The coolest thing about this movie is how it shifts from documentary style into an action film and you barely notice the transition.

The film's CGI is superb, especially when you realise the budget was $30m.

I can understand Wikus' personality because he was not chosen for his job because he's an empathic, kind and/or smart person. He was just a bureaucrat doing the dirty work without thinking about it too much. That's how he can be so callous in the beginning. Perfect cog for the machine. So when placed outside his comfort zone, he just wants to go back.

Crazy true story. Peter Jackson and WETTA were hired to do a Halo movie and were working on the designs and effects. Jackson did not want to direct and figured the best idea was to find a complelty unknown director and saw Neil Blomkamp's reel of shorts and commercials. Halo pulled out of the project so they had all these designs and allocated time to film something but now with no intellectual property or guaranteed funding so Blomkamp looked in his drawer and pulled out one of his short films and that became the basis for District 9. I believe the short was a much cheaper version of the first 5 minutes of this film where its a doc about aliens in South Africa

You can tell George really liked the movie, when he's frantically trying to fill all the unnecessary details and real life possibilities😀

This movie was a massive hit when it came out, and people clamored for a sequel. Now, it's sadly largely forgotten. But it's so darn good.

The Buzz around this movie at the time It came out, was that studios were starting to make blockbuster movies with a budget of over 100million dollars, some +200milliom & the stories sucked or the CGI. Then this movie came out with a budget of 30mil out of nowhere, which was insane considering how good the CGI is. The story is great as well.

I rented this movie over a decade ago from a RedBox machine thinking it was just going to be a campy B-film to watch while the wife was out of town. That night is forever burned into my memory as one of the best movie nights I've ever had because of how blown away I was by this movie. Love love love this movie.

Christopher Johnson in the experimentation room demonstrated more humanity than any of the humans did in the movie. Such a powerful moment. Such a masterfully crafted film.

As Wikus became less human, he gained more humanity

Sharlto Copley absolutely sells this movie his constant teetering between being a mindless cog, a coward, an asshole, while still ultimately being sympathetic and very, very human. That’s such an interesting complexity and Copley’s intensity really makes the film.

Having grown up in South Africa during the transition out of Apartheid, this movie is an absolute masterpiece. There are so many direct comparisons and Blomkamp nailed so many aspects.

Saw this in theaters. Profoundly impressed. Incredible how first time director Neil Blomkamp received an Oscar nomination for writing the screenplay and his debut film was nominated for Best Picture. To think this occurred after the Halo movie fell apart. The way things work out sometimes.

Sharlto is such a great actor, really nice guy too, pleasure to meet. he was so well cast in the A Team movie too haha

Can't believe this movie ONLY cost $30 million and was nominated for Best Picture!? So amazing!

This movie wouldn't have landed if Copely's acting wasn't top notch. I wouldn't have bought into his bad decision making if I didn't feel the absolute terror and panic he conveyed! Incredible script and acting! I was lucky enough to see this one in theatres!

One of the most underrated science fiction films. Incredibly disturbing, so well done. So much to unpack, so many dark reflections of humanity.

Alien refugees isn’t a new concept. You should check out the movie “Alien Nation” starring James Caan and Mandy Patinkin from 1988. It spawned a tv series by the same name in the early 90s

This movie is brave enough to ask "what if the aliens are aliens?"

This is Blomkamp's best movie so far imo. He's done some more ambitious things. Elysium has some great ideas. But here he got it. A straightforward story that is beautifuly told. A sci-fi poem about a guy who is completely soulless, who regains his humanity by losing his human self. Really awesome.

Great reaction guys! Being South African I enjoy the fact that people all over the world still find the main character relatable, I found this movie to be awesome and frustrating at the same time!

Gotta say... Didn't expect to hear a unit 731 reference while sitting down to watch my reaction videos today, but it's good to see the knowledge is out there.

I remember going to see this movie when it first came out in the theater and knowing nothing about it. No trailers, no one had heard anything, nadda... and blew my mind. Such a killer movie.

