The Year of Living Dangerously

The Year of Living Dangerously 1983

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Plot Summary


Guy Hamilton, a fresh-faced foreign correspondent for an Australian television network, lands in Jakarta for his assignment. Upon his arrival, he encounters a tightly knit group of foreign correspondents that includes reporters from the UK, US, and New Zealand, along with diplomatic members and a unique figure named Billy Kwan. Billy, a Chinese Australian man with dwarfism, is distinguished not only by his intelligence and moral gravity but also by his caring nature towards the locals; he even supports a destitute woman and her young son.

Initially, Guy struggles to find his footing as a journalist, mainly because his predecessor, disillusioned by life in Indonesia, exited without establishing connections for him. The tight-knit journalistic community shows little compassion for Guy, each member vying for elusive information from Sukarno’s regime, the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), and the Indonesian military, dominated by conservative Muslims. However, Billy takes a shine to Guy and helps him secure interviews with key political figures.

Through Billy, Guy meets Jill Bryant, an attractive young assistant at the British embassy. Though Billy and Jill share a close friendship, Billy subtly orchestrates their interactions, compelling Jill to warm up to Guy. Even as she prepares to return to the UK, Jill’s heart softens towards Guy, and they fall deeply in love. When she learns that Chinese communists are arming the PKI in anticipation of an impending civil war, she relays this critical information to Guy, alerting him that foreigners increasingly face danger. Despite her warning to leave, Guy is driven to write a compelling story about the forthcoming chaos, but this choice alienates him from Billy and Jill, who fear the repercussions could trace back to Jill as the source.

Left to navigate the perils of Jakarta with only the American journalist Pete Curtis and his dependable assistant and driver, Kumar—who is quietly aligned with the PKI—Guy perseveres. Kumar, however, remains loyal and attempts to illuminate the grim realities unfolding around them.

Tragedy strikes when the young boy Billy cared for falls gravely ill and passes away. This loss sends Billy into a spiral of despair, leading him to display a poignant banner reading “Sukarno, feed your people” from the Hotel Indonesia. This act of defiance costs him his life, as he is thrown out of the window by security personnel, dying in Guy’s arms, with Jill as a witness to the horror.

With the war on the horizon, Guy pushes ahead in his quest for the scoop, trying to infiltrate the presidential palace amid a violent military takeover. He suffers a grievous eye injury at the hands of an army officer. In solitude, recuperating in Billy’s bungalow, Guy reflects on wise words Billy shared from the Bhagavad Gita: > “all is clouded by desire.” As the turmoil deepens, Kumar enlightens him about a failed coup attempt. Ignoring the risks of permanent eye damage, a bandaged Guy urges Kumar to take him to the airport, where he boards the last flight out of Jakarta, yearning for a reunion with Jill.

Timeline


Guy Arrives in Jakarta

Guy Hamilton steps off the plane in Jakarta, excited yet nervous about his new assignment as a foreign correspondent. Upon arrival, he quickly becomes aware of the tightly knit community of foreign journalists that operate amidst the political turmoil of Indonesia.

Jakarta

Meeting the Correspondents

Guy meets several seasoned foreign correspondents from the UK, US, and New Zealand who comprise the journalistic battleground in Jakarta. Despite their shared profession, he feels isolated due to the cold competition for information among them, as they scramble for insights about the powerful Sukarno regime.

Jakarta

Billy Kwan's Introduction

Guy encounters Billy Kwan, a kind-hearted Chinese Australian reporter with dwarfism. Billy stands out for his empathy towards the locals and his deep understanding of the complex political situation, sensing Guy's struggles and offering to help him navigate the environment.

Jakarta

The Emergence of Jill Bryant

Through Billy’s connections, Guy meets Jill Bryant, an attractive assistant at the British embassy. Billy facilitates their interactions, leading to a blossoming relationship, even as Jill prepares for her impending return to the UK.

British Embassy, Jakarta

Critical Information Unveiled

Jill confides in Guy about alarming intelligence that Chinese communists are supplying arms to the PKI in anticipation of civil war. She warns him of the dangers that increasingly threaten foreigners in Jakarta, urging him to flee for his safety.

Jakarta

Guy's Determination

Despite Jill's warnings, Guy decides to pursue a gripping story about the impending chaos, prioritizing his career over the advice given by both Jill and Billy. This decision creates a rift between them, as both friends worry about the consequences of his actions.

