The Act of Killing (2012) Review in 2025
A documentary that delves into the minds of Indonesian death squad leaders, who reenact their crimes for the camera.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to graphic content and mature themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking, human rights, or the complexities of the human psyche. However, viewer discretion is advised due to graphic content and mature themes.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film features former Indonesian death squad leaders reenacting their crimes, including murder, torture, and other human rights abuses, in a surreal and disturbing manner.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is a thought-provoking and disturbing exploration of the human psyche, delving into the minds of former death squad leaders and their reenactments of their crimes.
acting9.80/10
The acting is superb, with the former death squad leaders delivering performances that are both captivating and unsettling.
characters9.20/10
The characters are complex and multifaceted, with the former death squad leaders providing a chilling and insightful look into their motivations and actions.
direction9.80/10
The direction is masterful, with Joshua Oppenheimer using a unique and innovative approach to tell the story and explore the themes of the film.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is stunning, with the use of color and lighting adding to the overall atmosphere and mood of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's unique approach, stunning cinematography, and superb acting make it a standout documentary. The exploration of the human psyche and the themes of violence and morality are thought-provoking and disturbing.
Cons
The graphic content and mature themes may be off-putting for some viewers.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a killer, I'm a filmmaker."
"I'm not a killer, I'm a performer."
