Every once in a while, the medium of science fiction hits the perfect balance between truth and fantasy, between reality and possibility, to create a truly unique and powerful commentary on the world we inhabit.
‘District 9’ is such a story. It is without question one of the most important science fiction films of the decade, precisely because it takes the viewer on a journey to grapple with some of the most important political, social, and economic questions that face humanity today.
The protagonist is disturbing to us in the beginning for his ignorance and weakness, but during the course of the film we are taken face to face with: forced resettlements, persecution and control of oppressed populations, international aid organizations and legal standards, refugee management, private security contractors in government roles, poverty, crime, weapons trafficking, industry exploitation of weapons development, genetic experimenting and manipulation on unwilling subjects, euthanasia, population control, identity and loyalty, and war profiteering.
Even though these issues are discussed in the realm of a fictional idea (aliens), the truly disturbing part of this movie is that every single thing that happens in this movie is something that is happening to humans in some part of this world – RIGHT NOW.
Many people chose to be happy in their ignorance, and a few people ask difficult questions about how these issues should be managed – but not enough.
Hopefully, in addition to being entertained, audiences will see this for what it is – an important piece of social commentary, in which science fiction holds up a mirror to humanity.
You might not like what you see.
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