The film documents the Indonesian gangster Anwar Congo and his associates, re-enacting their major roll in the massacre of political dissidents after a military coup seized power in 1965. Together, the gangsters, the military, and private paramilitary groups launched a violent campaign against the Indonesian communist party (PKI), leftists, their supposed supporters, and the ethnic Chinese minority living in Indonesia - leading to the deaths of around 3 million people. This purge occurred amongst the backdrop of the transition from the progressive, democratically elected government who fought for Indonesia's independence from the Dutch, to the 30-year military dictatorship of President Suharto, a good friend of the Americans at the time.
All too often do people soak up Hollywood crap, not only in terms of writing but lazy churned out filming in general. The cinematography alone puts this film so far beyond so much that's come out recently. If you want to watch something worth your time, something where in every shot you can feel the dedication and care put into it, watch The Act of Killing.
Seriously, watch this fucking movie.
I certainly wouldn't describe the musical numbers as amazing, the pacing as an audacious thrill or the cinematography as anything special, but you're right, this is a must watch documentary. The film does a great job of showing the real ramifications of people getting away with these atrocities.
ReplyDeleteI know this documentaries critics take issue with the brief analysis of the ghastly events of 1965, but the film really hammers home the consequences of unpunished injustice. Every level of government is horribly corrupt, and the people continue to suffer at the hands of bullies, murderers and gangsters.
The film society is showing a documentary this week in the IFLH at 8 on Thursday. We screened this film last term, so it's not being offered, but you can vote on our fb page for which documentary you want. (I reckon you will love CitizenFour)
Delete