9 (2009)

Directed by Shane Acker, this animated dystopia follows the struggle of nine rag dolls, who have survived a war that destroyed the world, leaving only murderous machines to prey upon the wreckage.

Each rag doll has a number, rather than a name, and each has their own particular personality trait, such as 2, a wise, old handy-man, or 7, a rough rebel. The main character, predictably, is 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood), who is in search of answers, as well as being determined to save his fellow rag dolls. As the journey leads the rag dolls deeper into this apocalyptic landfill, larger questions regarding humanity, and its mistakes, emerge.

This animated film tries very hard to be different from other such films, like Pixar. It is dark, edgy, and painfully poignant, with Tim Burton attached as a producer...would you expect anything different? The film started as a college project for Acker, and was a 6 minute short film, and once it gained notoriety, a feature length was developed, the fear was that it would not work as a film that long. Ironically, my opinion is that it needed to be longer! Characters go undeveloped, the plot seems overshadowed by action scenes, and the ending seems contrived, which is such a shame, as the premise is awesome.

On the plus side, there is a sentiment to the film which appeals, and the danger which the rag dolls face is ever-present, making for a gripping view. It is absolutely stunning to look at, however Burton's opinion that a silent movie would have been more effective seems correct, the dialogue seems to render the film neutral, rather than a punch in the stomach.