Aliens land in South Africa and have no way home. Years later after living in a slum and wearing out their welcome the "Non-Humans" are being moved to a new tent city overseen by Multi-National United (MNU). The movie follows an MNU employee tasked with leading the relocation and his relationship with one of the alien leaders.
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NonSequitur_1 from Australia
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I do not give out ratings of 10 lightly, but here it is - the first film in years that has been deserving of the rating.
Neill Blomkamp brings to screens a fantastic, gritty, realistic piece of science fiction with District 9. Not since Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner", John Carpenter's "The Thing", or James Cameron's "Aliens" have we seen a science fiction film with a vision of this caliber. After viewing District 9, it will be clear to one and all why Peter Jackson put so much faith in Blomkamp and took him under his wing as protg.
Abandoning the usual settings of Hollywood sci-fi and placing us in the harsh slums of South Africa, we are given an original piece of work which takes risks in the way it tells its story. Not only does it go against the expectations of audiences who have been trained to expect mediocrity from their sci-fi, it goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide us with spectacle as well as something to ponder after we've downed our popcorn.
There is, thankfully, not an overused, overexposed celebrity in sight, and every unknown face in the film gives a solid performance. The aliens themselves, brilliantly realized with top notch CGI even manage to make us feel something, only rivaled by Gollum from "Lord of the Rings".
District 9 has so much to like. It's spectacular, darkly funny, entertaining and thoughtful all at the same time, and it's all done on a meager $30m budget. There is true talent on show here. If only there were more films like this, the world of cinema would be a more interesting place.
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tomcraft000 from Australia
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I attended a promotional screening for this with a pretty good attitude towards all the hype that surrounded it. It was not what I expected, it was much better.
Not only were the CGI top notch, but the narrative is driven through a believable plot. Watching this film made me believe that a situation as such had occurred on Earth, and therefore the far fetched notion of an extra terrestrial race visiting us becomes so close to a reality through a story that is so realistically depicted.
District 9 is a beautifully crafted film which shows signs of great promise for being around for a while, a subject talked about by many people. Can't wait to watch this again with my friends = )
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Darkslide92 from United States
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I caught an early screening of this movie last night. I went into it with high expectations considering the high ratings it has been getting already. My expectations were not high enough however because this film exceeded my them in every way possible.
I will not go far into detail because I would prefer to not spoil anything. This is unlike any sci-fi we have seen in years. Forget Terminator 3 and 4, forget the AVP movies, forget all those laughable sci-fi movies, this film is what we have been waiting for. An original idea, an original concept, brilliantly executed, great CGI, good acting, it just has it all. We have seen many aliens come to earth movies, but this is different, I will not say why though. That is for you to find out when you see it, which I HIGHLY recommend you do.
This movie, quality-wise, matches up with the popular Sci-Fi films we love. The original Alien, the original Predator, The Matrix, Star Wars, etc. While I enjoyed those ones more because they are classics, this one clearly meets the standards we expect today when it comes to quality. A big driving force behind this, in my opinion, is the fact that high esteemed Peter Jackson is behind this project as the producer. After seeing his masterful Lord of the Rings saga, anyone can see that he knows what he is doing.
As far as movies for this year, this is definitely top 5 so far on my list (Up, Star Trek, 500 Days of Summer, HP6, and District 9). Thank you Jackson and Hollywood for finally producing the best Sci-Fi in years. If this movie does not make its way to IMDb top 250 then I will be in awe.
See this movie!
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Robert_90 from Australia
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Everyone's seen the trailer that kick-started one very fishy-looking viral campaign, interviewing several humans and an alien in quick succession. That marks many people's first exposure to Neill Blomkamp's District 9, and the trailer - which had a decently executed "mockumentary" feel to it, which only served to make its sci-fi content seem even more surprising. This same element of surprise is still present throughout the film proper, and it is quite a cinematic treat.
District 9 takes place in an alternate timeline where, twenty years ago, an alien spaceship came to a halt above the city of Johannesburg. The inhabitants of the ship are unable to operate the ship anymore, so they end up being segregrated to their own slum within the city below. Eventually, the government calls for the eviction of the aliens (nicknamed "prawns" due to their appearance) from the slum. The film's ostensible protagonist is Wikus (Sharlto Copley), who through a series of events too complicated to recount in a synopsis, ends up undergoing some rather dramatic changes and before long he's thrust into the middle of something far too big for him to handle...
