‘District 9’ draws scary comparisons

DISCLAIMER: If you haven't seen "District 9" yet you probably shouldn't read the article I'm about to link here. I think it may be better to go in with a fresh mind and draw your own conclusions.

I, like most San Franciscans, had been seeing the ominous "For Humans Only" signs on bus stops for months — though I hadn't really thought too much about what that meant. Turns out, the signs were promotions for alien sci-fi flick "District 9," though I almost cringe writing that description because it is really so much more than simple science fiction.

There are some serious analogies to the Apartheid in South Africa (where the film is set) — and even more to Nazi Germany. The aliens, residing in barb-wire wrapped concentration camps, are treated at best as a nuisance and at worst at enemies of the state. The film has an eerie, sometimes terrifying vibe, which I think stems mostly from the hits-too-close-to-home feel for those who have faced oppression such as this. LA's Jewish Journal dissects the Holocaust aspect here: "'District 9' not so alien for Jews."

Comments

Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

In order to post a comment, you must first log in.
Are you looking for user registration? Or have you forgotten your password?