This is true.

"You probably heard it described as social commentary about apartheid thinly disguised as science fiction."

While it technically is, it's well thought out, smart, funny, and not preachy.

It was a witty mix of the hot-button plot points, editing styles and musical tropes from every decent action, sci-fi and xenophobia film over the last couple decades. Though not one decent role for a woman. All-male all the time onscreen, epitomized by the veiny muscle queen army baddies.

Save the prawns!

Best movie I have seen this year. Hands down.

i tried hard to get lost in the special effects, but the race commentary won out and i was depressed for two days.. shit was bleaker than 'children of men '. but pretty damng excellent, this one and 'moon' rekindled my excitement for the genre.

@6: Actually, Children of Men is what ruined District 9 for me. Its the same movie, but a lot uglier, darker, and more openly damning of what's going on. District 9 -did- have some well-composed shots taken directly from old apartheid footage though, with the characters swapped out.

@8

Children of Men was definitely the superior film, but I still enjoyed District 9. I'm with you on that fact.