The best thing about District 9 is that it always manages to stay fresh and surprising throughout. As the trailers indicate, it starts off as a mockumentary in order to expose the gist of the story. The film gradually crosses over to being a more conventional film, although still filmed with a very documentarian look and interspersed with occasional news footage or interviews. Despite the unexpected change in presentation, you don't really notice because you're so wrapped up in the ingenious premise. Then you're presented with the plight of Wikus, whose story is one I don't really want to expose too much because watching it all unfold was just amazing to watch. He's a perfect example of the Everyman, trying to survive as best he can in the face of everything that the world throws at him over the course of the film. His development, along with that Chris, the prawn he befriends (who is surprisingly well-rounded for a CGI character) raises this above your average science-fiction film. Even when the film's final third act becomes incredibly action-packed, it still doesn't jar with the mood of the film and doesn't forsake its characters and intelligence for the sake of cheap action sequences.
On that subject, the action sequences are far from "cheap". Given that Blomkamp and collaborator Peter Jackson were originally aiming to make a film adaptation of Halo before changing to this, there's still plenty of moments that feel quite reminiscent of Bungie's game, from the alien technology to the frantic battles. The effects work looks great in even the simplest of situations, to say nothing of the bombastic finale. There's just something about the way it all comes together, especially when it is combined with one very uncompromising storyline and subject.
District 9 is a rare find nowadays. It doesn't sacrifice the intelligence or raw power that its story affords it for the sake of appeasing your "typical" blockbuster crowd with a lighter rating and less focus on the story. It's a damned fine thriller that is not without its flaws, but is still several cuts above your average summer film and is well worth watching - but only if you can handle the heat. And it does get quite hot.
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dark_fibre from Australia
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Just got home from a preview of District 9. We had seen the previews and were intrigued to see just what the film would be like.
The film style was very much documentary like with lots of sound byte style comments settings the scenes and giving commentary all through the film. These in my opinion took it from being what could have been just another "aliens vs humans" film and elevated into the realms of social commentary. The aliens are presented almost as animals yet you rapidly start to sympathize with them and tune into their desperation.
If it wasn't for the alien space ship in the background and the poor being alien in every sense, you would think this was a movie about any slum and the people who prey on the inhabitants.
Like other films which cover the worst that humans can do, there is a brutal violence present and the directory has not shied away from depicting it. This is not a film you want to watch after a big meal. Just ask my girlfriend. She thought she would have to leave half way through.
In all, this is a film we worth every cent to see. Right up until the end you are never sure what's going to happen next. The characters are believable and the style of the film just adds to it. This could have happened, and in fact may happen.
For a first effort, Neill Blomkamp has created one of the best SciFi for a while, his future work will be well worth paying attention to.
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Billy_Costigan from United States
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District 9 is a story about aliens who make contact with Earth and the relationships with humans and society. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9. Control over the aliens has been contracted out to Multi-National United (MNU), a private company uninterested in the aliens' welfare. Their sole interest, alien technology and weapons. Weapon research would mean huge profits for the company. Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is placed in charge of the filed operation to evict, remove, and place the aliens in a new holding facility. Conflict and tension threaten the operation as agents move in.
Don't be fooled. This isn't your typical alien sci-fi action movie. What got me was the believability. If there were aliens out there that were able to make contact with Earth, it seems it could have gone something like this. The way the perspective switches from mock documentary style to standard third person certainly contributes to it. "Real" news footage and interviewers tell the story in retrospect, as the events of the movie have already occurred when they are being interviewed. I think it all added to the realism of the experience.
Usually in these type of films, it's mostly mindless action and the story is lost. Not the case here. There's so much more to it. It's also about betrayal, loyalty, trust, relationships, and sacrifice. It can actually be pretty deep and thought provoking with many themes floating around. The film's really about the story which is really a fresh, gritty, original concept, which is good to see nowadays.
While the creatures can be most readily described as monsters, though they are like us. Family and friendship are still important ideals in their world. The film explores a fine line between human emotions and monsters. With all the selfishness, hatred, and greed within us, maybe we are the real monsters or at least that's how it can be perceived.
