Watch The Year of Living Dangerously

Set in 1965 Indonesia, The Year of Living Dangerously is a political thriller film that follows the story of journalist Guy Hamilton (Mel Gibson) in his attempt to cover the chaotic events that took place during the rise of President Sukarno's regime. As Hamilton arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia, he finds himself immersed in a country undergoing significant political and social changes. He quickly makes friends with a local photographer, Billy Kwan (Linda Hunt), who introduces him to Jill Bryant (Sigourney Weaver), a British embassy official. As he starts to navigate Indonesian society and begin his reporting, Hamilton experiences firsthand the dangers that come with covering a politically unstable country.

Throughout the film, we witness Hamilton's journey as he struggles to maintain his journalistic integrity while at the same time navigating the murky waters of Jakarta's political underbelly. He quickly realizes that the political situation in Indonesia is much more complicated than he had anticipated, with rampant corruption and violence making it difficult to capture the truth. As Hamilton continues to investigate, he uncovers a complex web of political intrigue that quickly puts his life in danger.

As tensions rise throughout the country, Hamilton soon finds himself dealing with the brutal reality of Sukarno's regime, including the mass expulsion of Chinese Indonesians from the country. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Bryant's relationship begins to blossom against the backdrop of the country's turmoil, adding an element of romance to the otherwise gritty story.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Linda Hunt, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Billy Kwan - a local man who serves as Hamilton's guide and friend. Despite the fact that Hunt is not Indonesian, she convincingly portrays the role of an East Asian man and delivers a powerful, nuanced performance that adds depth to the film's exploration of Indonesian society.

The Year of Living Dangerously was directed by Australian filmmaker Peter Weir, who is known for his ability to create visually stunning films with impeccable attention to detail. This is certainly evident in The Year of Living Dangerously, which features sweeping shots of Jakarta's bustling city streets and vibrant nightlife, juxtaposed with scenes of political upheaval and violence.

The film's score, composed by Maurice Jarre, is also notable. It blends traditional Indonesian music with orchestral arrangements, adding a layer of authenticity to the film's portrayal of local culture.

Overall, The Year of Living Dangerously is a gripping, thought-provoking film that explores the intersection of politics and journalism against the backdrop of one of the world's most volatile periods. With strong performances from its lead actors and masterful direction from Peter Weir, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in the genre of political thrillers, or for anyone who appreciates thoughtful and powerful filmmaking.

The Year of Living Dangerously is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 65.