9

Three and a half stars. In 9, form triumphs over content, and it does so with ease. The film is really nice to look at, the animation is almost flawless, all the technical toys are well thought out and the post-apocalyptic world is beautifully demolished and dead. But the script is also dead - it likely won't surprise anyone, and if it does, it's only because of how boring it is. That’s really unfortunate - the action scenes are nicely and imaginatively shot, the rag dolls are likeable and the robots appropriately "dark"... But the plot... (16/06/2010)

Animated films are usually seen as those that you take children to, filled with plenty of colors and some cute little creatures that kids fall in love with. If it’s not Pixar, there’s often a lack of a solid story—though this isn’t a strict rule. What defines the film 9 is its animation and overall visual aspect. This animated film is entirely dark, with an atmosphere and setting that are both gloomy. Let’s be honest; the story isn’t exactly child-friendly either. Shane Acker came up with the short film 9 in 2005, which was successful, leading Tim Burton, Timur Bekmambetov, and other producers to support a feature-length version. This is precisely a film that could align with Tim Burton's style, but it’s missing something—primarily a solid script. In its final form, it’s just a film where a dark side gradually eliminates a limited number of representatives of good. There’s a bit of inspiration from kung fu films and an attempt at cute moments. It’s a shame because this film had the potential for much more. The presented world is genuinely dark and unsettling. It could have been nearly a horror film, but it fell short, likely to remain accessible for children. Yet, it still carries a PG-13 rating, indicating it’s not suitable for kids. (19/02/2013)

Despite the perfect atmosphere, beautiful art aspects and great action, 9 is only about halfway there. Mainly due to a stereotypically constructed story, which also relies on a rather agitating and moralizing tone. One could deal with that if at least the handling had not been so wanting, and dramaturgy was also not done well. Even the characters are shallow and forgettable sketches voiced by stars. It's a bit of an issue when the screenwriter writes a weak Christian fairytale and the director tells the story as a raw apocalyptic horror. However, it is worth seeing for the bizarre world on the edge of World War I and cyberpunk... Especially if you like Bioshock or Fallout. :o) [70%] (07/09/2009)

Acker's visionary abilities battle with a sub-par script that flutters behind his exuberant imagination, and the result desperately cries out for a more uncompromising dramaturgist whose care would ensure more than just a fully rendered variation on the most recent Terminator. Stretching the original 11 minutes into an hour, not adding a drop of added value to the plot and hoping that "it will somehow carry itself" deserves a slap to the head. Giving these zipped-up bags a chance to show themselves properly on paper would be the most original cartoon far and wide. There is talent is evident here, though. (08/10/2009)

Number 9 is visually stunning. I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful animated film. The unique colors, original depiction of the world after the apocalypse. Everything that the visual side can offer is top-notch. Perhaps only the story could be improved a bit. On the other hand, it was directed by a person who won with the original swimsuit, as best as he could. But he could thank mainly the animation. So I don't know why I should evaluate the film as such from this and that side. I liked it, liked it a lot. Even though the story wasn't anything extraordinary and the ending "supposedly" was supposed to remind of a Christian idea. All of this was completely indifferent to me. I didn't see anything terrible in it. As long as those socks are not unfolding Bible excerpts throughout the whole film, I won't be mad. There are other films for that. (17/07/2010)