Thank you for the reaction! Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

This is one of my all time favorite movies. One theory I've come to accept over the many years since I was able to catch this in theaters is that Christopher Johnson was of the leading class, which the aliens needed in order to function as a society. Christopher Johnson seems to be smarter than the average alien, he and his child both have an understanding of what's happening above that of most of the other members of their species. Like insects they need someone to tell them what to do or they are at best aimless and at worst destructive. Since their technology seems to work based off of genetic material it's possible all aliens can use weapons and tech but only some of the ruling caste can utilize the control ship(s), which is the ship Christopher Johnson has under his house. It's possible their species just works this way. They have certain members to do certain things only and having no direction caused them all to be so ineffective at caring for themselves they nearly starved and ended up huddling together in their own filth in the dark which of course would cause disease. They needed some specific blend of concentrated material in order to trigger their tech on a mass scale, unlocking the Admin Permissions so to speak. But it is an interesting question as to why this may have happened. Why Christopher Johnson seems to be the only one able to do all this or that can actually articulate their history. They seem to know exactly where they are from and how their society used to function but seemingly only them. Perhaps it has to do with their technology. Maybe they ran into something on another world which caused some kind of infection to their tech at the higher levels, as we see Wickus have to stick his hands into some kind of gel interface. The leaders may have been infected while the others not having access didn't get the same effect. Christopher Johnson may have been lower in ranking in some way or wasn't using the tech at the time. Though this has some problems as well, if so then why didn't they just go home? They know where it is. Possibly to not infect their planet? Well if that's the case why risk going home now? Though they did have some pretty fierce ass weapons. They seemed like high tech conventional, small arms, mech suits. This all seems to suggest ground force deployment. Maybe they were conquers or maybe they were just well prepared. At least some of them seem to have some level of human psychology, caring for their children and for other members of their species. But who knows if they all have this or if sentience and emotions are a privilege for the upper caste.

I love that the alien's name is something as common place as Christopher John's

I love the documentary style start and the sense of foreboding they create. "There's a lot of secrets in District 9."

I love this movie! Always cry at the end. Sharlto is a natural, can't believe this was his first movie. He was hilarious as Murdoch in The A-Team.

On February 26, 2021, Neill Blomkamp revealed on his official Twitter that development was moving ahead on a script for a sequel, titled District 10, with Sharlto Copley and Terri Tatchell co-writing the screenplay with him.

Still holding out hope for a prequel or sequel for District 9.

I still don't understand how the cgi for this movie is at the level it is for the year it came out.

George is really good at describing movie posters in an articulate way, much better than I would be.

I loved the cat food thing, the way it was revealed to us. The guy asks "is that tear gas?" And the answer "no it's catfood" made me laugh so hard because I though he was being sarcastic! Then the cut to the talking heads explaining it really is catfood and they are junkies for it

We have 9+ Fast and Furious movies, but no sequel to District 9!!!!!!

"this guy does not think further than 5 seconds ahead" yeah, that's what extreme stress does to people. all people. it's entirely natural, and to be honest, you have to be especially stress-resilient to be able to even function at all, even with only the "5 seconds ahead" thinking. many people just shut down completely in situations like that.

its been 19 years and we are still waiting him to came back :(

Watching this film on theater was one of the best experiences of my life. Everybody was screaming "Oohhhh!!" all the time, it was awesome

this movie is so ahead of its time. A masterclass film in my personal opinion

One of my all-time favorite movies. I feel that most movies try to hide being allegories, presumably to not distract the viewer. But this movie is completely unashamed of being an in-your-face allegory, and it works really well, because the story is being so well told.

Sharlto Copley is so underrated. Wish he got more roles.

George, your prospective about the ship was interesting about it being biotech. I only thought about their weapons but it fits ever bit of their tech is the same. And also yeah he got mad at them wanting to leave? "we don't want you here but you can't leave." Sadly there are people out there just like that.

I loved this movie when it came out and I really wanted a sequel after I saw this, but after all these years I’m glad they never made one. This is one of those movies where it’s even better where it can be left up to the individual person to think what would happen next. Kind of how people like to guess if Rose died or was dreaming at the end of Titanic

OMG!! I'm so glad you finally reached the point of District 9. Yes! Awesome movie.

When I first saw this I didn't know what to expect and had no idea what I was in for. A really interesting concept, and the 'prawn' lol. Will never forget that.