Neill Blomkamp does a tremendous job with the direction and realism of the film. Sharlto Copley blew me away. I was shocked to see this was his first acting role. The action sequences were well done as well. District 9 is a very unique sci-fi film, one that shouldn't be missed. Mind you, this isn't a film for everyone. It's violent, and many parts can be cringe worthy. Be warned but be ready for one of the best films of the year thus far.
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dvc5159 from Penang, Malaysia / Chicago, USA
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Going into the cinema I had mixed expectations as I only saw a handful (yet interesting) posters and only one trailer. I only heard a handful of reviews yet all of them came from this site. Well, I decided to hedge my bets and walk in anyway. And I'm glad I did.
"District 9" is a wallop of a film that is also one of the year's very best films. It perfectly presents the balance of human emotions and CGI mastery. The acting is top notch and believable, and the characters are so realistically presented; even the protagonist is deeply flawed, and during some scenes I wonder who should I root for.
The story is well told; a refreshing, unique and somewhat original scenario, one that we've never experienced for quite some time. The atmosphere is bleak, dark and realistic, actually making me believe this thing can actually happen here on Earth.
The special effects are excellently rendered, and actually give more than their money's worth (Only US$ 30 million! And the effects were amazing, as great as anything WETA has done before!). The creature effects are so realistic we could not tell the difference. Thanks to none other than WETA for this amazing feat, and I hope they get an Oscar for visual effects. But the practical effects are believable too, as per the engaging and thrilling (and also non-stop) action sequences in the film's second half. And boy, those weapons are awesome! Special mention goes out to the fluid editing. Example, first half of the film works like a docu-drama, and the second half becomes a hybrid of Black Hawk Down, and we don't notice the change of pace. It's that brilliant.
Peter Jackson really knows how to pick a good story and director when he sees one. And I want to shake Neill Blommkamp's hand if I meet him. He is certainly a talented director, and one to look out for in the future. (P.S. If that Halo movie is still going on, Blommkamp has proved that he is the man for the job) In short, it's an excellent science fiction action film, but not without it's intelligence. It may have a few flaws and very few clichs (these happen near the end of the film) but it is still very solid nonetheless. If there is a sequel, I'll be first in line to see it.
Overall value: 8.5/10
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thebackofmyhouse from Malaysia
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Saying this movie is good would be an understatement. The movie has it all, a very intriguing deep plot, good acting and great action. If I was to find a flaw in this movie, it would be the shaky cam technique employed at the beginning part of the movie and also at the very end. The shaky parts are supposedly documentary clips telling the story of Wikus, the protagonist. But rather than add to the feel of it, the shakiness is just nauseating. They just over did it. But after a while into the movie, they got out of the documentary mode and things couldn't be any better. And the special effects in his movie will have you believing that these aliens are real.
It's better that you go into this movie not knowing the deeper plot as a big part of the movie's entertainment value for me is the parts when things look hopeless and you really feel the despair and hopelessness of the characters. The only thing you need to know going in is that there are aliens stranded on earth and they are put in slums.
This is one of those movies that teases you that it's nearing its end, but inside, you go "No, I want more. It can't end like this", and the movie hears you and gives you more. And it's primed for a great sequel. The potential that this franchise has is just enormous. The way they can expand the story is just limitless and all of them can add to it's lore. This is a classic franchise in the making.
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Ryan Clements from Australia
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I attended a preview screening of District 9 last night, and I am in absolute awe of this film and its director Neill Blomkamp.
Thanksfully, I knew relatively little about the story going into the film. I had a rough idea of the concept and had seen a few TV spots, but thankfully the film delivered so much more than I was led to expect.
What I like most about the film is that it increasingly gains momentum throughout its runtime, starting out as a mockumentary (and thinly veiled social commentary), but then delves into more mainstream thriller territory, before culminating in some thoroughly entertaining action set pieces. If action is your thing, be sure to stick it out through to the latter half of the film. As I was leaving the cinema, I overheard many other patrons saying exactly that... "I wasn't too sure for the first hour, but I'm glad I stayed" (personally, I have never walked out of a film at the cinema).
