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.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.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.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 10 wins & 14 nominations total
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Peter Weir cast Linda Hunt in the role of Billy Kwan after failing to find an actor who could play the part the way he wanted.
- GoofsBilly's still camera is a Nikon F2 Photomic, which was not released until 1971, while the film takes place in 1965.
- Quotes
Billy Kwan: What then must we do? We must give with love to whoever God has placed in our path.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Peter Weir Industry Seminar 1989 (1989)
- SoundtracksBeim Schlafengehen
from "Four Last Songs"
by Richard Strauss
Performed by Kiri Te Kanawa and London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Andrew Davis
Courtesy of CBS Masterworks
Published by Boosey-Hawkes
Featured review
Politics, Mysticism and Romance
In "The Year of Living Dangerously" director Peter Weir attempts much and accomplishes most of his goals. It's a socio-political essay on the dangers of Western meddling in Third World countries. It's a fascinating view into the challenges of journalism in a volatile foreign country. It's a steamy romance involving two beautiful, intelligent characters. It's a distinctly Far Eastern morality play that seems to delight in yin/yang paradoxes. Plus it's one of the best films at evoking the mood, texture, and sensuality of life in Southeast Asia. Don't be too harsh on Weir for the lapses in historic accuracy and plotting, because it's a complicated, busy landscape he is painting here. The best things about the film are:
-Linda Hunt's amazing performance. Unlike other gender-bending performances (Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria", Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie") you never once give any thought to the fact that this is a woman playing a man. It's a seamless transition and a performance of immense heart and honesty. The image of a distraught Billy pounding at his typewriter, pleading "What then must we do?" while an aria swells around him and the eyes of Jakarta's poor stare at him from his own photographs, is an incredibly moving scene.
-The atmosphere created by the combination of Russell Boyd's cinematography and Maurice Jarre's score. Take a look at the scene with Weaver walking through the streets of Jakarta in a tropical downpour. The effect is breathtaking.
-The chemistry between Gibson and Weaver. You can feel the heat between them. Unlike other posters here, I believe their romance is one of the film's strong points.
I agree that the ending is a bit of a letdown, but it doesn't diminish Weir's accomplishments. "The Year of Living Dangerously" is a startling unique film, and certainly one his best.
-Linda Hunt's amazing performance. Unlike other gender-bending performances (Julie Andrews in "Victor/Victoria", Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie") you never once give any thought to the fact that this is a woman playing a man. It's a seamless transition and a performance of immense heart and honesty. The image of a distraught Billy pounding at his typewriter, pleading "What then must we do?" while an aria swells around him and the eyes of Jakarta's poor stare at him from his own photographs, is an incredibly moving scene.
-The atmosphere created by the combination of Russell Boyd's cinematography and Maurice Jarre's score. Take a look at the scene with Weaver walking through the streets of Jakarta in a tropical downpour. The effect is breathtaking.
-The chemistry between Gibson and Weaver. You can feel the heat between them. Unlike other posters here, I believe their romance is one of the film's strong points.
I agree that the ending is a bit of a letdown, but it doesn't diminish Weir's accomplishments. "The Year of Living Dangerously" is a startling unique film, and certainly one his best.
helpful•664
- ProfessorFate
- Nov 24, 2003
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Ein Jahr in der Hölle
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $13,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $10,278,575
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $35,000
- Jan 23, 1983
- Gross worldwide
- $10,278,575
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![Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver in The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNmE3MjM4MGMtYmZiMi00MzU4LTk1YWMtMjI1YmRmNDc2MjdlL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjc1NTYyMjg@._V1_QL75_UX90_CR0,1,90,133_.jpg)
Top Gap
By what name was The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) officially released in India in English?
Answer