I think it's often overlooked just how hesitant Wikus is to fire on a live alien when being forced to test-fire one of their weapons. He's a bureaucrat, first and foremost, and an extremely annoying one, at that - he's quite high on his authority, only to be fed the humility pill when he's been forced into experimentation that even _he_ didn't know the MNU was doing. But even _he_ can't really kill in cold blood. The rest of the film is basically him shedding his "me first" survival instinct after we see that he's got a (deeply buried) conscience.

Somehow it seems every week you guys choose movies that perfectly peak my interest. I haven't ever had a channel that seems to do all the movies I'm into, it really helps to have a good movie to enjoy my night to.

This is my personal top "an amazing movie I will recommend to everyone but only ever wanted to watch once."

Seeing this when it first came out in the theater was such an unforgettable experience.

Saw this in the theater when it came out on some pot cookies. It was one of my favorite cinematic experiences.

I remember seeing this film awhile back and found it amazing. must have been fun to be in the brainstorming sessions for production the effects were so well integrated in to the live action, do happy you guys covered the film.

14:10..."We're in Unit 731 territory." NAILED IT. EFFING NAILED IT.

I've prayed for a sequel to this for years, it has been rumored multiple times.

Great reaction as usual. Now that you've discovered Blomkamp, I would strongly recommend reacting to his two other films: - Elysium (2013) - Chappie (2015) Elysium will give you more views, but Chappie is an absolute gem IMO.

This is one of my favorite movies. It's amazing, and only happened cause the director, Neill Blomkamp, was slated to do the Halo movie, but it fell through, and Peter Jackson felt bad about it, so he produced this as an apology, which is a full length version of a short Blomkamp made called "Alive in Joburg" It had a budget of 30 million, and still looks amazing to this day. The cg bits that don't look great, looked the same as when it came out, it's not a case of them aging badly.

There is a sequel due soon btw guys. At this stage it's called District 10. It was slated for release sometime this year although probably next year at this rate. Also if you're a fan of this, you should definitely check out 'Chappie' also by the same director. He also made a series of shorts for other movie concepts, though I forget what it was called.

It's a rare treat. They don't like to make movies like this because it strays from the "formula". I'm glad it was made.

Have you considered the film "Alien Nation" (1988)? with James Caan and Mandy Patinkin, about aliens stranded on earth and integrated into society, not a bad film. Also, a more modern film to check out... "Elysium" (2013), with Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, also written and directed by Neill Blomkamp. :)

In South Africa, the last name "Van De Merwe" really is a fairly common surname (it, like many Afrikaans names, comes from Dutch), but it would also be recognisable to most South Africans as the common name in a whole genre of jokes about stupid, bumbling, oblivious, or incompetent Afrikaaners. The fact that the Wikus Van De Merwe character is (at least at the beginning of the film) an ineffectual, catastrophically clueless bureaucrat is immediately communicated by the screenwriters' decision to give him that particular name.

Love this film. In August of this year there were a few articles talking about the sequel still being in development by Director/Writer Neil Blomkamp. So here's hoping it keeps going.

There's a 1-2 spoof video on KZfaq where Christopher does come back but with an invasion army and Wikus is like "Naw I'm good I'll stay as a Prawn".

As a fan of your channel, and a South African ... this is going to be fun

Sharlto Copley is so under rated. You should check out Hardcore Henry, it's a bit unique and crazy but fucking hell is it an absolute blast.

This is hands down one of the best movies ever made! Ive been praying for another for years!

Easily one of the best sci-fi movies ever made.

The director said he was working on District 10 script and that the movie was going to be made in a near future :)

Love this movie and the creativity that went into it. Wild that it was supposed to be a live-action movie of the video game Halo, but they turned it into this after Bungie dropped out.

Fun Fact: This movie is loosely connected to two other films! Those films being Chappie and Elysium! They are tied by some fictional technology scattered throughout the films and Sharlto Copley being in each film!

I think recently they planning to make the sequel (FINALLY!!). And Neil Bloomkamp himself gonna direct it.

Apparently, there is work underway, now, on a sequel, entitled "District 10", according to director Neil Blomkamp. (Can't wait...)

