Review of The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) by Johnny T — 27 Dec 2014

The Year of Living Dangerously is a flawed film, but it is richly textured and imbued with enough emotional and intellectual subtlety to make it a rewarding experience. The plot becomes landlocked in true-life implausibilities; the characters rarely get a hold on the moviegoer's heart or lapels. What saves this meditation on the vestiges of colonialism is, ironically, its celebration of American star power. Peter Weir's The Year of Living Dangerously is a good, romantic melodrama that suffers more than most good, romantic melodramas in not being much better than it is. The Year of Living Dangerously was a good film that drug on in maybe a couple of places but the end result was credible. Linda Hunt was incredible and easily the best part of the film. She played a man for the whole of the film and delivered an Oscar caliber performance. Though that being said, I am a massive Peter Weir fan (with Dead Poets Society and Picnic at Hanging Rock as two of my most favourite movies), I must say that find it a little disappointing that the film uses a turbulent and painful historical event as a backdrop for an unconvincing romantic story. The Year of Living Dangerously could have been so much more complex, layered, thrilling and touching, but nonetheless I still like the film for what it is, but I wouldn't rank it as one of Weir's best works.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).