Poster for the movie The Act of Killing

The Act of Killing

2012 • 117 minutes
Documentary

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.

Picture of Anwar Congo

Anwar Congo

Self - Executioner in 1965

Picture of Herman Koto

Herman Koto

Self - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader

Picture of Syamsul Arifin

Syamsul Arifin

Self - Governor of North Sumatra

Picture of Ibrahim Sinik

Ibrahim Sinik

Self - Newspaper Publisher

Picture of Yapto Soerjosoemarno

Yapto Soerjosoemarno

Self - Leader of Pancasila Youth

Picture of Safit Pardede

Safit Pardede

Self - Local Paramilitary Leader

Picture of Jusuf Kalla

Jusuf Kalla

Self - Vice President of Indonesia

Picture of Adi Zulkadry

Adi Zulkadry

Self - Fellow Executioner in 1965

Picture of Suryono

Suryono

Self - Anwar's Neighbor

Picture of Haji Marzuki

Haji Marzuki

Self - Member of North Sumatra Parliament

Picture of Haji Anif

Haji Anif

Self - Paramilitary Leader & Businessman

Picture of Rahmat Shah

Rahmat Shah

Self - Member of Parliament

Picture of Sakhyan Asmara

Sakhyan Asmara

Self - Deputy Minister of Youth & Sport

Picture of Soaduon Siregar

Soaduon Siregar

Self