District 9
2009, Sci-fi, 1h 51m
313 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Thirty years ago, aliens arrive on Earth -- not to conquer or give aid, but -- to find refuge from their dying planet. Separated from humans in a South African area called District 9, the aliens are managed by Multi-National United, which is unconcerned with the aliens' welfare but will do anything to master their advanced technology. When a company field agent (Sharlto Copley) contracts a mysterious virus that begins to alter his DNA, there is only one place he can hide: District 9.
Cast & Crew
Sharlto Copley
Wikus Van De Merwe
Wikus Van De Merwe
Jason Cope
Grey Bradnam
Grey Bradnam
David James
Koobus Venter
Koobus Venter
Vanessa Haywood
Tania Van De Merwe
Tania Van De Merwe
Mandla Gaduka
Fundiswa Mhlanga
Fundiswa Mhlanga
Kenneth Nkosi
Thomas
Thomas
Critic Reviews for District 9
All Critics (313) | Top Critics (73) | Fresh (281) | Rotten (32)
Audience Reviews for District 9
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Sep 29, 2016District 9 is a gritty, groundbreaking sci-fi thriller that highlights the sheer brilliance of Peter Jackson and Neil Blomkamp. From the stunning visuals to its emotionally gripping tale, the film keeps you on edge and provokes the graphic nature of survival. 5/5Eugene B Super Reviewer
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Jun 26, 2016The debut film from Blomkamp, District 9 is about a stranded alien civilisation residing adjacent to Johannesburg as refugees where an executive for weaponry is exposed to a metamorphosing chemical as he tries to save the alien race. Filmed in a documentarian style, this is a refreshing Sci-Fi film that is so technically clever it will be deemed as a classic in later years, for sure. The problem for me was that I was not emotionally invested in any of the characters and the first act of the film dragged on for a very long time. Copley was good, but nothing outstanding. The segregation between humans and the "Prawns" is an obvious metaphor for diversity and whilst this drives the film, it perhaps forces this too much on the viewer. I can acknowledge that this is a very good film and can see why so many like it, it just didn't resonate with me as much.Luke A Super Reviewer
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Jun 22, 2016Incredibly original idea by Blomkamp. Aliens come to Earth but their ship cannot leave. They are forced to live in slum-like conditions in Johannesburg, South Africa and are constantly monitored by the government. Very entertaining film as it shows Sharlto Copley's character get exposed to a substance that starts to change him in a way that the government wants to exploit. As I said before, this film is incredibly entertaining and original. Action sequences were well done and effects with the "Prawn" alien race were remarkable as far as how they interacted with the human characters/actors.Patrick W Super Reviewer
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Dec 03, 2015Very good. Between a 4 and 4.5. I give it the higher rating for its originality and its attempt at unflinching honesty in its portrayal. There is no black and white here, only grey. Sci-fi needs more audacious films like this.Kyle M Super Reviewer
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