappointed. My expectations for movies are usually crushed upon exiting the theater; however, District 9 exceeded my expectations by delivering a high quality sci-fi film without all of the mundane bells and whistles that over budgeted action flicks produce that generally rob the films of any true quality.
5
Lame! by doobers
I wish they required a movie stub to write a review. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE OR DON'T LIKE THE GENRE, DON'T RATE IT!
5
How this is ranked lower than Transformers 2 is beyond me. by badazzbuddy117
The fact that fandango users rated this movie lower than transformers revenge of the fallen proves that a great number of people are idiots and actually enjoy a michael bay film. This movie is smarter than your average summer action movie. It has a pretty deep message to it, has great action, and great suspense. At times, I felt like I was watching multiple genres of movies, so District 9 could be classified under drama, humor, action, horror, thriller, and documentary. It has the perfect blend of everything, and it is a nicely paced movie; no part of the film was dragged out and not a single scene bored me.
A few reasons that people rated D9 lower are:
1. They brought their children with them and did not realize the amount of blood in this film.
2. Cam sequences made them so dizzy, that they had to leave before they lost their lunch.
3. Not enuff action!!!1 I needa see transformers now bcuz its so much beters wif explosionss n immatur humpin (epitome of almost all young teens)