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…
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. 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.
Top 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
Haji Marzuki
Self - Member of North Sumatra Parliament
Haji Anif
Self - Paramilitary Leader & Businessman
Rahmat Shah
Self - Member of Parliament
Sakhyan Asmara
Self - Deputy Minister of Youth & Sport
Soaduon Siregar
Self
Reviews
I didn't really know where to start with this uniquely constructed documentary. The director has assembled a collection of brutes like the enigmatic Anwar Congo and an whole slew of other paramilitary leaders from Indonesia's recent past, and asked them to recreate some of their more murderous scenarios as if they were filming an edition of "Glee"! There are serious conversations with some of the warlords…
FAQ about The Act of Killing
What is The Act of Killing about?
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…
When was The Act of Killing released?
The Act of Killing was released in 2012.
What genres does The Act of Killing belong to?
The Act of Killing is categorised as Documentary, History.
Who stars in The Act of Killing?
The cast of The Act of Killing includes Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Syamsul Arifin, Ibrahim Sinik, Yapto Soerjosoemarno.