Human

"The only way to become humane is to be less human." What would 'human' mean in this context? Empathise less?

I don't like aliens and really dislike physical violence in films. There are so many great films without these two elements. Is "District 9" still worth seeing?

Sasja

See: my entry of September 4. More like an alien.

One becomes more conscious when alienated, I think. But in some cases, of course, this is completely not the case.
I'd like to talk to my friend Jan again.

Dens

You are absolutely right. By the way, immigrants in the Netherlands get literally allienated: Alien Law requires that you register with Alien Police. No kidding!

Alienation

I felt alienated , mostly from society, for the mayor part of my life. Is it due to my illness? Or did I became ill because of it ? I don't know, maybe it's just the sign of times.

a movie about seminal american publiishers marcet and emmanuel haldeman julius need have little violence except the drowning in the swimming pool and it was only a local rumour that the fbi did it

Apartheid

I don't think "District 9" can be fully understood without an understanding of apartheid (and post-apartheid) South Africa. Luckily, the general message is fairly universal. For me, as a South African, watching the movie was a very emotional experience. I am sure someone from Gaza or a survivor of the Warsaw ghetto would also have an extremely emotional reaction.

I am glad that Neill Blomkamp did not try to Americanize the movie. Wikus van de Merwe is as Afrikaans a character as could be. It is strange that a science fiction movie could say so much about the actual reaility of South Africa and Johannesburg. Perhaps it is sometimes easier to talk about fact as a fiction. (I am thinking particularly of the the Nigerian gangsters and the belief in "muti", including the eating of body parts.)

Dee

Yes, it’s probably no coincidence that "District 9" takes place in Johannesburg, but to argue that Wiekus van de Merwe is typically an Afrikaner would be the same as to state that Madame Bovary is typically French. Well, you yourself stressed the fact that this movie is quite universal.And although Multi-National United appears to be controlled by white men, all races on earth seem to be united against the aliens.What do you think of the (forced) transformation of Van de Merwe?And do you remember that at the end of the movie Van de Merwe (by then completely transformed into an alien) appears to be making a flower out of rubbish?Is the movie suggesting that art is the only redemption for mankind?But above all can you explain what do we who haven’t lived in South-Africa miss while watching this movie?