The Year of Living Dangerously, A modern masterpiece.

Weir creates a gripping political thriller set in the vibrant and turbulent Jakarta of 1965.

With a screenplay co-written by Australian author Christopher Koch, the film explores historical culture clashes and questions about the role of journalism in shaping reality.

Mel Gibson and Sigourney Weaver are electrifying in their starring roles as reporter Guy Hamilton and British diplomat Jill Bryant, who find passion amidst the turmoil.

Their torrid romance unfolds against a backdrop of cultural clashes and communist uprisings, in which Gibson is riveting in his first dramatic role.

Weir directs masterfully, letting the lush Indonesian locations and magical realism colour each frame with intoxicating mysticism.

Linda Hunt is simply magnificent as political advisor Billy Kwan, giving an Oscar-winning performance.

Elegant, suspenseful and intellectually stimulating, The Year We Lived Dangerously proved that Weir was a consummate storyteller at the peak of his artistic powers. A true 80s cinematic event that lasted.

A film that sticks with you for its complex reflections on political change and the elusive nature of truth and relationships under oppressive regimes.

Linda Hunt became the first (and still only) person to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for a performance as a member of the opposite sex. A historic victory.

She won multiple awards from the Australian Film Institute, which celebrated her home-grown talent, as did Weir and Koch's screenplay.

Commercially, it found an arthouse audience, grossing $27 million against a budget of $6 million thanks to the awards buzz.

The chemistry between Gibson and Weaver helped spark interest in her breakthrough in Hollywood with this emotionally mature role.

Although not a box office success, The Year We Lived Dangerously turned a profit and became a critical success, proving to be commercially viable for its tight budget.