The Year of Living Dangerously

This version is cropped from 2.35:1 to 1.85:1 (i.e. you lose 25% of the image)

The previous reviewer mentions the atmosphere of fear-I couldnt agree more. Peter Weir creates films that immerse you in their atmosphere,whether Picnic in Hanging Rock, The Last Wave, The Year of Living dangerously, Fearless or Captain and Commander. His films remind me of Turners paintings. And yes Mel Gibson in Australian films, is a lot more understated and effective. Highly recommended film version of Christopher Koch's throbbing political thriller.

Good to see this now on iTunes. I've always preferred 'Australian' Mel Gibson to the 'American' one, & this is no exception; his performances always seem fresher, and frankly, better. Gibson plays an Aussie journalist sent on his first foreign assignment to Indonesia, during the 1960's coup. Sigourney Weaver, playing the daughter of the British Military Attache (played by Aussie, Bill Kerr), who also works at the British Embassy, meets Gibson at an Embassy function, and they embark on an affair. Linda Hunt, in a male role, plays a local press agency photographer, who works with Gibson, and tries to show him the rough underbelly of his country. Gibson is very good in the role of young journalist, desperate for a scoop to make his name. Weaver looks divine, and plays her role well, especially when forced into a moral dilemma during their relationship. What makes the film stand out for me, is the way director Peter Weir conveys a real sense of fear, as the country descends into chaos; the tension is palpable. Although I loved the two 'leads', Hunt takes acting honours. Creditable mention also goes to Bembol Roco, as Kumar, Gibson's agency driver/runner. Wonderful film, though seeing as the coup was real, also disturbing, & at times, violent (though necessary to depict). Final mention to Maurice Jarre, for a haunting soundtrack.