This movie has more than just violence. Violence is targeted towards both humans and aliens. The humans are zapped with laser weapons which the aliens have brought to earth; it shows humans graphically blowing up with blood and guts flying everywhere. The aliens look kind of like animals (alas, they crave cat food) and act submissive. They're initially shown to be half starved when their space ship is opened up and appear to want to leave earth. Humans mercilessly beat them and kill them -- again graphically shown which may lead some younger viewers to think its ok to treat animals that way. There is a brief reference to prostitution (with aliens); also a news report in which a government agent is rumored to have contracted a disease from having sex with the aliens (again, aliens shown as animals these references have bestiality undertones). African gangsters trading weapons are not necessarily shown in a positive light but are shown in an aura of power and as they are the ones who pull the strings and have the power. The alien/Sci-fi nature of this movie may lure teens/parents with teens to see this but they should know in advance what they're getting in to.

I wish I could take my kids to see a film that is such a powerful commentary on racism and prejudice, however District 9 is far too violent and gory for anyone under 15. I highly recommend it to adults and older teens.

I want to puke after seeing this. lots of f bombs 14 and up

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.

I have a little anecdote for you before my review. One time when I was teaching, we were talking about apartheid, South Africa, and Nelson Mandela. I was trying to explain to them just how nasty apartheid was, and they weren't getting it. They were middle schoolers. Finally, knowing the ultra-violent tastes of one of my troublemakers and having just seen the film myself, I asked, "Has anyone seen District 9?" Half the boys' hands and a few girls shot up. The first thing I said was, "I can't believe your parents let you watch that. It was too much for me; I couldn't even look at the screen half the time. But, I know you guys, I know you seek this stuff out." I went on to explain that the whole movie was designed to comment on apartheid, and how, and suddenly even the kids who hadn't seen the movie got it. This movie is horrifically violent and shouldn't be shown to kids who have a tendency to mimic violence or become desensitized. It will probably give those who don't fit the above nightmares. Honestly, they're nightmares kids should be having. The only way to keep atrocities like this from happening is to keep talking about them until the underlying racism and fear that caused them is gone. District 9 has an important message about the value of all life and how carefully we have to guard ourselves against looking at others as less than us. I wish it could send that message without gore and the constant swearing (and without seeing myself in the cheerfully judgemental Wickus), but it wouldn't really cut through the layers of desensitization and apathy in our culture without both the fantasy setting and the overstimulating violence and swearing. This film has educational merit, but it's extreme enough that you should decide when your kids are ready for it. Unless they're extremely able to respond to violence in a mature way for their age, they probably won't be ready before high school. My students in middle school probably weren't ready for that movie, but their parents allowed them to see it. The best I could do is try to help them find the abundant good buried under the mountains of gore and horror in this beautiful, terrible film.

I absolutely love this movie! it's one of the best that I have ever seen! The acting was surprisingly phenomonal (especially by newcomer Sharlto Copley), the action was unique and exciting (and also very bloody), and the story was, believe or not, original and thrilling! The effects were also top-notch and the pace felt just right. Parents: This is a very bloody movie with lots of gory sci-fi mayhem. There's also nonstop strong language and some aberrant sexual references. Bottom Line: An absolutely fantastic film that deserves just as much praise as any other of your favorites! Thanks for reading! - Movie Man

Far from perfect, but this is still one of the best action films ever. This is one of those action films where you actually need a brain to understand it, not like that bullcrap transformers or Mission Impossible, where it looks like some child wrote the stupid, mindless script. This movie has actual depth, not just a few boring action seqences held up by a meaningless, mindless script.

How exciting this movie looks it is actually kind of boring and not that scary. Me and my son watched it and it was extremely violent and a lot of profanity. Not for anyone under 16.