The Act of Killing (2012)

  • NR
  • 08/31/2012 (US)
  • Documentary
  • 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, 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

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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