So much more than what it looks like: another competent but forgettable political thriller set in a third-world country with a couple big names and one piece of Oscar-bait stunt casting. Not so. Weir's gift for subtle mood-setting immerses us in his world. The film's heart is Billy Kwan, played movingly and honestly by Linda Hunt, who, stunt casting aside, deserved the Oscar she won. The scenes between Gibson and Weaver meander, but overall this is a taut, engrossing film and a near-masterpiece.

I really appreciated how this film tried to respect the culture it was taking place in, although it did so with a bit too much mysticism. Hunt is excellent as Kwan, but his story felt somewhat unresolved toward the end, which is symptomatic of the films larger failure to address issues rather than just reference them for color. Weaver's character also felt underused, she essentially served as a romantic interest independent of the films other exploration. Fine premises, moderate execution.

Okay Movie

Has some incredible moments of insight before it slips into the first of Weir's commercial snafus.

Linda Hunt.

848

As I watched this, I was thinking "this guy playing Billy Kwan is really good". When I found out who it was... MIND BLOWN. Not just a terrific performance, but a fantastic make-up job as well. Beyond that, the movie is solid but not too memorable. It's a shame that Weir moved away from enigmatic pieces to rather formulaic Hollywood-style productions. There's nothing wrong with movie... it's an interesting enough scenario that's fairly well-written. It just doesn't stick to your ribs at all.

The Billy Kwan character is the heart of the film. His passion for the world of the unseen (both the spiritual world and the world of the poor, unseen by the eyes of the elite) offers a strong counterpoint to the respected journalists covering a contentious political situation. Weir develops the "sight" metaphor nicely, if not a bit obviously. This is a film that has its heart in the right place--not the most artful, but a solid viewing now and again.

Technically proficient with a standout performance from Hunt, but while very engaging as it plays out, my feeling coming out was that it never got deep into any of the issues it touches.

#874

The film is serious and stolid, effective in its dogged commitment to the story, but lacking some drive. Hunt won an Academy Award for her portrayal of male character Billy Kwan. Oscar voters may have been enamored with the trick shot nature of the performance, but it's greatly affecting work by any criteria as Hunt plays out the conflicting nature of a man as a reflection of an upended society.

Thematically messy, and fragmentary editing clouds the story, though it does mostly save it from sluggishness. When the film leaves Billy it loses its center, and I wish it would acknowledge that he really is the main character. But it transcends its flaws to be a near-great picture, thanks to an outstanding sense of place and Hunt's pitch-perfect performance as Billy. Weaver, accent aside, hits the right note of maddening opacity, and it's nice to see Gibson at his pre-crazy, charismatic best.

Lovers in a dangerous moment of reflection.

I haven't seen this since it's release, or soon after... My recollections are strictly visceral at this point... A movie I would be interested to watch again...

Good film.

This shouldn't work so brilliantly, but it does. And I love Billy Kwan. "What then must we do?"

As usual, Weir does an expert job of analyzing the culture within the setting of the film. Unfortunately the mirage of Linda Hunt as a little man was thinly veiled for me, and the pace was rarely consistent. Ultimately it's a decent criticism of totalitarianism.

A fine and interesting film.

'Politics, Mysticism and Romance'. I viewed The Year of Living Dangerously with a recently fueled interest in Indonesia, and I was not let down. The characters are superbly written. In fact, Billy may well be one of my favourite ever characters, foibles 'n' all. It's main affliction -- as The Mission cruelly suffered -- is simply being made in the '80s; the video quality is dire. Anyway, a new Peter Weir high for me. It could and should have been better, but remains tragically underrated.

876

There's not enough Indonesia in here, but enough to bring it all to life.