This is one of the best movies of 2009. It is shot like a documentary. It revolves around the surviving aliens of a planet who land on earth by mistake. Although it is rated R, It is impersonal violence that won't effect you that much. Ther are some scary parts when the main character is brought into an operating room and you see many dead aliens and their skins. It might also disturb some viewers because the main character is slowly turning into an alien so he has many graphic physiccal changes. I would recommend that everyone 13 and up see it.
District 9
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
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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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of District 9 was written by James Rocchi
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.
Families Can Talk About
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- 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?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on District 9
What’s the Story?
Set in an alternate present, DISTRICT 9 takes place in South Africa, where, 20 years ago, an alien ship came to rest in the skies above Johannesburg -- with more than a million workers and near-slaves aboard. Now, after two decades of uneasy co-existence, the local government is moving the alien "Prawns" from their ramshackle slums in District 9 to a new camp 200 kilometers away. But as part of the forced relocation, a government bureaucrat discovers that District 9 has secrets of its own.
Is It Any Good?
Produced by Peter Jackson, District 9 is a rarity -- a lower-budget science-fiction film with amazing effects, thrilling action, and, most importantly, emotional and intellectual depth. Turning the plight of marginalized groups into science fiction is nothing new, but District 9's dark vision of the apartheid years is somehow brain-bendingly exciting and painfully real.
Director/co-writer Neill Blomkamp makes a few mistakes -- some of the character arcs have a few rough edges, and the film's middle section is a bit interminable -- but, at the same time, District 9 is a welcome antidote to "science-fiction films" like Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (which, of course, have no science in them whatsoever). The movie's willingness to take on complex political and moral questions is an equally welcome change from the bloodless, thoughtless gloss of big-budget action films like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. And, of course, it's just plain exciting -- full of action, comedy, eye-popping effects, and tricky stunts. District 9 is a bloody, brutal action-science-fiction allegory served up rough and raw, but that's what makes it worth getting excited about.
Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures, Director: Neill Blomkamp
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/14/2009, DVD release: 12/22/2009
MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence and pervasive language
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/14/2009, DVD release: 12/22/2009
MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence and pervasive language
Our Members Say
See all 70 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
its not very good:( sorry but its true...
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
good for family over the age of 13
The movie district 9 is a thrilling action/drama adventure story that keeps u on the edge of your seat, with twist and turns around every corner. It is one of the best movies of 2009. All thought this movie isn’t for all family members of the family but still this movie is a great thriller for family members 13 and older.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
So RANDOM
When the movie started I was intrigued by the documentary-style film. I was expecting some amazing storyline topped off with amazing CGI. But 30 minutes in the format completely changed and the story begins dragging on and on and on. Also, so many f bombs were used that even though it was Christmas when I watched it, I went to bed with the heavily accented swear word ringing in my ear. If they had stayed on the same format, I would have enjoyed the movie more. I play GoW, so I didn't mind the violence. It was OK, but could have been way better.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
perfact family movie if pre-screened and guidance provided for pre-teen.
Great film, be sure to point out to your family the slums used are as they are found in South Africa. We pre-screened it, then watched it with our 9 year old with warnings for the intense scenes, he loved it. The filmmakers were not out to raise tension, e.g. through ominous low end soundtrack tricks, etc. so it was not upsetting as many less gorey suspense films can be. I don't think this is inappropropriate for younger viewers if parents are there with them, the humour and good nature of the filmaker renders the gore and violence cartoonlike, not malevolent.
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I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Epic alien battle... well, not really.
I heard a lot of hype about this movie and the end was the best... sadly it fell flat. Lots of cussing but that is a cultural thing in my opinion, recently I traveled to Ireland and wow, they curse there like nothing... even grandparents just drop f-bombs like its nothing. But that is something that would have to be explained in advance... there is one sexual aspect of the man having sex with an alien, its a magazine cover or article photo but its almost comical in nature because its so poorly portrayed (on purpose).
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I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
- My highlights are:
If you're looking for something deeper, the movie isn't for you.
For the duration of this film, I was on the edge my seat....waiting for something to happen. I hated this movie, the plot bored me to death, and honestly, the action wasn't enough to make up for it. I kind of liked the anti-apartheid statements they were trying to make, and yet I think they could have done so much more with it.
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I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Not very good acting, ton's of language and very gory
This movie could have been a lot better, the actor's weren't very good IMO and they added a ton of language that really took away from the movie for me. I can understand the gore but so many f-bombs is pointless. The middle got fairly boring as they hadn't introduced the main character very well so you didn't care much about his personal struggles here. Nice climatic ending but with an f-word about every ten seconds for the last 20-30 minutes ruined it.
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
BLAH!
I hated this movie. It was dumb and had to much blood and stuff. It could have been better if it had a better story line. Movies shouldn't have so many subtitles.
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good movie
Good movie. Honestly the only time I noticed swearing in it was when the subtitles came up... other than that it was fook...
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
This movie was intense, smart, exciting and heart filled. You truly feel the aliens are people. And the language isn't horrible, although it is constant, it is fook, not f--k! And the movie is still fairly brutal though, there is blood and gore, but the is what the fast-forward button is for! And there are refrences to intersepcies prostitution, similar theme to beastuality! But young kids might not understand.
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
..........
it has lots of graphic violence but nothing that is actualy scary theres some swearing but not to much. its a great movie
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I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
review
i think its a great movie its just a little to graphic for younger kids
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
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I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
District 9
Although very non child friendly, District 9 is an amazing film full of action, suspense, and great acting. Again not good for kids but will definetly get someones attention.
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
12+ Little lang. and Blood
I liked the movie , there is some swearing but I personally do not care about that as long as your kids know not to talk like that.There is some gore but if you know that your kid can deal with it or not. My uncle gave this movie to me and I am 13 years old but i can deal with the blood and I dont go around my house cursing so as long as your kid is mature about everything this is a great family movie
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I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Smart story, but full of gore
Great movie and very smart storyline. It will spark discussion and make people think. Plus, great special effects. All that said, it's full of gore and disgusting images. Not for the weak stomach.
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I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
Adults only.
1. The violence is around 16/17+ 2. The language is 18+ So, violence that is unsuitable for children under the age of 16 or 17 combined with language unsuitable for anyone 18 and under, this movie is definitely adults only.
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
District 9
I very nice movie. I loved it from beginning to end. The acting is fabulous, and is packed full of great Sci-Fi action scenes. I wouldn't call it a comeplete masterpiece, but I definitely recommend this movie to ALL science fiction lovers.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 79% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 72% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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