District 9 and Sleepy Memorials

Okay, I haven't posted something like this in awhile (I guess my testimonial is kinda like it, but I digress). I had a helluva two days yesterday. Also, there might be some sorta spoilers for the film District 9. Not entirely, as I won't spell out anything from the movie, but there are general ideas not conveyed in the trailers that I discuss. It won't give anything major away I think, but if you'd rather not read this until seeing the movie, I won't feel bad.

The whole thing involved me doing an all-nighter to get back on track sleep-wise for school and to get my car fixed later this week. My buddy Logan is moving, and needed help, so myself and another friend went to help him yesterday (moving whilst dreadfully tired is always a treat). So we moved some stuff, y'know, the usual moving type deal. The whole time, I've been listening to some Demon Hunter and Relient K, two of my all-time favorite bands that I hadn't really given the time of day for the past year or so due to certain circumstances of the past (see testimony for details).

It was pretty neat (wow, I sound like a nerd) to have such a cathartic experience simply by listening to some music I hadn't heard in awhile. And the contrast of the two is quite astounding, given that Relient K is like pop punk acoustic and Demon Hunter being pretty stinkin' metal. But hey, I'm a weird guy.

Anyway, it was just kind of nice being reminded of some things of the past. Not all the memories were good, but the recollection was. It's an amazing thing how emotion can tie itself to musical memory. I think it's one reason I love music so much. It can evoke the most vivid memories, and create new ones without us even realizing it.

So yeah. As part of our hanging out, we remembered that District 9 came out yesterday, and were super stoked to see it. We also had some movie passes that were usable on new releases before 6pm. So we went and saw District 9. I loved it. Here's why.

I loved District 9 for several reasons. First of all, it's a totally unique film. They combine documentary footage with cinematic action and story to make an all-around great movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it won an award for cinematography, honestly. Second, they make the human race out to be bad guys. I love that.

You might wonder why I love that, but really, it makes sense if you understand my beliefs and my relationship with Christ. I have a strong opposition to that which makes us human, namely the human nature (sinful nature. ring a bell?). It was very ironic that this movie points out that what makes us human is this evil desire to have control, to have all the power, doing whatever it takes to get it, even if it means betraying and harming another.

I find it funny that I related most to the oppressed in the film. Not because it's backwards, but because that's so spot-on. It lets me know I'm doing a good job in the world. If you feel completely comfortable in this world as a Christian (and by Christian I mean one who loves Jesus as Savior, who has a personal relationship with him, not the religion), then you're not doing well.

That's another thing. The aliens in the film know they don't belong there, innately so. Hence the term alienated. They clearly miss their home and desire to go back. I feel this way a lot.

I think another major point that I love about it is the underlying theme of love that you only really pick up on later on in the film. I mean, you take love however you wish to prescribe to the word, but there's some major love themes in this film that I picked up on. It's almost eery how this movie in general follows along with Christian themes.

I don't know. I just really enjoyed the movie. It was well-made, and I felt refreshed almost after watching it. I seriously suggest it to anyone who hasn't seen it. There's something in it for every person.

I've been reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, and might be commenting on his stuff again soon. No idea yet. Speaking of comments, if you have any, let me know!

Until next time,

~@othern