The Act of Killing

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The Act of Killing (2012)

NR 07/19/2013 (US) Documentary 1h 57m

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A story of killers who win, and the society they build.

Overview

In this chilling and groundbreaking documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various film genres, from gangster epics to musicals. As they recreate their past atrocities, the line between reality and performance blurs, exposing the lingering impact of Indonesia’s 1965-66 anti-communist purge and the unsettling psychology of its perpetrators.

Joshua Oppenheimer

Director

Top Billed Cast

Anwar Congo

Self - Executioner in 1965
Herman Koto

Self - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader
Syamsul Arifin

Self - Governor of North Sumatra
Ibrahim Sinik

Self - Newspaper Publisher
Yapto Soerjosoemarno

Self - Leader of Pancasila Youth
Safit Pardede

Self - Local Paramilitary Leader
Jusuf Kalla

Self - Vice President of Indonesia
Adi Zulkadry

Self - Fellow Executioner in 1965
Suryono

Self - Anwar's Neighbor
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A review by Arrrrrrrach

100%

Written by Arrrrrrrach on February 18, 2017

The synopsis is available elsewhere and I have no idea how to review a film like this so here are a few simple lines: I have never seen anything remotely like this and would go as far as to say that it is one of the most honest portrayals of several aspects of the human psyche I have ever experienced in any medium. It's not a pleasant film but I can't give it any less than full marks for its bravery, arrogance and honesty when dealing with an uncomfortable aspect of our species.

Joshua Oppenheimer (dir.) understands the social norms of his subjects' environment and also their own egos and... read the rest.

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