Fun fact: Jason Cope, the actor who plays the dark haired guy being interviewed in the documentary segments, also did stand-in and motion capture for some of the aliens. He was also the guy who got the "hot shot" bullet in the mouth in Dredd. 😁

George: "Alien refugees! That's new." People who grew up watching the Alien Nation franchise: "Is it, though?"

This Movie is a Timeless Masterpiece! Great Reaction!

Love that you guys watch this, there is a sequel, finally in the works.

dude when you said 'we're in unit 731 territory' I had to pause the video cause holy shit that was it exactly

During the worst days of the pandemic. My father had to go to the hospital. He was in a medic village, like a quarentine area with tents, biohazard equipped medics and all that stuff. I found this movie available online (I only remembered it was enjoyable and that's it) and sent it to him. So you already know how he felt seeing Wikus. Clumsy me :(

how awesome that you are together-together for this movie, yay random cosmos order!

Hi, I just wanted to say that you guys have been a massive inspiration on me to create my own movie reaction channel and I just wanted to say THANK YOU on giving me the drive to do something like this. I mean this sincerely guys!

The movies Elysium and Chappy are by the same director and have similar elements, especially the crazy weapons. Worth a watch. Also, rumors of a District 10 abound.

This is such a great movie the performance by the lead character was incredible 👏 "Focken prawns" lol 😭🤣

This is by far my favorite alien film outside of the Alien franchise

I've been waiting for a reaction to this movie for a while, I'm glad you got what it was about

The same guy that played Wikus, also starred in Chappie, Elysium (alongside Matt Damon), and Hardcore Henry to name a few. All highly recommended.

Neill Blomkamp is so underrated. All his movies are spectacular.

I strongly suggest watching Elysium! Supposedly set in the same universe as District 9, and also directed by Neill Blomkamp. Seriously underrated film. Just with these two films, he became one of my favs

Cool reaction as always Simone & George, you both take care

This movie was done by Neil Blokamp and he did grow up in South Africa during the Apartheid. So it is an allegory. Oh the guy Playing Vickus played Murdock in the A-Team movie. There have been rumors of a District 10 going to be made. The director also did Elysium and Chappie.

"I don't think I've ever hated humanity more than I have in this movie." Cough cough* ahem, Schindler's List, cough*." Loved the reaction, as always!

This is one of the best contributions to the late sci-fi cinema, I only can recommend Chappie, another work of Neil Blomkamp

Sharlto Copley is a great actor. Three of his movies definitely worth seeing are Chappie, Hardcore Henry and Free Fire. You guys would enjoy all of them very much.

There's a theory about the Prawns. If that fluid turned him into a prawn, what did the prawn use to look like? That couldn't be what they originally looked like. Also they been there for 20 years. Even with language barriers, you learn something about a different species culture.

Probably my most favorite sci fi movie ever. Dearly wished to see a sequel. I appreciate Simones and Georges reactions so much. So relatable! George is so clever with his guesses and theories on the movies he watches.

I love this movie and Chappie (they are in the same universe). Both have a weirdly awesome storyline and characters.

Amazing that you chose this movie!!! I went into the cinema expecting nothing and was completely blown away. Regarding the sadism in this movie, you might want to google the name Wouter Basson.

Very entertaining reaction This is such a great movie and Sharlto Copley's performance is really good. There is an amazing contrast between Wikus and his character in the movie Elysium that stars Matt Damon. Its also worth a reaction. District 9 definitely makes you think. I agree the cruelty and selfishness is maddening and unfortunately very human.

30:34 on what happened to the aliens before, Roanoke has a great video on that here on youtube. Something about a sickness that made them more primitive, which basically wiped out their chances of successfully managing the spaceship or their equipment, except for a few that resisted it, like the main character shrimp and his kid.

Now there is a movie that needs more attention. Here is to hoping that this will start a trend. Subscribed, liked, commented.

This film is a masterpiece. And it only had a budget of 30 million. Btw, I love Simones shirt!

This might be one of the best movies ever made. Wait ... it's not a movie. It's a mirror.

22:00 before the telephone system was computerized They had mechanical linkages. You literally had a series of physical connections from your telephone to the person you were talking In order to trace the telephone call you had to trace the physical connection. This took time. So to trace the telephone call you had to keep the The person talking until it was done. Hence the trope.

You may be happy to know that they are currently working on the sequel right now!