The China Syndrome Movie Information

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Movie Information

Overall Rank: 1496

Average Rating: 2.9/4

# of Ratings: 79

Theatrical Release Date: 03/16/1979

Language: English

Genre: Thriller, Drama

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Director: James Bridges

Actors: Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Michael Douglas, Scott Brady, Wilford Brimley, Richard Herd

Plot: Kimberly Wells, an inquisitive reporter working on an alternative energy story, oversees an accident at the nuclear power plant. Wanting the break the story immediately, she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of conspiracy, and those in power will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. -- Chris Kavan

Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/17/2019

One of the most exciting media dramas, "The China Syndrome" raises questions on both conspiracy against journalism and the dangers of nuclear energy.

Unknown - wrote on 12/06/2011

I remember watching this in middle school. One of the more entertaining films I sat through in science class.

pixienerd487 - wrote on 04/26/2009

Really wonderful political thriller with great performances by the lead actors. Jack Lemmon especially shines in the role of a company man turned informant. Recommended for those who like a good conspiracy theory!

Yojimbo
Movie God

"The China Syndrome" by Yojimbo

Yojimbo - wrote on 05/11/2012

Jane Fonda plays a tenacious reporter whose news crew chances upon an incident at a nuclear power plant that could have led to a meltdown, and goes on to try and uncover the conspiracy of silence concerning the plant's safety. Essentially a disaster movie without the disaster, this worthy political thriller's main claim to fame is that the meltdown it predicted actually happened at 3 mile island a few weeks later. The plot follows the usual disaster movie convention of morally courageous hero attempts to alert the public to danger, hampered by the interference of big business who are afraid of the damage to their profits, but it is done in a rather more serious-minded way; there is more science and less histrionics and special effects. This can feel a little dry and sterile however, as a …

mdtinney
Movie God

1979 thriller that is a MUST SEE!!

mdtinney - wrote on 09/17/2009

TV news reporter Kimberly Wells and her cameraman Richard Adams visit the Ventana nuclear power plant where they discover an accident.They have it all on camera.Jack Godell is the supervisor on duty in the control room during the incident.He knows something is seriously wrong at the plant when he feels the vibration.He wants to talk but they want him to keep his mouth shut.The China Syndrome (1979) is a thriller directed by James Bridges.The title of the movie is jokingly mentioned in the film that if an American Nuclear Reactor melts down it will melt through the Earth until it reaches China.The casting of this movie is brilliant.Jane Fonda does a fine job as the red headed Kimberly Wells.The young Michael Douglas, who's also producer of this film, is great as the hot tempered Richard.I …