The Act of Killing is a documentary film that explores the 1965 Indonesian massacre, in which over a million alleged communists, intellectuals, and Chinese Indonesians were killed. The filmmakers ask some of the perpetrators, who are now respected members of society, to re-enact their crimes for the camera. The film delves into the imaginations and memories of these mass killers, offering a unique perspective on the minds of those who commit such atrocities. The film's protagonist, Anwar Congo, was a former death squad leader who rose to power during the genocide. He and his friends, including Herman Koto and Adi Zulkadry, used to sell black market tickets outside of a cinema but began working for a death squad when American films were restricted. They express pride in their roles in the genocide and re-enact their killings with enthusiasm. However, as the film progresses, Congo begins to express remorse for his actions and utters regret for the suffering he caused. The Act of Killing also explores how these mass killers have become respected members of society. Pancasila Youth has since gained power in Indonesia and has high-ranking government officials as leaders. They engage in criminal activities like gambling and drug smuggling and sexually objectify women without fear of consequences due to their status as "heroes." Journalists Ibrahim Sinik and Soduaon Siregar show support but deny direct involvement in covering up or partaking in such events during this time period respectively; instead opting out by saying things like "It was just orders." Instead we see them enjoying conversations about films where people get strangled while laughing maniacally - revealing what kind soulless individuals they truly are deep down inside themselves without any sense or feeling toward others suffering around them at all! This surrealist documentary offers an unflinching look into an appalling chapter in human history while providing insight into how perpetrators rationalize their actions decades later when there's no going back from what they did wrong beforehand either mentally or physically harming innocent people en masse just because someone told them so - essentially exposing true evil existing within our world today hiding behind false guises masquerading as righteousness when really something far sinister lurks beneath surface level appearances here overall leaving viewers feeling haunted long after credits roll due to its sheer intensity alone!

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Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Act of Killing include On Putin's Blacklist, Age of Champions, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty & the Beast in Me, T-Rex, Iris, Salam Neighbor.

The Act of Killing was released in theaters on July 19, 2013.