Best summed up as an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE MIND-FREAK! From start to finish this movie is masterfully casted, hauntingly crafted & brilliantly acted. I fully expect several Oscars to come out of this; it's a definite "MUST SEE"!
If you've read and understood Cormac McCarthy's book, THE ROAD, then you will "get" this movie. All of the actors did a phenomenal job of portraying their characters. It is probably about as close to an accurate portrayal of a Post-Apocalyptic America as anyone has ever put on film. In an hour and 51 minutes this film takes you on full journey of human emotions, getting to the real marrow of what, underneath it all, it truly means to be a human being. It is a BEAUTIFUL cinematic testament to the literary work.
District 9 is a study in human nature, issues of refugees, human rights, the poor, the dispossessed and their discrimination and oppression. It questions military and multinational corporate practices. It raises issues of morality and accountability. It’s no coincidence it takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa; given its history of apartheid. I find it entirely plausible that IF a scenario like this took place it could very well unfold in this way. I.e. after 20+ years of interaction, humans and “prawn” would understand each other’s language, customs and cultures and have most of the interactions/issues presented in this film. Take the time to think about this film beyond the superficial you'll understand it on a deeper level.