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critics consensus

Both a smart, suspenseful tale of intrigue and a sweeping romance, The Year of Living Dangerously features excellent performances from Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver as a pair of journalists covering political unrest in Indonesia. Read critic reviews

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The Year of Living Dangerously Photos

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Movie Info

When journalist Guy Hamilton (Mel Gibson) arrives in Jakarta, Indonesia, he has difficulty making contacts. He forms a friendship with dwarf photographer Billy Kwan (Linda Hunt), through whom he meets British diplomat Jill Bryant (Sigourney Weaver). Bryant falls for Hamilton, and she gives him key information about an approaching Communist uprising. As the city becomes more dangerous, Hamilton stays to pursue the story. However, he faces more threats as he gets closer to the government.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    adventure
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Peter Weir
  • Producer:
    Jim McElroy
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Metro Goldwyn Mayer

Cast & Crew

Mel Gibson
Guy S. Hamilton
Sigourney Weaver
Jillian Edith 'Jill' Bryant
Linda Hunt
Billy Kwan
Michael Murphy
Pete Curtis
Bill Kerr
Col. Ralph Henderson
Noel Ferrier
Wally O'Sullivan
Bembol Roco
Kumar
Paul Sonkkila
Kevin Condon
Peter Weir
Director
C.J. Koch
Writer (Screenplay)
Peter Weir
Writer (Screenplay)
David Williamson
Writer (Screenplay)
Jim McElroy
Producer
Maurice Jarre
Original Music
Richard Strauss
Non-Original Music
Vangelis
Non-Original Music
Russell Boyd
Cinematographer
William M. Anderson
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for The Year of Living Dangerously

Ethan Hawke’s Five Favorite Films
Sigourney Weaver’s 10 Best Movies
Karyn Kusama’s Five Favorite Films
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Critic Reviews for The Year of Living Dangerously

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (28) | Rotten (4)

  • Memorable in Gallipoli and Road Warrior, Mel Gibson establishes his leading-man status.

    November 12, 2018 | Full Review…

    Bob Thomas

    Associated Press

  • This is a wonderfully absorbing film.

    June 19, 2018 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times

  • [A] grievously flawed yet compelling tale of political intrigue, certainly a triumph of atmosphere if not of coherent dramatization.

    August 4, 2015 | Full Review…

    Gary Arnold

    Washington Post

  • Weir and his crew expertly recreate the squalor, poverty, noise, heat and emotion of the pressure cooker that was Indonesia in 1965.

    July 7, 2010 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety

  • A curiously languid affair, rather than the breathless Costa-Gavras-style thriller which was the least one might have expected from this kind of material.

    February 9, 2006 | Full Review…

    Rod McShane

    Time Out

  • Quote not available.

    November 23, 2004 | Rating: 4/5

    Nell Minow

    Movie Mom
View All Critic Reviews (32)

Audience Reviews for The Year of Living Dangerously

  • Mar 04, 2010
    Beautifully shot but the storyline is a bit unsatisfying. It is nice to see two powerhouse actors in the same film though.
    Tim S Super Reviewer
  • Aug 13, 2007
    ...................ok....
    Alexander C Super Reviewer
  • Aug 08, 2007
    Intense, finely made film. Gibson is very good in this, made before he become a blowhearted parody of himself. Linda Hunt is great in her oscar winning part and sigourney weaver is fine as always in a less showy role.
    jay n Super Reviewer
  • Jun 03, 2007
    A typically beautifully shot Peter Weir film, this romance set to the backdrop of political upheaval in Indonesia is thoughtful, atmospheric and intelligent. When was the last time you could say that about a film starring Mel Gibson...?
    xGary X Super Reviewer
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