The animated movie “9,” directed by Shane Acker and based on his short film of the same name, explores the aftermath of a catastrophic event in which technology has turned against humanity. Artificially intelligent war machines have annihilated the human race, leaving the land ravaged and deserted. Against this backdrop, 9 living rag dolls must struggle for survival in a barren world devoid of biological life.
9 faces the terrifying AI brain. (Photo provided by Examiner)
The movie begins with the awakening of the protagonist, 9 (Elijah Wood) who finds himself alone but quickly meets 2, only to see him captured by a mechanical beast. 5 (John C. Reilly) finds 9 in the wasteland and brings him to the shelter of a cathedral where some of the others have taken refuge.
Here, 9 meets 1, the leader of the group, who believes their only chance for survival is to hide. However, 9 believes they should rescue 2, and convinces 5 to assist him. Their failed rescue attempt ends with 9 accidentally awakening an AI brain that was the former leader of the machines, and the group is then forced to retreat and regroup.
The film’s computer-generated visuals and special effects are quite spectacular. The world looks desolate and lifeless, with a landscape full of dilapidated buildings, rubble, guns, battle entrenchments, and uncultivated soil.
The rag dolls are amazingly life-like, while the machines are spiritless, rigid and dreadful creations. The art style is a tinker’s dream, as the rag dolls, robots, and their tools and weapons look like they were cobbled together from whatever pieces of junk happened to be lying around.
The film also does a great job of portraying the world from a smaller perspective. The characters are the size of toy dolls and because of this, they must view things in a different light: scissors become swords and pipes become passageways while everyday objects become vital to their fight for survival.
The story of “9” is quite intriguing, for it’s interesting to witness the concept of ‘life’ continuing after humans, even if it is artificial life. The plot essentially amounts to 9 trying to correct his disastrous mistake, but the movie has its fair share of action, plot twists, and character development.
Elijah Wood voices 9 brilliantly and gives the character a sense of innocence and curiosity but also courage and resolve. Cast members John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau and Christopher Plummer all bring their characters to life and seem well cast for their parts.
Overall, “9” is a unique movie that both kids and adults can enjoy. The film’s plot could have been a bit more complex, and at times, it seems there are holes or a lack of direction, but these are minor. I would give “9” a solid 7 out of 10; it offers an original story, a great voice cast and an eccentric and astounding artistic style.
Contact Lucas Rodgers at
communitarian@mail.dccc.edu
