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District 9

Play trailer 2:15 Poster for District 9 R 2009 1h 51m Sci-Fi Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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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District 9

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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review Jeannette Catsoulis NPR 06/17/2015
The wonder is that despite its obvious roots, District 9 feels staggeringly original. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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] Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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@PlayingKoy 3d This film so skillfully works as satire and a genuine sci-fi drama that it's uniqueness cannot be understated. The mockumentary logic sort of falls apart during the second act of the film, but I think most viewers would not notice this. Even if you do, you're most likely going to be unbothered by this in the same way I was unbothered. See more Keith M 3d Classic film. Watched it back in 2010, but it stuck with me. Aliens could stand in for any unwanted people in this day and age, and you would have an accurate picture of society. Film is funny, witty, cruel and empathetic ....ALL at the same time. See more Andy W @elwoodee Dec 25 The non romanticized version of an alien invasion. See more Matt J Dec 15 Definitely worth a watch. Not my favorite alien movie, but the originality is without question. You won't see anything like it. You'll really feel the personal struggle for the alien race, and a dislike for the human race. See more Jack F @MovieFan111 Nov 19 I thought it was interesting. Never seen a movie like this before. Copley was great. See more Bruno L. @notbrunoatall Nov 5 Exceptional filmmaking and debut for Neill Blomkamp! See more Read all reviews
District 9

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Cast & Crew

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Neill Blomkamp

Director

Sharlto Copley

Wikus Van De Merwe

Jason Cope

Grey Bradnam

David James

Koobus Venter

Vanessa Haywood

Tania Van De Merwe

Mandla Gaduka

Fundiswa Mhlanga

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District 9

District 9: Trailer 2 District 9: Trailer 2 2:15 District 9: Trailer 1 District 9: Trailer 1 1:41 View more videos
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District 9

An alien in "District 9." (Center) Sharlto Copley as Wikus in "District 9." A scene from the film "District 9." (Center) Sharlto Copley as Wikus in "District 9." Sharlto Copley as Wikus in "District 9." (L-R) David James and director Neill Blomkamp on the set of "District 9." (L-R) Director Neill Blomkamp and Sharlto Copley on the set of "District 9." A scene from the film "District 9." Sharlto Copley as Wikus in "District 9." A scene from the film "District 9." View more photos

Movie Info

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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