Films about martial law explore the impact and consequences of a government's imposition of military rule on society. These films often delve into themes of power, resistance, and the human struggle for freedom and justice. Here are some existing films about martial law:
“The Act of Killing”, 2012
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn
Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, this documentary takes an unconventional approach to depict the Indonesian killings of 1965-1966, which occurred during martial law. The film features reenactments of the killings by the perpetrators themselves, forcing them to confront their actions.
Starring: Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Ibrahim Sinik, Yapto Soerjosoemarno, Safit Pardede, Jusuf Kalla, Adi Zulkadry, Soaduon Siregar, Suryono, Haji Marzuki, Haji Anif, Sakhyan Asmara;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: documentary, crime, war, biography, history;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,2;
More information about the film “The Act of Killing” on the website imdb.com
“The Year of Living Dangerously”, 1982
Director: Peter Weir
Directed by Peter Weir, this drama is set in Indonesia during the 1965 coup. It follows a foreign correspondent and an Australian diplomat as they navigate the dangerous political climate and witness the effects of martial law on the local population.
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt, Mel Gibson, Bembol Roco, Domingo Landicho, Hermino De Guzman, Michael Murphy, Noel Ferrier, Paul Sonkkila, Ali Nur, Dominador Robridillo, Joel Agona, Mike Emperio, Bernardo Nacilla, Bill Kerr, Coco Marantha, Kuh Ledesma, Norma Uatuhan, Lito Tolentino, Cecily Polson, David Oyang, Mark Egerton, Joonee Gamboa, Pudji Waseso, Joel Lamangan, Mario Layco, Jabo Djohansjan, Agoes Widjaya Soedjarwo, Chris Quivak;
Production year: 1982;
Genre: drama, melodrama, war;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “The Year of Living Dangerously” on the website imdb.com
“The Missing Picture”, 2019
Director: Javier Aparisi
Directed by Rithy Panh, this documentary combines archival footage and clay figurines to depict the director's experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. The film explores the loss of personal and collective memory under martial law.
Starring: Roberto Lanzas, Bebhinn Pidgeon, Ethel Pitchford, Victor Aja Yera;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: short film, drama;
Duration: 9 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this crime drama portrays the rise of organized crime during a period of government neglect and corruption. While not explicitly about martial law, the film reflects the oppressive and violent conditions that can arise under such regimes.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
These films offer unique perspectives on the impact of martial law on individuals and society, shedding light on the human struggle for freedom and justice in the face of authoritarian rule.
The selection of films about martial law offers a gripping portrayal of the human spirit amidst political turmoil, showcasing the resilience and courage of individuals in the face of oppression. These films delve into the complexities of power dynamics, human rights, and the struggle for freedom, providing a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of martial law on society. Through compelling narratives and powerful performances, these films not only shed light on historical events but also serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for justice and liberty. This collection of films stands as a testament to the indomitable nature of the human will and the unwavering pursuit of truth in the darkest of times.