That is not to say that the first half is any less impressive. I am a big fan of realism in films such as this, and as such, I really enjoyed the documentary feel. I think the intention was for the entire film to be in the mockumentary style, but for me the style changes and takes on a more mainstream look (albeit hand-held)... which I think is important to know going in. There are also a few areas where it couldn't be believed that a documentary crew could still be filming (or even alive). But I think the film is much better for this, and definitely more memorable.
If there is one thing that irks me about this film, its that the story moves at an incredible pace... particularly in the earlier scenes in the film, which feel rather rushed, and seemingly at odds with the realistic documentary feel it was going for. Things just seem to happen so quickly, leaving little time to digest the premise and characters. I would love to see a version of the movie that extends the first half to allow a greater look into the reality presented to us.
SFX-wise, there are no complaints. There is the odd bit of artificial blurring on some alien movement, but overall we are presented with a very low-key, realistic CGI presentation that could teach Hollywood a thing or two.
One other aspect that I must mention is the performance of the lead character. Seeing a film of this caliber that has no recognisable actors, with foreign (to an Aussie!) accents just adds to the authenticity... but Sharlto Copley (in his debut performance) is a revelation and one of the most memorable aspects of the movie.
I cannot recommend this movie enough, and the wait until the weekend so I can see this film again is just too long!
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Scraggle Pufffa from United States
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I recently attending a promotional screening of District 9. I would like to give my opinion of the film, but not any of the plot or details.
I went into the theater basically only knowing the genre of the film, being exposed just to the minimal "humans only" ads. While I watching the film, I immediately wanted to view it again. It is intriguing and highly entertaining, with a dynamic characters and rich in both humor and action. Once it ended, my friends and I chattered excitedly about the numerous aspects we liked. As clich as it may be, there are parts of this film that will stay with you.
When it is released, I will be waiting with everyone else to see it again!!!
Around six different endings were created during filming.
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The first documentary-style film to be nominated for Best Picture.
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The language used by the aliens (clicking sounds) was created by rubbing a pumpkin.
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After the feature film based on the Halo (2001) video game series which was to be directed by Neill Blomkamp fell through, producer Peter Jackson went to Blomkamp and offered him $30 million to make whatever he wanted. The result was this film.
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As part of the marketing campaign in North America and the United Kingdom, posters were put up in major cities on bus stops, the sides of buildings, etc. designating areas that were restricted for humans only, with a number to call (866.666.6001 in the US, 0207 148 7468 in the UK) in order to report non-humans. The title of the film was generally not included, although the URL address for the film's official website was.
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The title is a nod to a real place and a real incident. District 6 was a mixed race neighborhood of Cape Town which the apartheid government demolished in 1966 to make room for whites.
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Star Sharlto Copley had not acted before and had no intention of pursuing an acting career. He stumbled into the leading role as Neill Blomkamp placed him on-camera during the short film.
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All the shacks in District 9 were actual shacks that exists in a section of Johannesburg which were to be evacuated and the residents moved to better government housing, paralleling the events in the film. Also paralleling, the residents had not actually been moved out before filming began. The only shack that was created solely for filming was Christopher Johnson's shack.
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All of the aliens in the film are CGI except the ones on operating tables in the medical lab. All of the speaking aliens were performed by one actor, Jason Cope, who also played the role of the lead alien Christopher Johnson and narrator Grey Bradnam. The dialogue for the speaking aliens was ad-libbed by Cope, and dubbed over in post production.
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The idea of the prawns being obsessed with cat food came from two inspirations. In impoverished areas of Johannesburg, Neill Blomkamp would see people selling cheese poofs and other snack foods out of large 3-foot tall bags and wanted the aliens to have a similar cheap food. The decision to make them cat food came from one of the producers who used canned cat food to bait hooks when fishing for prawns in Vancouver.
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Sharlto Copley ad-libbed all his lines during the "documentary" sequences. Copley and Jason Cope improvised their dialogue in other scenes.
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The creatures used in the small fighting arena were meant to be rodents/pests which were aboard the ship.
