Last two I've seen:
The Hunt - 8.5/10 (2012)
Watched this because a few guys over at, err, WCG, suggested it. Definitely a haunting film. I actually had to pause it at a couple of points because I was getting so angry at the characters--even though their reasoning behind their actions was justified. Certainly takes a look at child sex abuse that isn't afraid of shying away from some hard hitting questions. Definitely give it a go. It's a tough watch, but the performances (
Mads Mikkelsen) are absolutely incredible.
The Act of Killing - 10/10
I don't hand out 10s. I might give one out a year at most, but I felt that this documentary absolutely deserved it. If you haven't seen the trailer, check it out here:
It takes place in Indonesia, where back in the 1960's a genocide of over 1 million communists took place. Since the party in power that committed these crimes is still in power, no one has ever been persecuted for their actions (international community has ignored this conflict). The documentary filmmakers approached Anwar Congo to reenact the events in a film, and closely follows the consequences. I won't give too much away, but the conversations between Anwar and his fellow executioners is pretty damn fascinating--they
know the crimes they committed were cruel, but at the same time they must uphold a respectable image for their gang. It follows the notion and thought-process that many historical viewpoints follow, the idea that "history is written by the winners". It's a maddening and rewarding character study, adding a very human side to a very sadistic person.
It played at an art house cinema where I live (Oklahoma), so I imagine it won't be too hard for most people to find. Definitely check it out when you can, I have a hard time believing we'll see another documentary this good for the rest of the year--even if the Academy Awards tell you differently.