District 9

By Jozua J. Jonker.

District 9
Viewing : Sterkinekor
Release Date : 28 Augusts 2009

Directed by Neil Blomkamp.
Screenplay Neill Blomkamp,Terri Tatchell
Producer Peter Jackson
Director of Photography Trent Opaloch

Cast
Sharlto Copley, Jason Cop, Nathalie Boltt,Sylvaine Strike,Elizabeth Mkandawie, John Summer, William Allen Young,Greg Melvill-Smith, Nick Blake,Morena Busa Sesatsa, Themba Nkosi,Mzwandile Nqoba, Barry Strydom, Jed Brophy
Louis Minnaar

In any industry there are defining moments. Moments that change things as we know it forever. Another moment is on the horizon for South African film. To shape it, form it and change the way we will do it for years to come. District 9 is one of those defining moments. Many film makers dream of that moment and few achieve it. Neill Blomkamp has done just that and I think the industry is going to be better for it.

Twenty years ago an alien species made contact with earth. Not to take them to our leaders, or to rule or enslave us but to come to our planet as refugees. Their ship then came to halt over Johannesburg of all places. So what now?




In this cyclic alternate history of our country, the story unfolds. Wikus van der Merw an employee of MNU (Multi Nation United), a private company interested in the aliens welfare, is at the centre of this story as it unfolds, delving us into the world of district 9, the aliens and MNU, a culminating Sci-Fi adventure with unique twists and turns.

Blomkamp brings in a different flavour to this genre with his shooting style encompassing unique elements to make his vision work. He uses three unique components in his story telling along side Terri Tatchell, screenwriter for District 9. First Wikus van Merwe's own tale makes for a dramatic and compelling story. This mixed in with mocumentary footage to create the reality of the alternate universe we find ourselves in together with that last component using actual broadcasting footage gave the overall story the added benefit of the doubt. A component to me that stood out was the back drop to which this story was told. Johannesburg and district 9 together with other parts of the film formed an indistinct state between what is real and what is fiction.

The special effects was spectacular to watch for South African feature film standards. That today seems only reserved for commercials. This I think was part of the recepy for success and it places South African film in league with the UK and the US in terms of a big budget successful films. What also caught my attention was the quality in sound this film produced, something quickly over looked when the special affects is so good.

Although aliens and Sci-fi is not every ones cup of coffee, it is a great film to see at least once, specially for South Africans. When I was finished watching the movie as young film maker to the industry, I felt inspired and motived.

This movie for me gets a 10 out of 10. See you at the movies