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District 9 (2009)

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An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly finds a kindred spirit in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology.

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658 ( 3)
Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 30 wins & 110 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Sylvaine Strike ...
Elizabeth Mkandawie ...
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Greg Melvill-Smith ...
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Morena Busa Sesatsa ...
Themba Nkosi ...
Mzwandile Nqoba ...
Barry Strydom ...
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Storyline

In 1982, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refugee camp where the aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

alien | prawn | africa | ghetto | refugee | See All (246) »

Taglines:

You are not welcome here. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for bloody violence and pervasive language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Release Date:

14 August 2009 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Sector 9  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$37,354,308 (USA) (14 August 2009)

Gross:

$115,646,235 (USA) (30 October 2009)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

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Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

There are several references to District 9 in Blomkamp's film, Chappie, which is filmed in the same area and features Blomkamp's childhood home. See more »

Goofs

When the officers and Wikus' family and friends were talking, their titles and names were placed on the screen. When one of the MNU officers were talking, they misspelled LIAISONS, spelling it LIASONS. See more »

Quotes

Wikus Van De Merwe: [Comes into his house with the lights turned off, talking to his wife] I think I crapped my pants
[Lights turn on and people yell surpise]
See more »

Crazy Credits

The end credits are back to front, with the actors names on the left and character names on the right. As opposed to most films where its the other way round. See more »


Soundtracks

Bhambatha
Performed by Zola
Written by Zola (as Bonginkosi Dlamini), Kabelo Ikaneng and Thabiso Tsotetsi
Courtesy of Ghetto Ruff Records
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
Wow
13 August 2009 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I caught an early screening of this movie last night. I went into it with high expectations considering the high ratings it has been getting already. My expectations were not high enough however because this film exceeded my them in every way possible.

I will not go far into detail because I would prefer to not spoil anything. This is unlike any sci-fi we have seen in years. Forget Terminator 3 and 4, forget the AVP movies, forget all those laughable sci-fi movies, this film is what we have been waiting for. An original idea, an original concept, brilliantly executed, great CGI, good acting, it just has it all. We have seen many aliens come to earth movies, but this is different, I will not say why though. That is for you to find out when you see it, which I HIGHLY recommend you do.

This movie, quality-wise, matches up with the popular Sci-Fi films we love. The original Alien, the original Predator, The Matrix, Star Wars, etc. While I enjoyed those ones more because they are classics, this one clearly meets the standards we expect today when it comes to quality. A big driving force behind this, in my opinion, is the fact that high esteemed Peter Jackson is behind this project as the producer. After seeing his masterful Lord of the Rings saga, anyone can see that he knows what he is doing.

As far as movies for this year, this is definitely top 5 so far on my list (Up, Star Trek, 500 Days of Summer, HP6, and District 9). Thank you Jackson and Hollywood for finally producing the best Sci-Fi in years. If this movie does not make its way to IMDb top 250 then I will be in awe.

See this movie!


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