Backdrop image for movie The Act of Killing

The Act of Killing (2012)

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.

  • Documentary

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Anwar CongoAnwar CongoSelf - Executioner in 1965
  • Photo of Herman KotoHerman KotoSelf - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader
  • Photo of Syamsul ArifinSyamsul ArifinSelf - Governor of North Sumatra
  • Photo of Ibrahim SinikIbrahim SinikSelf - Newspaper Publisher
  • Photo of Yapto SoerjosoemarnoYapto SoerjosoemarnoSelf - Leader of Pancasila Youth
  • Photo of Safit PardedeSafit PardedeSelf - Local Paramilitary Leader
  • Photo of Jusuf KallaJusuf KallaSelf - Vice President of Indonesia
  • Photo of Adi ZulkadryAdi ZulkadrySelf - Fellow Executioner in 1965
  • Photo of SuryonoSuryonoSelf - Anwar's Neighbor
  • Photo of Haji MarzukiHaji MarzukiSelf - Member of North Sumatra Parliament

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