The film’s tone moves easily from the comic to the cruel, and the alien creatures look authentic. From the start, the film promises a fresh and thoughtful slice of Swiftian sci-fi.
Comment
09/07/09
District 9 (2009)
90
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:232
Fresh:209
Rotten:23
Average Rating:7.8/10
Consensus: Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction classic.
Theatrical Release:04-09-2009
Synopsis: Genre master Peter Jackson produces this science-fiction film, the directorial debut of Neill Blomkamp. In District 9, South Africa has become a haven for refugees--from outer space. [More]
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope, David James, Mandla Gaduka
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Reviews for District 9
District 9 ends on a touching scene that evokes Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, but it's an honest film that repays its debts.
09/07/09
You have to go back to 1979 and the premiere of Alien to find a sci-fi ET movie as thrilling and innovative as director Neill Blomkamp's District 9. His satirical fable on racism delivers all the toys and ploys for the fanboys while teasing and teaching t
09/05/09
Perhaps we’re witnessing a new dawn for politically engaged sci-fi and horror, with Blomkamp as a latter-day George Romero. Either way, this is a stunningly impressive debut.
09/04/09
Top CriticIntriguing, inventive and energetic, Blomkamp's feature debut is a thoroughly tasty prawn cocktail.
09/04/09
Top CriticA thundering blitzkrieg of seat-rattling entertainment with a sociopolitical message; a cerebral sci-fi and apartheid allegory that is as heavily armed with provocative ideas as it is with armour-piercing, tank-splattering torpedoes.
09/04/09
Top CriticAn entertaining, technically superb if faintly unsatisfying futuristic thriller.
09/04/09
Top CriticDistrict 9 is that modern rarity: an adventure thriller that’s even better than its advertising campaign.
09/04/09
Top CriticFiendishly plotted and with awesomely kinetic (and outrageously bloody) action scenes, Blomkamp announces himself in a major way, without letting the third act crescendo lose focus in a blur of noise.
09/04/09
District 9 is 2009's second hugely impressive sci-fi film after Moon. Both put fresh spins on well-explored concepts.
09/04/09
Who knew that a movie that begins like an Apartheid spin on Brazilian ghetto drama City Of God, then mutates into The Fly, would wind up pushing some emotional buttons in a way reminiscent of ET?
09/04/09
A giddy triumph of invention, tight plotting and an inspired appreciation that there exists an audience who like to be challenged as well as thrilled.
09/04/09
Whisking together raw docu-stylings, smart social commentary and wacky, insectoid aliens, Blomkamp has delivered a true original. Missing the thrill of brave, new, brilliantly realised sci-fi? Then don’t miss the No 9…
09/04/09
The most deliriously inventive sci-fi action movie in years. Truly, this is a game changer. James Cameron may want to watch his back.
09/04/09
The originality of the first hour is squandered as Blomkamp unmasks corporate villainy and resorts to an increasingly programmatic series of action set-pieces that pit Wikus and a friendly alien against the multi-national’s private army.
09/04/09
A lot of fun, highly original and the most entertaining action sci-fi to hit our screens for many years.
09/04/09
While a solid actioner, what makes it so special is a human heart that propels this wham-bam sci-fi film straight into deepest six-star territory.
09/04/09
District 9 is one of the very best films of the year - packed with suspense, action, humour and great performances, and directed with real style and panache... brilliant!
09/04/09
All the elements are familiar but Blomkamp’s swaggering, guerrilla-style approach transforms them into a zestful slice of cartoonish mayhem.
09/04/09
When District 9 works, it’s an explosive and exciting sci-fi that heralds the arrival of a major new talent.
09/04/09
Top CriticLatest News for District 9
October 23, 2009:
Blomkamp Gets to Work on District 9 Follow-Up 
Few details are known about the project, but director Neill Blomkamp has signed a deal that will give him creative control over his untitled follow-up to "District 9." More...
September 03, 2009:
Neill Blomkamp talks District 9 - RT Interview
District 9 heralds the arrival of 29-year-old South African-born director Neill Blomkamp as a major new voice in science-fiction. Infused with gritty, hand-held authenticity,... More...
August 28, 2009:
Neill Blomkamp Teases District 9 Sequel, Prequel
Now that "District 9" is officially a hit, it's time for Neill Blomkamp to hit the publicity trail -- and answer the inevitable questions about a sequel and/or prequel. CHUD has... More...
August 17, 2009:
Sharlto Copley Talks District 9
He's a first-time actor with the #1 movie in the country. How good is life for Sharlto Copley right now? Watch his recent interview with Collider to find out. More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
RT on YouTube
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
RT on Twitter
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds