The sci-fi entertainment masterpiece “Elysium” poignantly depicts the problems faced by the real world.

Social issues and science fiction

The director, who has consistently raised social issues through his films `` District 9 '' and ``Elysium,'' directed `` Chappie '' (2015), which depicts the Singularity caused by AI (artificial intelligence). This work expresses the theme that superficial values ​​such as "appearance" and "appearance" are meaningless. There are similarities to District 9 in terms of prejudice and discrimination based on appearance, and Chappie also includes the theme of economic disparity depicted in Elysium .

The humanoid droid "Scout", developed to curb the increasing crime rate in the Republic of South Africa, has produced great results in maintaining the country's public order. The Scout was just a humanoid machine that worked according to orders, but the young developer secretly developed an artificial intelligence system. They aim to create autonomous droids that can think on their own and not just follow orders. Although he was initially rejected by the company president, various troubles such as interference from a local gang resulted in the young man eventually creating an autonomous droid called Chappie. This is also a side note, but a security droid that closely resembles the Scout appeared in the production of ``Elysium,'' so the director may have already been formulating the idea for ``Chappie'' around this time.

"Chappie" preview

Now, the newborn Chappie will learn language and behavior from the gang. Among them, Yolandi, who became a mother figure to Chappie, gave him the words, ``Appearance doesn't really matter. What's important is what's on the inside.'' The Arrival is sure to be harshly critical of today's world, where people are discriminated against just because they look different.

``Chappie'' also contains the forbidden and anti-ethical theme of ``eternal life'' in human history. This theme of immortality is also taken up in Elysium. Elysium's advanced medical technology, which I mentioned in the previous section, is a dream technology that can completely cure not only a wide variety of infectious diseases but also external injuries to the human body. The upper class citizens living in Elysium enjoy a life of semi-immortality, having overcome any illness or injury.

“Elysium” (c) 2013 MRC II Distribution Company LP All Rights Reserved.

However, the people of Earth cannot benefit from this near-future technology. The medical system, which should normally be distributed equally throughout the world, is now being monopolized. The current world is in exactly the same situation. This film satirizes the disparity in medical technology between developing and developed countries, and at the same time warns against the polarization of the world around medical care.

Director Neill Blomkamp paints the chaos of real life on the canvas of science fiction, both subtly and sometimes firmly. His work is extremely thorough and outstanding. What's even more impressive is that this series of works incorporating social satire has been successfully completed as thoroughly entertaining films. At first glance, it's a simple entertainment movie, but when you look deeper, it reveals real-world issues.

“Elysium” (c) 2013 MRC II Distribution Company LP All Rights Reserved.

Works that sincerely reflect the realities of the real world, such as racism and white bias, have been making waves in the award race in recent years, but director Neill Blomkamp continues to take on the challenge of using science fiction as a subject. There is. ``Elysium'' undoubtedly serves as a wake-up call for the current international community.

Text: Hayato Otsuki

Born in May 1993 in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Writer, editor. He started his writing career in 2016 and currently contributes columns, movie reviews, etc. to various media. By reading the creator's Arrival from a bird's-eye view, we incisively analyze and explain the original intention of the work. His writing publications include "THE RIVER", "IGN Japan", and "Real Sound Movie Club". My specialty is action and fantasy.

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"Elysium"

Blu-ray Price: ¥4,743+tax Now on sale

Publisher/distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

(c) 2013 MRC II Distribution Company LP All Rights Reserved.

*The jacket design is subject to change depending on circumstances.