The Year of Living Dangerously Movie Review 1982

Political thriller features Gibson as immature, impulsive Australian journalist Guy Hamilton, who's covering a political story in Indonesia, circa 1965. During the coup against President Sukarno, he becomes involved with British attache Jill Bryant (Weaver) at the height of the bloody fighting and rioting in Jakarta. Hunt is excellent as male photographer Billy Swan, central to the action as the moral center. Rumored to be based on the activities of CNN's Peter Arnett, although the original source is a novel by C.J. Koch, who reportedly collaborated/battled with Weir on the screenplay. Fascinating, suspenseful film, set up brilliantly by Weir, with great romantic chemistry between Gibson and Weaver. Shot on location in the Philippines (then moved to Sydney after cast and crew were threatened). First Australian movie financed by a U.S. studio.

Distribution

Baker & Taylor Inc., 2709 Water Ridge Pkwy., Ste. 500, Charlotte, NC 28217, Phone: (704)357-3500, Toll-free: 800-775-1800, Email: btinfo@btol.com, URL: http://www.btol.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 114 minutes.
Originally from Australian.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Adventure Drama, Front Page, Pacific Islands, Gender Bending

Screenplay

Peter Weir, David Williamson

Cast

Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt, Michael Murphy, Noel Ferrier, Bill Kerr

Cinematography

Russell Boyd

Director

Peter Weir

Music

Maurice Jarre

Producer

MGM Home Entertainment

Awards

Oscars 1983: Support. Actress (Hunt); L.A. Film Critics 1983: Support. Actress (Hunt); Natl. Bd. of Review 1983: Support. Actress (Hunt); N.Y. Film Critics 1983: Support. Actress (Hunt).