Watch the film and answer the questions that follow, either in groups or individually

'Everybody wants to ask me lately about my predictions for the future. No, no, no. This isn't science fiction. This is today. This is now.' - Blomkamp Why do you think that Blomkamp chose to set his film in the future? How - if at all - might the futuristic, apocalyptic and sci-fi elements have affected your response to the film's serious themes? Do you think that people are receptive to critiques of their own lives in Hollywood films and why, or why not?

Our movie is a political statement.' - Sharlto Copley (Kruger) In what ways does Elysium address current political issues such as immigration, class and privatised healthcare? Do you think the film seeks to promote the views of a particular political party or ideology, and if so, which one? How do you think that people in your community would respond to its presentation of contemporary social issues? The film sets out to be provocative: do you think it succeeds in this?

Did Max's sense that his society is 'not fair' resonate with you? Why, or why not? What causes human beings to react against things which seem unfair? How, if at all, does our society distinguish between inequality and injustice?

'I think we're going to see the gap between rich and poor on Earth will simply get worse and worse, no matter how hard we try to change it. It's just human nature.' - Blomkamp What, if anything, does the film say about the human capacity for hurting and exploiting others? By contrast, what does it say about our capacity for compassion and sacrifice? Do you think Elysium provides an accurate critique of human behaviour in 21st Century society and why, or why not? What do you make of Blomkamp's claim that humans have a moral character which is fundamentally selfish and greedy?

In what ways did the film contrast humans and automated robots? What, if anything, did it suggest is distinctive or 'special' about individuals, and about humanity as a species? What implications might these answers have for the spiritual dimension of life?

Do you think that Elysium is presented as a perfect place to live and why, or why not? How is it different to other images of heaven that popular culture uses: Christian heaven, Buddhist nirvana, etc?

Why do you think our society places such a high value on marking yourself out as a unique individual? Can you think of any situations in which our society treats people as less than human, and how should we respond to these? Do you think that the film was trying to draw any other parallels with our world and if so, in what way?

Do you think that it is possible to have a society in which everyone is treated as equals?

A recent Oxfam report stated that the 85 richest people are as wealthy as poorest half of the world. Is this fair? Why? Why not? What can be done about this? What should we do about it?

In 2154, Elysium's drudges have little opportunity for rebellion: brutal robots police their every move. Today, on the other hand, we have plenty of scope to rise up, but still we don't. In 2003, the prospect of the Iraq war provoked a million-strong march through London; but the most the 99% have managed against the 1% was a brief encampment outside St Paul's. When riots broke out two years ago, the thin blue line of our oppressor snapped under the strain. Instead of seizing the chance to overrun One Hyde Park, we used it to nick a few phones and trainers. Why do you think we don’t do more to fight for a more equal society?

‘Unless the privileged protect themselves from the just demands of the poor, they cannot expect to survive.’ Do you agree? Why? Why not?

Prepare your ideas to debate the following view: ‘Inequality on Earth is caused by the majority’s inability to right for their rights rather than the selfish intentions of the rich minority’