The Uprising
2026 · History · Drama
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Film / 2012
The Act of Killing
Directed by
Joshua Oppenheimer
After befriending documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various American film genres. 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.
The story
After befriending documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various American film genres. 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.
Cast
Anwar CongoSelf - Executioner in 1965
Herman KotoSelf - Gangster & Paramilitary Leader
Syamsul ArifinSelf - Governor of North Sumatra
Ibrahim SinikSelf - Newspaper Publisher
Yapto SoerjosoemarnoSelf - Leader of Pancasila Youth
Safit PardedeSelf - Local Paramilitary Leader
Jusuf KallaSelf - Vice President of Indonesia
Adi ZulkadrySelf - Fellow Executioner in 1965
SuryonoSelf - Anwar's Neighbor
Haji MarzukiSelf - Member of North Sumatra Parliament
Haji AnifSelf - Paramilitary Leader & Businessman
Rahmat ShahSelf - Member of Parliament
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