It has been fourteen years since the release of District 9, a year that also saw the release of Avatar, Star Trek, and Watchmen among others. The film, set in South Africa, is a thinly disguised allegory of the apartheid regime that was in power from 1948 to 1994 in the country. It starts off in 1982 when an extraterrestrial spaceship carrying a population of a million bedraggled aliens appears hovering above Earth.
Inspired by the short film “Alive in Joburg,” the film’s title alludes to District Six, which was an “only whites” area in 1966, from where people were forcibly evicted to other parts. When the government rescues the malnourished aliens back to Earth, they are placed in a terrestrial camp called District 9.
According to director Neill Blomkamp, the film doesn’t have just one inspiration and is actually inspired by films like Terminator 2, Predator, and Aliens. I believe it inherited some of that gritty 80’s flavor while also giving it a modern twist. At its heart, District 9 is an action film that delivers all the action without losing focus on the technological aspects.
District 9 : The Ghetto
District 9 serves as a metaphor for escape, and I always found myself rooting for Christopher and his child. It’s easy to sympathize with them once you grasp the harsh reality of the ghetto they’ve been surviving in. The environment is dark, gritty, and devoid of any vegetation. The relief of making it out of the slums is incredibly comforting, yet there’s always an underlying sense of dread and despair lingering in the terrestrial camp.
When watching the film for the first time, you immediately sense the claustrophobic dread thickening around you. It’s almost as if you can feel the trash and dirt, and it’s far from a pleasant experience. Addiction and cross-species prostitution run rampant, while a local warlord with a sadistic streak and a craving for alien flesh rules over the ghetto.
While I generally dislike the use of “shaky cam” and “found footage” techniques in films, District 9 managed to pull it off, mainly because it had a compelling storyline to carry it through. Despite its low budget, the film surprisingly showcases sublime special effects. Neil Blomkamp, with his sci-fi charisma, is probably currently working on a sequel for the film, and he should be. With his latest feature, Gran Turismo, set to release later this year, it’s about time the director shared some news about the District 9 sequel. I’ll be honest, Blomkamp is in dire need of a hit, and what better way to make a fresh mark in this decade than with a sequel to District 9?
District 9 :The Emotional Touch
The story of District 9 serves as a metaphor for freedom, newfound friendship, and sacrifice. Similar to the bond shared by Frodo and Sam in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, we are led to believe that the blossoming friendship between Wikus and Christopher is something special. A pivotal moment in the film occurs when Wikus buys time for Christopher, even as he tries to reach the Mothership amidst heavy fire from the MNU mercenaries. This moment evokes the same goosebump-inducing feelings as when Sam carries Frodo up the volcano in “The Return of the King.” When Christopher promises Wikus that he will return in three years, we can’t help but feel that a sequel must be in the works. However, it is heartbreaking that while Blomkamp managed to strike such an emotional chord with the viewers, he has left them in a state of limbo that has lasted for over a decade.
District 9: What Makes It Special?
Strong characters, whether ones you care about or hate with fervor, can make a film truly special. David James was hired by Peter Jackson to play the role of Koobus Venter, who is also the father-in-law to Wikus. Venter is a sadistic, xenophobic mercenary who is determined to hunt down Wikus after he mutates into an alien, known as a prawn. “Unbelievable. Now I know why everybody wants a piece of you. I can’t wait for those med boys to cut you up. But you know what? You’re not gonna waste any more of my time. You half-breed piece of shit! I’m going to fucking kill you myself,” says Venter as he confronts a mutated Wikus. His English demeanor adds an imposing air of superiority to Wikus, who is Afrikaans, further reinforcing the prevalent themes of separatism.
Another villain in the film is Obesandjo, who is no less sadistic than Koobus. He is the leader of a Nigerian gang and holds influence over the slums of District 9. Obesandjo’s ambition to gain control of alien weaponry drives him to seek alien flesh. His presence in the film contributes to the cliché of the “opportunistic villain” who manages to spoil the party before it even begins. Drawing the prawns into “cat food” and prostitution as a means to obtain their flesh showcases his extreme treachery.
District 9 : The Lore
Once the credits start rolling, accompanied by my tears, I can’t help but ponder the origins of the aliens. Did they escape from a war-torn planet only to end up impoverished on an alien Earth? Why do they seem to lack an independent will to survive and easily submit to the government? Could it be that they escaped their planet as slaves?
Some theories suggest that the aliens are a creation of humans, and the black fluid, which also serves as a fuel, is the genesis of these humanoids. They demonstrate comprehension of the English language but are unable to speak it. Their addiction to cat food remains another mystery. The aliens consume their meals raw and are carnivorous, explaining the presence of numerous meat dealers in District 9.
While most aliens manage to survive on trash and cat food, Christopher stands out. He possesses intelligence and awareness of being a captive on an alien planet. When an MNU soldier asks him, “Why are you here?” Christopher replies, “We did not mean to land here, we had no choice.” And when he is asked, “Why don’t you just leave?” Christopher retorts, “How can we go anywhere if you have our ship?”
The sequel will likely address questions about the origin of the aliens and the DNA-laden fuel that powers their technology. It will explore what led to the aliens being stranded on Earth and what became of Christopher and his son after they left for home. However, what worked for District 9 may not necessarily work for the sequel. While the sequel may have a bigger budget, it must retain the same heart and essence as the original.
Blomkamp needs to approach the sequel with caution, especially when handling the reunion between Christopher and Wikus. This time, Earthlings might have unlocked the secrets of alien weaponry, potentially turning it into a full-scale war film. Alternatively, the sequel could focus on a low-key rescue operation, offering a glimpse into the alien planet and delving into the bond between Wikus and Christopher. The success of Gran Turismo is crucial in providing Blomkamp with the recognition he needs, and we eagerly await news of the sequel.
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