Review of The China Syndrome (1979) by Naomi B — 02 Feb 2013

I would have liked it more had this movie not been so manipulative and subtly liberal. I had heard about this movie before, but had not seen it because it was also labeled that way. I finally did see it because it was referenced in the book "The Way We Once Were" and I wanted to learn more about "The China Syndrome". I was disappointed in learning, but had some a thriller instead.

Fonda did well in making believe in her role as a reporter. I was annoyed by Douglas and Lemmon's actions seemed rash. I still do not know why he did not go to the hearing to testify rather than take the nuclear plant hostage. He was being followed, but had not been provoked. Then to have him unwarrantedly gunned down was unprofessional and does not illustrate the procedures of SWAT teams. I did enjoy Wilford Brimley's vindication of Godell in the end.

The film does raise important questions about our nuclear programs, it also made me think of Freeman Dyson's who believes in nuclear energy and hopes that our country will invest in it to make it more viable and how to increase efficiency. It was an interesting movie, but I would say far fetched at times.