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The Act of Killing

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7.7/10 • 694

2012-11-011h 57m

Documentary

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

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.

Directors
Joshua Oppenheimer
Editors
Charlotte Munch Bengtsen

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Anwar Congo

    Anwar Congo

    Self - Executioner in 1965

  2. Herman Koto

    Herman Koto

    Self - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader

  3. Syamsul Arifin

    Syamsul Arifin

    Self - Governor of North Sumatra

  4. Ibrahim Sinik

    Ibrahim Sinik

    Self - Newspaper Publisher

  5. Yapto Soerjosoemarno

    Yapto Soerjosoemarno

    Self - Leader of Pancasila Youth

  6. Safit Pardede

    Safit Pardede

    Self - Local Paramilitary Leader

  7. Jusuf Kalla

    Jusuf Kalla

    Self - Vice President of Indonesia

  8. Adi Zulkadry

    Adi Zulkadry

    Self - Fellow Executioner in 1965

  9. Suryono

    Suryono

    Self - Anwar's Neighbor

Reviews1

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Arrrrrrrach Avatar

Arrrrrrrach

Feb 18, 2017

10/10

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 greed, shows us so that we also understand and then uses all he has learned to get them to openly reveal all directly to the audience, pretty much by luring them. It's obvious that with the backstory and footage used he already had more than enough for a documentary film and it seems as though he thought 'I have a better plan' and then made this film instead, in the ultimate quest for knowledge. Beyond words and essential. Note: There is a companion to this called 'The Look of Silence', which is a different type of film altogether and one that sheds much extra light onto the the events of this time and place but from a different perspective and this is also recommended, albeit not as strongly.

Media

  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster
  • The Act of Killing poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
Indonesian
Budget
$1,000,000.00
Revenue
$722,714.00
Keywords
corruptionindonesiagenocideindonesian genocidepolitical documentarysocial & cultural documentary