We wonder whether we’re alone in the universe. The science fiction movie District 9 shows what might very well happen if aliens visited Earth. It tells the story of creatures who are refugees from their homeland, trying to find shelter on earth. The mother ship lands in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the aliens are confined to a slum called District 9.

Even so, the aliens have advanced technology, and we meet three aliens, including a child, who are scientists and technically adept. A private arms dealer, Multi-National United (MNU), is put in control of the creatures but they are not interested in alien well-being. The only positive outcome, as far as MNU is concerned, is to figure out how to use the aliens’ weaponry, which requires meshing machines with alien DNA.

The action starts when Wikus Van Der Merwe, a peace-loving MNU employee, is infected with the creatures’ DNA, and becomes a hunted man. Suddenly, he is worth a fortune because he can use alien weaponry.

This movie is a must-see and deserves five stars! It also offers parallels with current military research. At one point, Wikus is able to mesh with a giant suit of alien armour that protects him as he fights back. In fact, the United States is trying to develop new technology that works with the human body so that soldiers are safer on the battleground.

In 2003, the U.S Army Research Service and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began working together to create a soldier’s “smart” battle suit. A “smart” battle suit would work with a soldier’s own muscles and nervous system. It would help protect, shield, and heal soldiers in the field, meaning that both soldiers and their families at home could feel more secure - not so different from the alien technology seen in District 9!

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