The Act of Killing
7.7/10
Rating
159 min
Runtime
2012
Release Year
Joshua Oppenheimer
Director
Cast
Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Syamsul Arifin, Ibrahim Sinik, Yapto Soerjosoemarno
Quick Synopsis
The Act of Killing is a documentary that follows former Indonesian death squad leaders as they reenact the mass killings they committed during the 1965-66 anti-communist purge. Using different film genres to stage these reenactments, the film explores how these men remember and justify their actions, revealing the ongoing effects of the purge on Indonesian society and the complex mindset of those involved in the violence.
Detailed Synopsis of The Act of Killing
In this chilling and groundbreaking documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various film genres. 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.
