District 9

by Fr. Lito Jopson

District 9 is a film about a man who is contaminated with the genes of the aliens that he wants to find ways to get rid of it.

The film, though in the form of a documentary, is very much far off from the realist format it intends. It reverted back to narrative form to push the story to its expected conclusion - whether or not Wikus Van de Merwe (Sharlto Coply) be cured and go back to his normal life. The progression of the story is compelling and believable till the climax. Will Wikus attain his mission and at what cost?

There are sensitive issues raised by the film that give reference to actual life - the treatment of foreigners, or the issue of poverty and the way those in power are mistreating the lowly. The film handles this theme in a very effective way and brings out the cause of such racist treatment against others - lack of dialogue and communications. We fail to communicate effectively with others. We are prejudiced over others simply because they are not one of us. Unless we change our attitude toward others, the problems of poverty, prejudice, and racism will continue.

This film should appeal to adults rather than teens for its excessive violence.

Rating: 3.5/5