District 9

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2:15

District 9

R

2009

1h 51m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

309 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

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.

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Critics Consensus

Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

09/12/2017

B

I don't know guys, at the end of the day it's aliens and hard for me to take this seriously.

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Jeannette Catsoulis

NPR

06/17/2015

The wonder is that despite its obvious roots, District 9 feels staggeringly original.

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Jonathan Romney

Independent on Sunday

06/17/2015

Blomkamp is good at mustering speedy action and posting grisly sight gags in the background, carnage always hovering comically at the edge of your vision. But I'm not sure that District 9 entirely gets the earthling racism out of its own system.

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Fico Cangiano

CineXpress Podcast

Mar 28

4/5

Easily, one of the most original and exciting science fiction films of the last 20 years. [Full review in Spanish]

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

09/04/2023

4/4

Blomkamp doesn’t miss a step. His film is cynical, funny, smart, exciting, and satirical—all without losing his audience’s involvement in the scenario.

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John Brhel

Vague Visages

06/05/2023

District 9 might not be a classic like Alien or ‘The Terminator’ (not many films are), but it’s still an effective sci-fi film with depth and style.

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Justin T

1d

Bang in the middle of the shaky camera, found footage era comes this mockumentary. I did find myself questioning how some sequences were filmed (this is where it became a movie and not a documentary) but aside from that it did the job. The alien special effects look great. Everything fits to make this sound like a documentary but professionally mixed to sound like a movie. Not necessarily accurate but it’s a movie afterall. The story is fascinating throughout. It is a personal story and an emotional one. The aliens look cool and are so believable as they are given an identity within society. You really feel for them and pity them. This is very clever storytelling. It’s a really strong story and an emotional one.

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Darcy J

1d

a stunning film, with a suprisingly hearfelt plot and performance

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Richard M.

@Frogbreath81 1d

I am about 15 years too late on this one. Original story, fantastic visuals, tremendous acting. It will pull all your heart strings in every direction. Top class sci fi film.

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Roy C.

@RCelaya Jan 27

Somewhat of a stupid comedy. Don’t waste your time.

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Eric W

@imthegrandpa Jan 23

It’s a powerful story with so many layers of substance and meaning. It’s thrilling, heart warming and soul crushing. Beautiful and authentic performances. I just love this movie.

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Ivan M.

@imapug Jan 18

The story seems to go in circles. The timing of the movie is way too consistent and eventually feels like it flatlines. For its time it’s good graphics. I wish I could give it a better score but the script is not good enough.

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Neill Blomkamp

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District 9: Trailer 2

2:15

District 9: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Neill Blomkamp
Producer: Peter Jackson, Carolynne Cunningham
Screenwriter: Terri Tatchell
Distributor: Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: WingNut Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Bloody Violence)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $115.6M
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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