Comments on: Review: ‘The Act Of Killing’ Is A Constantly Astounding, Terrifying Masterpiece

By: Ian Hughes

Ian Hughes — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

There is ample evidence in The Act of Killing that Anwar Congo and his murderous companions suffer from the emotional and cognitive disorder called psychopathy, which as far as psychiatric science can tell appears to be a hereditary disorder. Please do not watch this film and believe that these are ordinary men. The evidence in frame after frame points to the fact that these killers are psychopaths – particularly the final scene. I have studied psychoanalysis and have written a book on dangerous personality disorders. Oppenheimer's incredible film is the clearest evidence I have seen that psychopaths are the root cause of mass killings the world over. It's greatest value would be that it would waken us up to that fact. http://bit.ly/10YIQ7a

By: ska-triumph

ska-triumph — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

Agree wholeheartedly with the review and the commenters. Saw this twice at the New Films/New Directors Festival in NYC. Just an incredible piece, meta-powerful in all its ironic, painful, horrific and comedic moments. I'm almost afraid to see it again, as if I liked it too much.

By: NSAjanitor

NSAjanitor — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

Democracy Now! did a very informative extended interview with the director, Joshua Oppenheimer, check it out on the DN website

By: John

John — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

This film is very important. Impunity persists in Indonesia for th 1965-66 and later crimes committed by Indonesia's armed forces in East Timor, Aceh and West Papua. Groups are supporting an appeal from the victims for the Indonesian government to acknowledge the truth about the 1965 crimes and to apologize and provide reparations to the victims and their families. See http://etan.org/action/saysorry.htm

By: potion lords

potion lords — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

Oppenheimer's The Globalisation Tapes is worth seeking out as well.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 13 May 2016 09:30:13 +0000

This is truly one of the best films ever made. I understand your reluctance to use the word mind-blowing, but it's necessary. It was the only thing I could think about for a week after seeing it.

Just out of interest, is this review of the almost 3 hr long directors cut, or is it the theatrical version? I hope theatres release the directors cut as the length makes the film all the more powerful.