Film Review: District 9

With this summers blockbusters being relatively disappointing I wasn't expecting a lot from this film. The trailer and premise for the film do very little to reflect the true epic nature of the story.

Like it or not, the style is different. Much like Cloverfield, it is filmed mostly in handheld style as it follows the main character on a journey of self discovery and metamorphosis; both physically and mentally.

It is easy to understand why the film is set in South Africa and the sharp sociopolitical undertone is clearly evident. When one starts to consider the aliens as a metaphor rather than a different species then there becomes an empathy that attaches oneself to the characters making the viewer truly care about the outcome of both 'heroes'.

As the pace of the film gathers, the handheld style gives way to true cinematic techniques. This is remarkably done, as with the rest of the movie, and doesn't knock the film off course.

Even the way in which the lead character swears becomes hilarious rather than annoying throughout the film. His thick South African accent appears to switch to a Liverpudlian one with every "f**k" he shouts.

I'd rate this film as an epic 9.1/10. Its takes a while to fully engage but when it does the messages and plot soon become clear and are fully enjoyable. One of the films of a generation that will be talked about for some time.

:)

TO