the non stop violence and tribute to the f-word overshadow the pathetic love story and social commentary. about 30 mins in the explosions become boring and the most interesting thing to do is count how many times the f-word is used (i got to 58 in under 5 mins before that became boring too). the constant gore, including the main character vomiting black goo, loosing his finger nails, and cutting off his arm is too much to watch. i thought the movie was terrible.
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District 9
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Sci-fi stunner is gory, but also fascinating and smart.
Themes in this movie include: friendship, loss, revenge
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–17
The good stuff
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What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Language:
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What Parents Need to Know
About District 9
Parents need to know that this gritty, buzzworthy sci-fi epic filmed in South Africa (and produced by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson) is full of extremely realistic, bloody violence, including severed limbs, lots of bodies, piles of high-tech weapons, and even torture. The movie's aliens aren't cute or appealing in any way -- they're scary-looking, insectoid creations with complex biologies and lives. Expect constant strong language (especially "f--k"), as well as some drinking, smoking, and discussion of sex.
Read our full review by James Rocchi
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's extreme violence. Is it meant to be realistic (in that, yes, high-tech alien weaponry could be this horrible) or is it just eye candy for action fans? Does it have more or less impact than the violence in a movie like G.I. Joe?
- How does the movie's news footage/documentary-like style compare to that of other large-scale sci-fi films? Does it seem more realistic? Does that make it scarier?
- How does the movie's setting echo the real-life conditions of poverty and prejudice during South Africa's apartheid era? Even though it's a sci-fi film, what messages does the movie send about that period?
- Can you think of other sci-fi movies (or other types of media) that have tackled tough political ideas through metaphor and fantasy?
Our Members Say
See all 50 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
violence and swearing overshadows any message
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Fantastic movie, though language gets old quickly
District 9 was one of the best movies I have seen. The story was amazing and you deffinetly feel what the director is trying to say about equality and tolerence. For the first 45 minutes of the movie, the language was minimal, however, after the 45 minute mark the f words came about 8 per minute. I personally don't mind that, but I know a parent of say a 12 very well might and it also seemed to dumb down the movie. There was a good bit of blood but nothing over the top or absolutly disgusting. Overall it was a great movie that perhaps could have seemed more intelligent without the numerous f bombs.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Brilliant Movie, at least a hundred F-Words, but nothing you don't hear at your average middle school every day.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Amazing. Period.
I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:- Inappropriate language
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
mature content but great story
this was an outstanding film and was put together so well. definitely for a mature audience though. lots of gore and cursing which made me cringe a little. the story is really interesting and holds the viewers attention. the problems in the movie reflect the real world and the violence (while excluding alien & alien technology) real people face everyday and the struggles of some people in this world. it made me think of just how good we have it in America and thankful i dont have to live like that. it will remind you of the hate and violence people participate in all over the world. they did a good job snatching me in from the beginning and i felt real compassion and hate for the characters. excellent :)
- I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Fantastic movie for mature teens and adults.
This was an amazing movie, first off. Everything, story, effects, characters, were perfect. However, this movie includes a ton of violence, blood, sexual references, etc. In one part of the movie, the staff finds a house full of alien egg sacs and performs what they call an "abortion" by burning down the shack. Body parts are blown off and sometimes innocent "prawns" are killed by humans for the sake of science. This is a beautiful movie for matured teens and adults, but it's definitely not for children or the faint of heart.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for people that love action
I loved District 9, I didn't think I would because I'm not into sci-fi movies. But this was a surprise.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Great, great sci-fi flick!
This is a good Peter Jackson movie, set in Johannasberg, South Africa, the story sets around Wikus, who is infected by an alien liquid. This film has awesome affects, some blood and gore, very little sexual thiings, if you're older kids have seen Jackson's Lord of the Rings and King Kong, they're in for a ride.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Best. Movie. Ever.
Very violent. but other than that two words:FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
One of my favorite movies of the summer, but not for kids.
One of the best science-fiction thrillers I have seen in a long time. Smart story with interesting parallels to real life. Not for children under 16.
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
District 9 is my new all time favorite movie. The story line and theme of apartheid make it a fascinating movie to watch. If you play video games, the type of violence in this movie is perfect for you. Plenty of gore, and i was laughing all the way. TONS of swearing, but it sounds like "fook" due to the dutch accents.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My highlights are:
Absoultley amazing.
Given the extreme violence, I would usually rate this a 15+, but the direction, symbolism, and message are so absolutley amazing that I reccomend it regardless of age. However, those under 13 may not understand the implications of the context. It is an amazing sci-fi move representing the struggle of refugees throughout the world, and it is presented in such a way that it is truly eye-opening without being preachy. On top of that, it stands as a great action movie all its own, where the extreme battles are all the more meaningful as you develop an attachment to the main characters. That is what sets it apart from other summer blockbusters like GI Joe and Transformers. It all comes together and creates, what in this humble reviewer's opinion, amounts to no less than a masterpeice. GO SEE IT NOW
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
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it was ok.. to me it just seemed pointless
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Good lessons to learn
Liked it. If you pay attention there are some good lessons in it. It shows how "people" adapt to their enviroment and if you are different how you are treated. I went with my 13 year old and he pointed out things that he learned from the movie and related it to how he sees things.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Not as bad as everyone makes it sound.
District 9 was absolutely amazing. My son is 15 and the violence didn't bother him at all. He doesn't play a lot of violent video games or watch many violent movies so this was sort of new for him. D9 was bloody, but wasn't as violent as movies such as Taken or Transformers 2. I would only suggest this movie to mature teens that isn't grossed out by body parts or blood on the wall.
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
Brutal and Unrelenting, But Brilliant and Moving
Like most reviewers here, I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in. My expectations were similar to that of the atrocious "Transformers 2," being that it was a pointless gore-fest, but the film truly blew me away. It begins in a mockumentary style, introducing us to the idea that, 20 years in the past, a lost spaceship planted itself in Johannesburg, South Africa. On the ship are peaceful yet strange aliens (dubbed "prawns" by the people because of their grotesque appearance) that have a fetish for catfood. Yes, catfood. It then takes us inside the walls of a company known as MNU, interviewing its employees and showing us press releases. Basically, they consider themselves mediators between human and alien. They confine the aliens to a slum known as District 9, posting signs throughout the city that state "humans only." When the Prawns are to be relocated, they chose an intern named Wikus for the job. But as he delves deeper and deeper into the secrets of District 9, he realizes there's no turning back. And that some things are best left untouched. What makes the film work so well is a well-kept twist that has a hunter-becomes-hunted morality aspect to it that toys with your head and your judgement. The script is also very well-written, making Wikus a true human being. You simultaneously empathize with him and wish to shoot him in the face. He thinks fast, he makes mistakes, and he's incredibly believable. They also do a phenomenal job of fleshing out the alien characters, giving some personalities and depth. This is a terrific movie, a perfect choice over most sci-fi trash this summer (excluding "Star Trek"), but it's not for everyone. There is brutal, deeply disturbing violence and near-constant profanity. Plus the subject matter and moral value of the film is not something easily grasped, so youngsters may not fully understand the point. That said, the film still has a furious pace and keeps you interested. You just actually have to think about it.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 83% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 74% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 26% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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