The Year of Living Dangerously

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.