9 (2009)

This review contains moderate plot spoilers.

Plot
In a world ravaged by a war between humans and machines, a scientist sacrifices himself to create nine homunculi in the form of sack people (affectionately called 'stitchpunks' by fans). The homunculi, numbered from one to nine, each take up different roles in a new society ruled by 1, a homunculus who not only craves power but is afraid of the outside world, forbidding anyone to leave his domain and incredibly secretive about what has happened in the past. When 2 disappears, 9 gathers his comrades and sets off to find him, but inadvertently awakens the Fabrication Machine, a monstrous factory which started this whole war. Along the way they meet up with the other numbers, thought to be long dead, and must stop the machines before they destroy the last chance left for civilisation.

The empire which created the Fabrication Machine, seen in old film footage recovered by the stitchpunks, is the stereotypical 'warmongering fascist WWII-era empire which wanted to show off its superiority by building war machines on the pretense of "peace"', and doesn't impress.

The plot moves along way too quickly, and seems to end just as it's beginning. Many questions are left unanswered, and much of the storyline is pretty stereotypical, predictable and doesn't tie together well.

Characters
Each homunculus has their own incredibly distinct personality. By far my favourite are the twins, 3 and 4, who are quite lovable. 1 seems overly arrogant and shallow as a character, whereas 2 really shines although he's not seen for much of the film. 9 is also pretty boring and I can't really relate to him much. The others are forgettable stereotypes.

The machines are amazing and very animalistic, which is a strange way of looking at machines, but it works. They're fantastic designs, not to mention very creepy due to having been made from scrap and animal skeletons. The Fabrication Machine, or 'Brain' is monstrous and bewildering to look at.

Visuals and Cinematography
The visuals are mind-blowing and make up a little for the lacking plot. Director Shane Acker creates a beautiful post-apocalyptic setting, with a dark edge to it that isn't often seen these days. The small scale of the characters is a great contrast to the massive landscape, which contributes to the atmosphere.

Soundtrack
There's a heavy use of the song Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which is entirely out of place, although the contrast is a good thing and is used quite well. The original soundtrack, composed by Danny Elfman, is great, but not particularly memorable.

Overall
A visually fantastic film lacking in other areas. Not worth the full price of a cinema ticket, try hiring it or watching it elsewhere for cheaper.
6/10