Immersing us in such a dark place, The Act of Killing shows us how difficult it is to identify the outlines of our own faces once the definitions of "truth" and "justice" are mutated beyond recognition. The dream dissolves into nightmare and then into bitter reality. Nepoticide – the act of killing one's nephew. It is maybe the only thing I have seen this year about which I […] Joshua Oppenheimer's study of 1960s Indonesian death squads wins best film, beating Oscar winner 12 Years a Slave. You've written on the previous forum your thoughts on 'The Act of Killing' and specifically your criticism of its ending and the 'performance' of Anwar Congo who you viewed to be 'acting', pretending to be sick in the final scene. “The Act of Killing is the most powerful, politically important film about Indonesia that I have ever seen. The Act of Killing wins top prize at first Guardian Film Awards. As well as illuminating modern Indonesia, the process says much about history, its representation and its victors. You might think this is a recondite subject, worthy of a late-night screening for insomniacs or atrocity buffs on BBC4, but, no, the film-maker Joshua Oppenheimer has made the subject viewable by enlisting the participation of … REACTIONS. But the heart of this documentary is compelling the film's primary subject to face his own flagging, ignored conscience. Audience Reviews for The Act Of Killing. The Act of Killing: don't give an Oscar to this snuff movie. An amazing and impressive film.”. It takes a while, and there are blithe pronouncements about death and killing that make one's stomach turn, but the film eventually pays off. I understand this is a … The film is directed by Joshua Oppenheimer and co-directed by Christine Cynn and an anonymous Indonesian. Immersing us in such a dark place, The Act of Killing shows us how difficult it is to identify the outlines of our own faces once the definitions of "truth" and "justice" are mutated beyond recognition. It tracks down perpetrators of Indonesia's 60s anti-communist massacres, finding them openly unrepentant about their past atrocities; so much so, they're happy to re-enact them as cinematic scenarios. The Act of Killing depicts capitalism at its darkest hour, in a special place where brutality and savagery are necessary and applauded. Parricide or parenticide – the killing of one's mother, father, or other close relative. You might think this is a recondite subject, worthy of a late-night screening for insomniacs or atrocity buffs on BBC4, but, no, the film-maker Joshua Oppenheimer has made the subject viewable by enlisting the participation of … The Act of Killing: don't give an Oscar to this snuff movie. The arrival of this film is itself a historical event almost without parallel. It’s not unutterably perfect – and who the heck wants a completely perfect movie, anyway, they leave nothing to talk about – but even better, The Act of Killing is the most unique and essential movie I have seen in 2013.