The Act of Killing (2012)

  • NR
  • 08/31/2012 (US)
  • Documentary, History
  • 1h 57m

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. 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

Cast

Anwar Congo's headshot

Anwar Congo

Self - Executioner in 1965
Herman Koto's headshot

Herman Koto

Self - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader
Syamsul Arifin's headshot

Syamsul Arifin

Self - Governor of North Sumatra
Ibrahim Sinik's headshot

Ibrahim Sinik

Self - Newspaper Publisher
Yapto Soerjosoemarno's headshot

Yapto Soerjosoemarno

Self - Leader of Pancasila Youth
Safit Pardede's headshot

Safit Pardede

Self - Local Paramilitary Leader
Jusuf Kalla's headshot

Jusuf Kalla

Self - Vice President of Indonesia
Adi Zulkadry's headshot

Adi Zulkadry

Self - Fellow Executioner in 1965

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