9

In the compelling 2009 animated film "9," narrator Elijah Wood leads a remarkable cast that includes Jennifer Connelly and Crispin Glover. The movie, directed by Shane Acker and produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, is a dark, post-apocalyptic tale physically realized through visually striking computer animation, setting it apart from your typical family-friendly animation.

The movie kicks off in a desolate, dystopian world where humanity has been wiped out. Amid the ruins of this annihilated world awakens our protagonist, 9, voiced by Elijah Wood, an animated rag doll with an evident sense of curiosity. He is not alone in this desolation. Other rag dolls, brought to life and numbered 1 through 8, also inhabit this eerie landscape, each distinct in their design and personality, skillfully envisioned by Acker and the animation team.

The narrative of "9" centers around these mysterious characters' journey of surviving the monstrous mechanical beasts that stalk them, created by the same technology that ravaged the Earth. As the tagline of the movie suggests – "When our world ended, their mission began." – their objective develops into something more profound than mere survival.

Elijah Wood's 9, with his courageous persona, stands in contrast to the fearful leadership of 1, voiced by Christopher Plummer. Jennifer Connelly lends her voice to the brave and independent 7 – the only female figure in this group. Other voice talents involve Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, and Crispin Glover, providing their unique flavor to the voice ensemble.

Shane Acker initially showcased the characters and the world of "9" in a short film of the same name, grabbing attention with its ominous charm and resulting in an Academy Award nomination. In this feature-length adaptation, Acker adeptly expands the scale, further exploring the world and investing deeper in the story and the characters, all while preserving the mysterious allure of the original short. The movie showcases the battle between man-made creatures and the rag dolls, using technology created by humans that eventually led the world to devastation.

Danny Elfman, the maestro of dystopia and fantasy, takes up the scoring duties in "9". His musical background in darker fantasy tales is natural at invoking the right feelings, hence adding to the mysteriousness and slivers of majesty hidden within the grey and brown CGI frames. The collaboration with Burton and Elfman inevitably reminds of previous successful collaborations that brought classics like "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Corpse Bride," and "Edward Scissorhands."

The animation, while nothing short of top-tier, leans more towards the scary spectrum instead of the colorful, sanitized nature that most associate with the medium. The visuals in "9" borrow elements from German expressionism, adopting the funereal tone, eerie shadows, dilapidated structures, and stressed angularity.

The film's visual design's steampunk aesthetic also creates a unique eccentric allure, with humanoid characters made of burlap and metal monsters that echo creations from a dystopian, technology-centric nightmare—this sharp contrast between the characters and their terrifying adversaries powerfully injects the story's core themes of creation, life, existence, and survival.

"9" pushes the boundaries of what an animated film can convey, diving into philosophical questions of life, existence, and the potential universal value of each life. It's a thoughtful tale of nine characters embarking on a fatalistic journey through a hostile world, each echoing various facets of humanity. In this courageous journey, they explore what it means to be alive, what responsibilities come with life, and the lengths one should go for survival.

"9" is an ambitious movie, a distinct entry into the roster of American animation with its mature themes and unique aesthetic. The compelling narrative, excellent voice acting from an ensemble cast, and unforgettable visuals make it a must-watch for anyone looking for an animation with a heavier, darker twist. The film offers a visually arresting, thoughtful exploratory journey through a grim world that echoes our fears and hopes. While it may not comfortably fit into the category of 'light-hearted family viewing', it is an intriguing experience for the audience seeking animation that pushes boundaries.