How Would We Handle the District?
I don’t do a lot of movie posts usually, but there have just been some great films out there this summer that have really made me think and feel, which therefore gives me the uncontrollable need to share them with all of you. My latest obsession in movies is District 9. While I went into the movie thinking it was going to be a normal alien movie, full of sci-fi moments and lots of violence, it turned out to be more of a social commentary on how we treat people we consider outsiders in our world – whether that be aliens from outer space, or the people in other lands that we think aren’t as good as the proverbial “us”. It’s in the documentary style, which can be 
overly trendy, but here is simply effective. With actors from South Africa that are completely unknown in the United States, it gives a realistic edge that can’t be beat.
The film starts off with the crash landing of a space ship directly over Johannesburg, South Africa, and the consequent habitation of a new alien species on our own planet Earth. How they are treated and their resulting behavior is such a blaring comparison to the complete lack of funding and attention we as people give the slum towns of the world, and the almost animal-like way we treat people in these situations. Because these are aliens, they are treated in a way we would never think to treat humans in the civilized world – but do we treat people this way? That is the question. I mean, look at the refugees of the world who have to build tent cities and live in squalor – the world watches it happen, lets it, with little widespread international outcry and action. But what happens when “those people” become us, and the tables are turned? What happens when we are treated less than human? This movie explores this idea and more, and is fascinating in it’s special effects (thank you Mr. Producer, Peter Jackson) and almost perfect execution of the story. I have a feeling that this will be an award season favorite, and I would have to agree with their decision. It’s a mesmerizing ride, one that will thrill, captivate, and make you think about about society’s norms – enjoy!
Peace and love Xo
August 21st, 2009 saat: 9:42 am
Not only did this movie make me think about all that social commentary you mentioned, but I also just absolutely fell in love with the little baby prawn! I felt like such a dork, but I was in tears waiting to see if he’d be reunited with his daddy