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In South Africa, the last name "van der Merwe" really is a fairly common surname (it, like many Afrikaans names, comes from the Dutch), but it would also be recognizable to most South Africans as the common name in a whole genre of jokes about stupid, bumbling, oblivious, or incompetent Afrikaaners. The fact that the Wikus van der Merwe character is (at least at the beginning of the film) an ineffectual, catastrophically clueless bureaucrat is immediately communicated by the screenwriters' decision to give him that particular name.
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District 9 is adapted from Neill Blomkamp's earlier short movie, Alive in Joburg (2006).
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The mutilated animal carcasses in the background of many scenes were real and with only a few exceptions, were already in the real slums and shacks used for the filming.
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Several Afrikaans curse words can be heard throughout the film, including 'doos' or 'poes' (both of which are slang terms for a vagina), fok/fokken (which means "f**k/f**king"), and 'bliksem' which has a variation of meanings. 'Bliksem' means 'to hit' or just 'hit', as in "ek sal jou bliksem" means " I will hit you. It can also be used as a derogatory term when referring to a person or as a derogatory adjective when used to describe a person or object. "Daai bliksemse prawn" would roughly translate to "That damn prawn" Also at some point, a sniper says "Kom na pappa toe", which translates to "Come to daddy".
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The film was inspired by director Neill Blomkamp's childhood in South Africa during apartheid.
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Many real tribal languages of Southern Africa employ clicking sounds (much like the ones the filmmakers included in the alien language) in their vocabularies, including Zulu (the most widely spoken indigenous language of South Africa) and Xhosa, another frequently spoken South African language (even the name "Xhosa" has a click in it).
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The alien ship was on Earth for 28 years: the time-stamp in the first 'documentary' scene shows 1982/06/01, while the eviction operation starts on 2010/09/08.
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Director Neill Blomkamp has said, jokingly, that the yellow slime that Wikus sticks his hand into is either a nano fluid that Wikus has to interface with to activate the ship, or the ships urinal.
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The design for the aliens went through quite a few iterations before the final insectoid "prawn" concept was finalized. Originally, the aliens were conceived as hulking creatures with leathery skin and tentacled faces, and were intended to be performed by actors in creature suits. The "prawn" creatures were initially meant to be "masters" of the tentacle-faced creatures (keeping with the idea that the aliens were slaves). Eventually, the lumbering creatures were dispensed with, the "prawn" creature design was settled upon, and it was decided that the aliens would be realized via CGI.
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The first TriStar film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture since As Good as It Gets (1997).
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William Allen Young is the only American actor in the entire film.
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A large number of actual South African weapons were used in the film. Quite a few of them were designed by Tony Neophytou and are marketed by Denel. This includes the NTW-20 20mm anti-materiel rifle, white painted CR-21 bullpup assault rifles and a Neopup PAW-20 hand-held grenade launcher. Kobus uses this when he shoots the battle suit in the back.
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First feature film directed by Neill Blomkamp.
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This is one of two movies to be released in 2009 to have been based on a short film released in 2005. The other film was Shane Acker's 9 (2009). Both films were adapted for a full-length feature film by their original directors.
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This movie marks the first appearance of the Denel NTW-20 anti-materiel rifle in a film. It's the large sniper rifle used during the final shootout.
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The MNU headquarter buildings shown in numerous scenes throughout the film are in reality the Carlton Centre complex belonging to South African state transport company Transnet. The shorter of the two buildings (shaped as an upside down Y) is actually the former Carlton Hotel which was mothballed in 1997 due to low occupancy. The taller structure with the CGI helicopter landing pads and MNU logo on the roof is the primary 50-storey building of the Carlton Centre complex and is known as Carlton Centre which is the tallest building in Africa.
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In addition to the original ending, the Neill Blomkamp shot five alternate endings for the film. One ending was apparently so embarrassing neither Blomkamp nor Sharlto Copley will say a thing about it, with Blomkamp stating, "No one will ever see that ending." The only thing known about it at this point was that Copley got very, very dirty in the process.
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The film is banned in Nigeria because the government felt the film portrayed Nigerians as gangsters and cannibals.
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Neill Blomkamp: When Kobus is tracking Wikus' location, Neill Blomkamp is seen briefly saying Wikus' coordinates.
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Near the end of the movie, when Wikus' wife Tania is talking to the camera and holding the flower made of metal, several ultrasound images can be seen on the mirror behind her, suggesting that she may be pregnant.
