Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oscar-winning romantic drama let down by yellowface casting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Year of Living Dangerously
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY, Australian foreign correspondent Guy (Mel Gibson) is sent on his first ever assignment to Jakarta, Indonesia, during the 1960s rule of President Sukarno. There he meets Australian photographer Billy (Linda Hunt), who takes Guy under his wing and introduces him to local politicians, journalists, and embassy workers, including Jill (Sigourney Weaver), who soon becomes the object of his affection. But as political unrest increases, Guy's desire for a story grows with it, and he has to question the lengths he'll go to for that career-changing scoop.
Is It Any Good?
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. She was the first person to win the award for playing a character of the opposite gender, and it's her role that really steals focus in The Year of Living Dangerously, despite working alongside big hitters Gibson and Weaver. Jakarta itself is brought to life with plenty of character, with secrets and danger lurking in every shadowy corner and the chaos of the streets and surrounding slums at striking odds with the gilded, carefree embassy soirees. The plot itself is where the film falls a little flat, never quite getting to the crux of things, and pushing the love affair a little late in the day. The focus shifts around, avoiding much depth and losing the impact later events otherwise promise. But it's an absorbing film with memorable characters and great-looking locations that has plenty to offer during its nearly two-hour runtime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how a sense of place was created in The Year of Living Dangerously. How did the Western journalists and embassy workers live compared to many of the locals? How were scenes lit and framed differently to create a sense of claustrophobia and danger in the slums of Jakarta, compared to the spaces of the embassy parties?
The character of Billy is multiracial (Chinese Australian), whereas Hunt is White. Why would this be considered problematic today? What do you understand the term "yellowface" to mean when it comes to casting?
How was sex portrayed in the movie? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 18, 1983
- On DVD or streaming : June 6, 2000
- Cast : Mel Gibson , Sigourney Weaver , Linda Hunt
- Director : Peter Weir
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Racial justice ) , History ( War: Other ) , Travel
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 4, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate