District 9 Movie Review

In the modern world it's hard to tell which films will be good or have any real social significance. The marketing and promotional machines are so in full swing that the previews for even the most idiotic movies can make them seem amazing.
Much has been said about the buzz for District 9. A film set in South Africa, where aliens from another planet have been stranded and for all intents and purposes are forced to live in segregated ghettos. (Hmmm...why does that seem familiar to me?)
Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that this movie is awesome. District 9 works on two levels, for stupid people they'll enjoy the blowing up and action sequences without needing to look at the larger social messages behind the film. That's not to say that intelligent people wouldn't enjoy those parts though. They all serve a purpose and while harse aren't what I would consider gratuitous.
On the higher level this film serves as a metaphor for problems that have always plagued the human race. Racism, segregation to name a couple. It doesn't take much insight to see the parallels between how the aliens are treated and apartheid, on some levels it very much reminded me of the United States Government's treatment of Native Americans. You could even place it in a larger context to show how the United States and the UK treat minorities.
This film can make you think, although, it doesn't require you to. It's disturbing, triumphant, depressing, and touching all at the same time. A very difficult task for a film maker.
Will it change the world? Probably not, most people are ignorant and set in their ways. Of course the overall message will be given lip service, but ultimately it's up to the individual to decide whether or not they will judge people on the basis of their actions and attitudes before they will on their appearance, race, sexual orientation et al.
On a personal side note, alot of people forget that Dr. King's speeches typically included poor white Appalachians in them. I'm from poor white Appalachia. Dr. King's true message is for all people and, personally, means alot to me.
I hope that one day we will all view ourselves as one race and that we're all interconnected. I think District 9 serves as an example of the troubles with that vision in today's world, and also as a kick ass sci fi movie.
Dwight Hatfield