Jakarta

Allies in the Field

As tensions rise, Guy aligns himself with fellow American journalist Pete Curtis and his loyal driver, Kumar, who secretly sympathizes with the PKI. They form an uneasy alliance against the backdrop of Jakarta's escalating unrest.

Jakarta

Tragic Loss

Billy faces a heartbreaking crisis when the young boy he has been caring for falls critically ill and tragically dies. The loss plunges him into deep despair, highlighting the human cost of the political situation.

Jakarta

Billy's Defiant Act

In a poignant act of protest, Billy displays a banner reading 'Sukarno, feed your people' from the Hotel Indonesia. This brave gesture leads to his brutal murder by security personnel, an event witnessed by both Guy and Jill.

Hotel Indonesia, Jakarta

Guy's Injuries and Reflection

Following the chaos, Guy suffers a severe eye injury while attempting to gather information at the presidential palace amidst the military takeover. Alone in Billy's bungalow, he reflects on his journey, remembering the profound wisdom shared by Billy.

Billy's Bungalow, Jakarta

Revelation of the Coup Attempt

Kumar brings critical news of a failed coup attempt to Guy, exposing the tension and instability that grips Jakarta. Guy grapples with the risks of his situation as he contemplates his future amid the escalating violence.

Jakarta

Desperate Escape

Determined to escape the chaos and reunite with Jill, a bandaged Guy insists that Kumar take him to the airport in spite of his deteriorating condition. He prepares to board the last flight out of Jakarta, holding onto hope for survival and love.

Jakarta Airport

Characters


Guy Hamilton

Guy Hamilton is a fresh-faced Australian correspondent who enters Jakarta with ambitions of uncovering the truth. Initially struggling to connect in a foreign environment, he experiences significant growth through his friendships with local individuals and fellow journalists. His journey is marked by ethical dilemmas and personal transformation, particularly as he grapples with the consequences of his reporting.

👨‍💼 Journalist 🇦🇺 Australian

Billy Kwan

Billy Kwan is a compassionate and intelligent Chinese Australian journalist with dwarfism. He plays a pivotal role in guiding Guy through the intricacies of Indonesian politics and culture. His deep empathy for the local population highlights the importance of social justice, ultimately leading to his tragic sacrifice. Billy's unwavering moral compass serves as a guiding light for those around him.

🕊️ Activist 🌏 Humanitarian

Jill Bryant

Jill Bryant is an attractive British embassy assistant who finds herself entangled in a love affair with Guy. Her role not only complicates the dynamics between the characters but also adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. Jill is portrayed as both a supporter and a warning voice to Guy, illustrating the struggle between personal desire and the duty to protect oneself in a dangerous situation.

💔 Love Interest 🎓 Diplomat

Setting


Time period

1960s

The 1960s in Indonesia was a period marked by political instability and the rise of authoritarianism. It was a time when the country was on the brink of a civil war, with significant tension between different political factions, including the Communist Party and anti-communist forces. This era ultimately culminated in the fall of President Sukarno and a significant shift in Indonesian politics.

Location

Jakarta

Jakarta, the bustling capital of Indonesia, is known for its vibrant culture and complex history. A city of contrasts where tradition meets modernity, it is a melting pot of various ethnic groups and influences. Jakarta often serves as a backdrop for political turmoil and social change, making it an intriguing setting for narratives involving journalism and activism.

🌆 City 🗺️ Indonesia

Themes


📰

Journalism

The theme of journalism is central to the movie, as it explores the challenges and dangers faced by reporters in tumultuous political climates. The protagonist, Guy, navigates the complexities of obtaining information while balancing personal relationships and professional ethics. His journey highlights the impact of truth and the consequences that arise from exposing political corruption.

💔

Loss and Sacrifice

Loss and sacrifice are poignant themes depicted through Billy's tragic fate and his care for the local community. The film underscores the personal cost of standing up for what is right, as characters face the severe repercussions of their actions. Billy's demise serves as a catalyst for Guy's moral awakening, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of his environment.

🌍

Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange is portrayed through the interactions among diverse foreign correspondents and local individuals. The film explores the complexities of communication and understanding across different backgrounds. Guy's relationships with Billy and Jill are emblematic of the bridging of worlds, revealing the enriching and often fraught nature of such exchanges.

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