9
Directed by Shane Acker7.057%56%
When 9 first comes to life, he finds himself in a post-apocalyptic world. All humans are gone, and it is only by chance that he discovers a small community of others like him taking refuge from fearsome machines that roam the earth intent on their extinction. Despite being the neophyte of the group, 9 convinces the others that hiding will do them no good.
Cast of 9
9 Ratings & Reviews
- TripodMay 8, 2025Are THOSE THE TRIPODS???????
- Tubeman72February 27, 2025"9" is an action-packed film, with nearly 90% of its runtime dedicated to intense sequences. The remaining portions set up the story before, after, and between the action. Expect explosions that will shake your seat, as the film delivers high-stakes conflict. While it has a touch of science fiction, it doesn’t provide clear answers—viewers are encouraged to let their imagination run wild. The setting is a post-apocalyptic Earth, nearly destroyed, where only malevolent machines and a few living dolls remain. These nine dolls contain fragments of their creator’s soul—the very man who first invented machines to aid humanity, only for them to turn against their makers. The story follows No. 9 (Elijah Wood), a curious and questioning doll who awakens in this ruined world. Early on, he meets the kind-hearted No. 2 (Martin Landau), who tries to help him but is soon abducted by a monstrous robotic creature. Determined to rescue No. 2, No. 9 defies the orders of the cautious No. 1 (Christopher Plummer) and ventures into the dangerous machine territory. Fortunately, he is aided by No. 7 (Jennifer Connelly), a fearless warrior doll. However, No. 9's curiosity leads to the accidental activation of a powerful doomsday machine, endangering all the dolls. Driven by his sense of responsibility, he fights to save his companions. The voice cast is well chosen, with Elijah Wood bringing a sense of innocence to No. 9, and Christopher Plummer effectively portraying No. 1’s strict authority. No. 7, a rare female doll and the toughest of the group, is a standout, with Jennifer Connelly delivering a compelling performance. Produced by Jim Lemley and Timur Bekmambetov ("Wanted"), the film leans heavily into action. While Tim Burton, another producer, is known for gothic aesthetics ("Corpse Bride," "Sweeney Todd"), his influence is more subtle—mainly seen in eerie creatures, such as a skeletal snake with a doll's face and tiny spider-like machines. "9" is an expansion of Shane Acker’s 11-minute short film, which premiered at Sundance in 2005. As an animator and 3D specialist, Acker crafted an intricate world where the dolls appear almost tangible, with detailed textures resembling hand-stitched fabric. The design evolves as the numbers increase, reflecting different materials and closures—No. 9, for instance, has a zipper instead of buttons. Acker’s unique vision sets "9" apart from typical animated films, which often reuse familiar character archetypes. Here, originality shines through—the dolls, with their round eyes and innocent expressions, are unlikely heroes tasked with saving the world. However, the film's heavy emphasis on action comes at the cost of storytelling. The plot feels somewhat buried under relentless spectacle, leaving a slightly unsatisfying aftertaste. While "9" is visually stunning and overwhelming in its intensity, it lacks a fully developed narrative to match its breathtaking imagery.
