Review of The China Syndrome (1979) by Jordan F — 16 Apr 2011

With a STAR packed cast China Syndrome is a deservedly award winning film; pertinent in every society that uses nuclear power.

Story:

China Syndrome stars Jane Fonda, who plays Kimberly Wells, a TV news reporter stuck doing irrelevant "fluff stories" who hopes to one day do some "real news". During the middle of their tour covering the nearby nuclear power plant an earthquake occurs. With alarms blaring Wells, with her camera man Richard played by Michael Douglas, witness what is a near Nuclear meltdown or China Syndrome. China Syndrome is when a reactor burns out of control and cannot be cooled, thus hyperbolically burning a hole of radioactive waste down through the earth all the way to China. Behind a soundproof glass they illegal record some footage of Jack the shift supervisor, played by Jack Lemon, as he furiously attends to one their overloading fusion reactors.

When the meltdown is averted Fonda and Douglas are told they were never in any serious danger. The plant then shuts down for a week and a government investigation is undertaken to assess the damage done to the reactor.

Dubious of the plant's corporate statement given to the public Fonda and Douglas investigate. Eventually realizing the danger of reactivating the plant the two, along with the help of Lemon, attempt to stop the power plant from going back on line. However the corporate executives will stop at nothing to ensure than their plant keeps running and their pocketbooks keep growing.

Review:

I'm not always the biggest fan of older films because a lot of times the films can feel outdated, trapped in a time zone of nostalgia. However that doesn't happen with "the great" films and it's not the case with China Syndrome. From the opening scene where Jane Fonda is prepping for her close up you can tell this film not only did its research to maintain a great sense of realism, but also contains some very high level and modern film techniques. The camera angles to the editing are anything but simple and straightforward. The creative craftsmanship taken in this film really helps elevate it to where its enjoyable to even a youngster like me, who was born before its release.

The performances by the big three are excellent validations to their exceptional reputations. I really enjoyed Michael Douglas' down and dirty camera man characterization. Often times his upper class roles can get quiet repetitive so it was refreshing to see Douglas play as one of the lower class underdogs.

I also can't forget to mention Jack Lemon's performance. Many are probably aware of his comedic genius but if you ever wanted to see him in a serious dramatic role, China Syndrome is a great showcase. Here you can see Jack toe that very fine line of insanity and earnest desperation.

If you're into movies that deal with politics and global issues then your should really have a look see at China Syndrome, you won't regret what you find.

Who this film is not for:

-Most people under the age of 21.

-Viewers who need explosions, violence or fantasy in a film to be entertained.