The Year of Living Dangerously

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The Year of Living Dangerously

PG

1982

1h 55m

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

34 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

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.

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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.

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Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

Sep 19, 2023

When the two stars are together, the movie has the hectic, under-the-surface energy that is Weir’s brand of magic.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

Nov 12, 2018

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

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Jun 19, 2018

4/4

This is a wonderfully absorbing film.

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

Aug 20, 2025

Hunt deservedly won an Oscar for her performance as photographer Billy in this languid but atmospheric drama about political and personal relationships put to the test

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Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

Aug 9, 2024

4/5

Peter Weir’s The Year of Living Dangerously...is an underrated romantic drama and adventure film set amidst Indonesia’s political unrest of the mid-1960s.

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Molly Haskell

Vogue

Feb 27, 2020

[The Year of Living Dangerously] is a romantic and political melodrama set in Indonesia during the Sukarno regime. If it winds up being more romantic than political, who's complaining?

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Landon J

@Minxsykitty Jul 28, 2026

I thought it was just ok. It's main fault is spending far too much time meandering. Mel and Weaver do good here, has some genuinely tense moments. Not much to say really, for better or worse.

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Vincent S

@RT47579145 Jun 23, 2026

I wish the love story was stronger but this is beautifully directed by Peter Weir. Linda Hunt’s performance and the stunning beauty of Sigourney Weaver and Mel Gibson help. This is a compelling drama and the war, uprising material are excellent.

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keven q

@kevenquinlan Jan 2, 2026

Ok, a young Mel and Sigourney- it's basically a romance in the middle of a countries turmoil. It's really good- but I'm not going to add it to my collection. By all means Watch It- but I don't think it's a keeper. Also- I'm sorry but I tire of the narrative of Starving Children when it's the irresponsible poor over populating their country and not being held accountable. You DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT to reproduce when you can't ensure the survival of YOUR CHILDREN. I shouldn't have to feel bad for you- that's YOUR making, not mine.

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thiago s

@Thiagostone May 4, 2025

Filme mais ou menos, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são mais ou menos, o elenco é mais ou menos, mas ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, a história é fraca, os personagens sao fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes para fazer o filme ser bom.

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bob c

@RT46426964 Jan 8, 2025

Good for its era but has not aged so well, particularly technically. The politics are spot on though.

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Alain E

@AlainE Oct 23, 2024

Excellent opportunity to see Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver in the beginning of their careers. The movie depicts realistically third world conditions in the early sixties. Western journalists mostly have a good time as the local society is going to hell. The woman who plays Gibson’s male assistant-very convincingly I should say- was awarded an Oscar for supporting acting.

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Peter Weir

Director

Mel Gibson

Guy Hamilton

Sigourney Weaver

Jillian Edith 'Jill' Bryant

Linda Hunt

Billy Kwan

Michael Murphy

Pete Curtis

Bill Kerr

Col. Ralph Henderson

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11%

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Peter Weir
Producer: Jim McElroy
Screenwriter: C.J. Koch, Peter Weir, David Williamson
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 21, 1982, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 31, 2009
Runtime: 1h 55m

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