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When Wikus cuts the cake shaped like the MNU Headquarters at his party, he cuts out the same spot that he and Christopher Johnson blow up in order to enter the building later on in the film.
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Certain spontaneous reactions of the actors were kept in the movie for greater effect. When Fundiswa steps from the vehicle into District 9 for the first time, his character's reaction of diving for cover - actor Mandla Gaduka was told there would be no gunfire, however, stunt men began firing unexpectedly.
Obesanjo's "Holy shit!" reaction when Wikus shoots the gangster - actor Eugene Khumbanyiwa was not prepared for the strength of the air compressors that blew out the side of the shack.
Koobus' reaction to his truck flipping after being hit - the truck actually did not flip after several attempts and actor David James response was in frustration to the stunt not working.
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Body count: 21 MNU men, 15 Nigerians, and 3 aliens.
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Wikus as a prawn is slightly different looking than other prawns. His antennae are shorter, and he stands over a foot shorter than the other prawns. The prawns, such as Christopher, stand at roughly seven feet tall. Actor Sharlto Copley (Wikus) stands 5ft 11.5 inches, making him a full foot shorter than the prawns. Biologically speaking, it is very unlikely Wikus would gain a foot of height when he transforms, making him a much shorter prawn.
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The extremely large sniper rifle used to disable Wikus's armored suit is an actual weapon, the Denel NTW-20 20mm anti-materiel rifle. Appropriately, it is manufactured in South Africa.
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Two Toyota Hiluxes were "weaponized" into MNU armored "gun trucks" by Weta's vehicle and engineering department crew. One truck survived the shoot, while the other was destroyed for the scene where a power-suited Wikus flips the truck (Wikus was added digitally, but the truck flip itself was a physical effect).
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In the scene where the MNU workers first walk up to Christopher Johnson's shack in order to evict him, the radio operator identifies the shack as "Yankee Foxtrot Five Three Zero," or YF530. However the number on the shack itself is FY530.
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When the officers and Wikus' family and friends were talking, their titles and names were placed on the screen. When one of the MNU officers were talking, they misspelled LIAISONS, spelling it LIASONS.
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On the DVD extra documentary about alien reproduction the lecturer refers to "seminal vesticles". It should be "vesicles".
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Early in the film there are shots of "aliens not welcome here" signs around the city. One sign begins "These public premises an the amenities thereof..." - the "d" on "and" is missing.
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After Wikus is ejected from the damaged Exo-suit, the exo-suit disappears completely from all subsequent shots, including the aerial shot of Koobus's death.
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When Wikus looks at his chest, he observes the black boils which were forming. However, in a later scene, when he is caught temporarily by the soldiers, he has a clean chest (except for the blood from other bodies on him)
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After Wikus is ejected from the badly damaged mecha suit, he lands on a flat dirt area with litter all around him and starts to crawl slowly. When the camera comes back to him, he's crawling through dried up brush and there is a fire near him. When the screen reads "74 hours after exposure," he is again crawling on a dirt path with no vegetation or fire around him.
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When Wikus is in the sub-level MNU HQ firing range, and when they are fitting his HUMAN (right) hand to the AMR-B21 directed energy weapon, the thumb and index fingers have intact thumb and finger nails. In the office space after returning from field operatioms, Wikus picks at his right hand index finger and the nail falls off. He then visits the restroom where his thumbnail is pulled free when he tugs on [it] with his teeth. Both expose a red "quick". Then as mentioned above, the nails are perfectly manicured in the MNU HQ basement firing range.
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When Wikus is taken into hospital for the first time and sees his hand turning into a "prawn's arm", he freaks out and the doctor puts a mask over his mouth and nose to administer some oxygen and holds it with his hand. When the shot changes there is a rubber band holding the mask to his head, but there is no way that the doctor could have managed to put it that way.
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After Wikus escapes from the bio lab, he is seen removing his clothing including what appear to be a pair of espadrilles. After stealing replacement clothing, his new footwear are exactly the same as those he wore during the eviction scenes.
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In the scenes following the escape from the MNU facility, the team hunting Wikkus is shown is from an AgustaWestland Merlin helicopter. In the next scenes the helicopter is an Aerospatiale Gazelle (the cabin shots are clearly from a Gazelle judging from the size of the interior).
