

The Year of Living Dangerously
A young Australian reporter tries to navigate the political turmoil of Indonesia during the rule of President Sukarno with the help of a diminutive photographer.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1965 Jakarta, a young Australian journalist, Guy Hamilton, arrives to cover the political turmoil and unrest. He becomes entangled with a British consulate employee, Jill Bryant, and a diminutive Chinese-Australian photographer, Billy Kwan, who provides him with vital contacts and inside information. As Guy gets deeper into the dangerous political landscape, he finds himself drawn into a complex web of espionage and forbidden love amidst the growing chaos leading up to the Indonesian coup.
Critical Reception
The Year of Living Dangerously received widespread critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and atmospheric portrayal of a turbulent historical period. Mel Gibson's performance as the ambitious journalist was lauded, and Linda Hunt won an Academy Award for her transformative role as Billy Kwan. The film was praised for its tense storytelling and its sensitive handling of complex political themes, though some critics noted the romantic subplot occasionally overshadowed the political intrigue.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gripping narrative and atmospheric direction.
- Linda Hunt's Oscar-winning performance as Billy Kwan is a standout.
- The film effectively captures the volatile political climate of 1960s Indonesia.
Google audience: Viewers widely appreciated the film's intense storyline and historical setting, frequently highlighting the compelling performances, particularly from Linda Hunt. The movie is often cited for its ability to immerse the audience in the political and social unrest of the era.
Awards & Accolades
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Linda Hunt). Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
Fun Fact
Linda Hunt is the first (and currently only) person to win an Oscar for playing a character of the opposite sex.
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