Simon Dillon reviews the film

9

As animated features go 9 is certainly unusual. Whilst it will appeal to audiences who enjoy the weirdness of, say, Gilliam and Burton (who produces), generally speaking it's too dark for children and will probably be avoided by most adults. This is a shame, as it's a dark, flawed but fascinating piece of work.

The story is simple, and certainly could not be dragged out much longer than its trim 79 minute running time. In a post apocalypse future, where machines have wiped out mankind in a Terminator type scenario, a few numbered ragdoll-like creatures have somehow been endowed with life. Trying to unravel the mystery of their existence, 9 and the other puppets slowly discover the truth amid the ruins of a once great city, whilst trying to avoid the terrifying machines.

The vocal talents - including Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Martin Landau, Crispin Glover and Christopher Plummer - all do a good job. The animation is nothing less than staggering, equal to anything Pixar have created. Beautifully rendered images of incredible depth generate the required gloom and melancholy of the war ravaged city. The action is well directed and often scary, but the grim atmosphere also has a slightly surreal, fairy tale edge to it. This is appropriate, as spiritually the film explores weighty and interesting themes including death, redemption and the nature of the human soul. The idolatry of technology is condemned (something I always find easy to cheer) and bravery, sacrifice and the triumph of good over evil is extolled - particularly through the character of 1.

SPOILER AHEAD:

1 looks a bit like a bishop and is, at first, the least sympathetic character. He seems to symbolise organised religion in that he lives in an abandoned cathedral, dismisses science, wants to follow rules, and even betrays one of his own. But gradually these unpalatable elements are stripped away from him and he ultimately ends up making the greatest sacrifice of all. This is interesting, as it suggests beneath the religious trappings that are often the most visible elements of the Christian faith, there lies something beautiful on which a great future will be built.

On the evidence of this, writer/director Shane Acker will be a name to look out for in future, and this film is a fine calling card. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.