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In the scene where Wikus first meets Christopher and attempts to get his signature on the Eviction Notice, the pen on Wikus' clipboard is attached with Velcro and can be seen switching from parallel to angled and back again several times between shots.
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When Wikus is first admitted to hospital and is having his arm checked, it is quite clear that he has a hairy chest under his vest. Afterwards, he is seen with his shirt off and is hairless. Because the surgeons are planning on opening his chest to remove his heart, it is likely that his chest was shaved in preparation for the procedure. Another reason may be, due to the changes his body is undertaking (fingernails falling off, etc.), his hair may have fallen out.
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Everyone has modern mobile phones. However, the movie is not actually set in the 1980s. This is the date of the aliens' arrival. The events of the film are approximately 20+ years later, and on-screen date stamps put the movie explicitly in the year 2010.
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MNU, a supposedly highly secure corporation, neglects to remove Wikus' security clearance, allowing him to reenter MNU and access highly secure areas using his fingerprints.
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When the mothership activates, the Mecha suit performs an automatic defense program to protect Wikas who is now shown as a "Prawn". However, when Christopher is also under attack just a few moments later the suit does nothing.
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Early in the film, we are told that people cut a hole to force their way into the spaceship. (The spaceship is thought to therefore no longer be space-worthy for Christopher's voyage at the end of the film.) However, the full mechanization of the space craft is unknown, and the affected area could be sealed off from the rest of the ship.
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Christopher Johnson has collected the alien fluid for 20 years and is shown to distill the final drop - making him ready to use the spaceship. However Wikus Van De Merwe accidentally sprays himself in the face with some of the fluid, making the canister not full again. Still Wikus and Christopher can fly the spaceship without distilling more fluid. This may not be an issue however as originally Christopher was not going to leave Earth right away and he wasn't going to leave alone, he may well have been collecting a greater amount of fluid in order to carry a significantly heavier load, namely the entire Earth based Prawn population, he also may have planned other mother-ship activities before he left meaning, when his plans changed he may well still have had enough fluid left to fly the ship home.
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slum|street gang|refugee camp|extraterrestrial technology|johannesburg|government|aliens|science fiction|prawn|social commentary|racism|illegal prostitution|
AKAs Titles:
Argentina - Sector 9
Azerbaijan - 9-cu Rayon
Bulgaria (Bulgarian title) - Сек‚о€ 9
Brazil - Distrito 9
Canada (French title) - District 9
Estonia - 9. rajoon
Spain - Distrito 9
France - District 9
Greece - District 9
Greece (DVD title) - District 9 - Apagorevmeni periohi
Croatia - Distrikt 9
Hungary - 9-es krzet
Italy - District 9
Japan - Dai 9 chiku
Lithuania - 9-asis rajonas
Latvia - 9.rajons
Mexico - Sector 9
Peru - Sector 9
Poland - Dystrykt 9
Portugal - Distrito 9
Romania - District 9
Serbia - Distrikt 9
Russia - айон 9
Slovenia - Okrozje 9
Turkey (Turkish title) - Yasak Blge 9
Ukraine - ”ев'‚ий ок€ƒг
Uruguay - Sector 9
Venezuela - Sector 9
World-wide (English title) (alternative spelling) - District Nine
Release Dates:
Certifications:
Argentina:16 / Australia:MA / Austria:16 / Brazil:14 / Canada:14A (Alberta/Manitoba/Ontario) / Canada:18A (British Columbia) / Canada:13+ (Quebec) / Canada:14+ (TV rating) / Denmark:15 / Finland:K-15 / France:U / Germany:16 / Hong Kong:III (DVD rating) / Hong Kong:IIB (cut) / Iceland:16 / India:A / Ireland:15A / Japan:PG12 / Malaysia:18SG / Mexico:B15 / Netherlands:16 / New Zealand:R16 / Peru:14 / Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) (cut) / Portugal:M/16 / Russia:14+ / Singapore:M18 (cut) / South Africa:16LV / South Korea:18 / South Korea:15 (cut) / Sweden:15 / Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) / Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) / UK:15 / USA:TV-MA (cable rating) / USA:R (certificate #45478)
Movie Details:
MOVIE
