The Look of Silence (2014) Review in 2025
The Look of Silence is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the aftermath of the 1965 Indonesian massacre through the eyes of an optometrist who sets out to confront the men who killed his brother.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, politics, or social justice. It's a powerful and thought-provoking film that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Adi Rukun, an optometrist who returns to his hometown in Indonesia to confront the men who killed his brother, Ramli, during the 1965 massacre. As Adi Rukun confronts these men, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that goes all the way to the top of the Indonesian government.
Review Details
story9.80/10
The story is deeply moving and thought-provoking, exploring the complexities of human nature and the impact of trauma on individuals and society.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Adi Rukun's performance being particularly memorable.
characters9.20/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Adi Rukun's transformation from optometrist to activist being particularly compelling.
direction9.80/10
The direction is masterful, with Joshua Oppenheimer's use of long takes and observational filmmaking creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is stunning, with the use of natural light and handheld camera work creating a sense of realism and immediacy.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Look of Silence is a masterpiece of documentary filmmaking, with a powerful story, well-developed characters, and stunning cinematography.
Cons
The film can be emotionally challenging to watch, with some scenes being particularly graphic and disturbing.
Notable Quotes
"'I want to know the truth.'"
"'The look of silence is the look of death.'"
