Very good action film, but it does not succeed in being any more important than that. Sure it tries, but by transforming into a summer blockbuster midway through the film D9 tells us, "I'm fine being only slightly better than average." The first half was ingenious and riveting, while the second half was a rehash (though still fun) of previous action films. Lastly, viewers need to stop patting themselves on the back for getting the "message" behind the film, it couldn't have been more obvious.

Great lead performance and a good first act that ends in generic action dreck. If it had remained a science fiction film it could have been great.

One of the best and most gripping sci-fi movies in recent memory. I was a bit wary that the slightly heavy-handed social commentary would overpower the film, but it is luckily interrupted by an interesting twist that reels you in and doesn't let go. I love the concept of the unlikely hero, seeing an almost comically pathetic character evolve into a serious dramatic figure, and Sharlto Copley does a fantastic job pulling off that transition.

This movie is so original that I cannot rate it properly. It's category on it's own. I don't want to waste words on this, just go and watch it. Every recommendation!

The documentary style got a bit out of hand at times, but overall this was an engaging film. What it lacks in subtlety it makes up for by being unusual and thought-provoking. I will say that it was kind of disappointing how it turned into a standard action flick at the end -- and not a particularly great one either.

If you enjoy this, I'd also recommend Alien Nation (1988), Starship Troopers (1997), and Sleep Dealer (2008).

Great job by the director. Fun characters, and just enough Peter Jackson influence to make you get queasy at a few points. Super fun movie!

'District 9' is brainier, but not grandiose (and that's a good thing), than your average alien movie. Seeing 'District 9', you get the feeling that this is something which is actually plausible - IF there were aliens, and IF they were to be stranded here in large numbers, this is more or less what will happen. This must also be the first "humans vs. aliens" movie, where I actually ended up rooting for the aliens.

It's fun, despite the fact that MNU isn't really any more intelligent than anything in the Resident Evil movies and it never made sense why the aliens don't just waste the humans.

Sci-fi doesn't get much better than this folks

A strong, creative premise, incredible effects, and some cracking action scenes make this well worth watching. The documentary style is also well-implemented, especially as it relates to the horror at the center of the film. It seems conspicuous that ALIENS landed in JOHANNESBURG and the story still manages to be about the struggle of a white guy, and the film fails to bring much insight or commentary on that front. Otherwise it's an excellent and surprising film, and easy to recommend.

Enjoyable, but felt it just ended without finishing the

Barely knew what to expect going into this and it worked out for the better. It had a lot of surprises in the way it told the story and the unique story that it had to tell. Amazing visuals on a seemingly not-so-big-budget.

Outstanding idea. The first half is especially exhilarating. Marred only by some flaws in the writing (plot holes, snatches of annoyingly stilted dialogue) and a second half that loses the exciting cinema verité style (used quite differently, but to more consistent effect, in this film's recent cousin, Children of Men) and becomes a fairly dull, typical action flick.

I know a lot of people won't take away much from this, but I have to say that it was really nice to see something thoroughly original and unique. It's violent, gross, goofy, heavy-handed, but it's extremely enjoyable--they give you a reason to actually care about the protagonist, and there is an attempt at growth and development. It may not be done on a spectacularly brilliant level, but it's more than I can say for most summer action films. Highly recommended.

One of the best sci-fi films in the past decade. Great political themes and the CGI is awesome. I cannot believe that this film was only created with 30 million. The action and acting are great as well. A must watch film for everyone.

The transition from goofy mockumentary to serious action was awkward.

Very Good. This is a really unique take on the alien visitation scenario. The best aspect being that for the first time in Hollywood-mankind history, they actually land somewhere other than USA and someone other than Mulder and Scully handle them. This film's got too much going for it to be appreciated in such a short space, but rest assured, you won't be disappointed, it will at least keep you fully entertained throughout its runtime. Very highly recommended.

superlative first act but fails to fulfill its considerable potential, preferring to indulge in action cliches which prove damning in the context provided prior.

I think I'd expected a little more eeriness or thought-provoking content than what was ultimately delivered. Still... great effects, much intensity, and a fairly satisfying ending; I probably wouldn't pay to see it again, but it was good fun.

Very interesting concept with completely believable Aliens - although the documentary style seemed a little bit forced, it established some very interesting backstory.

This film has had great reviews, but it was extremely long and failed to hold my attention for the most part. The animation is good, but I find how the aliens are animated ridiculous, because they are like cartoon characters in their behaviour. parts of this film I enjoyed, but overall I wish I hadnt spent New Year's Eve watching it.

This movie is definitely worthy of Peter Jackson's legacy. It has a great and creative storyline that takes sci-fi movies to a new level. This combines all the elements of the science fiction realm (ray guns, aliens, space ships, etc) and puts them in real world settings with real world situations. It's a fantastic look at human suffering and hate with an extra-terrestrial twist.

Great original concept. It's not exactly subtle in its execution but it's still intelligent. I enjoyed the fake-documentary/news footage which was inserted through out the film. I feel that the movie has a certain degree of realism which is absent from so much modern sci-fi. However, the final part made me feel like I was watching something by Michael Bay. Still, this is an engaging and provocative movie with great acting.

Rare: high concept idea developed 4 maximum impact rather than dumbed down 4 max. appeal. Pacing is exhilaratingly quick. The refugee camp idea immediately hooks the viewer & although each scene is brimming over w/ verisimiltude & close-2-the-bone metaphor, the scenes barely have a chance to sink in before the next twist & idea comes along. With a flawed relatable protagonist at its center the film is everything that Hollywood action films aren't: free-of-star-bloat, unpredictable& inspired.

The most original, daring and harsh sci-fi thriller since... I don't even remember. Often defies conventions. Digital FX are quite convincing. Action setpieces don't disappoint. The ending crushes you. Destined to become a cult classic.

Pretty overrated. They basically took "Alive in Joburg", made it longer, and then added an hour of action scenes. The documentary-style of filming does little to stand out from the pack of other shaky-camcorder action films, and it could have been used for a more immersive effect. The whole "alien xenophobia" thing is just a backdrop for a standard action story. The weapons, CGI, and action is pretty cool though, so basically it's just another popcorn blockbuster.

A fascinating, enthralling film with a fully-realized, captivating world.

Best Sci-fi movie since T2.

Filled to the brim with great ideas, but the decision to limit the scope to the predicament of just one man hurt the film a bit. The design of everything, from the aliens to the mothership to the weaponry is amazing, and the CGI blends nicely with the live-action parts. It may not be very subtle but it's still a stimulating sci-fi film, one we should have more of, even if it can't help turning into 'just' an action movie in the end.