Review of The China Syndrome (1979) by Keith T — 18 Feb 2011

This is one tightly paced, intensely suspenseful and thrilling drama about the possible radioactive leak from a Nuclear Plant.

A news team visits a power plant for a story when suddenly something goes wrong. The supervisor narrowly succeeds at containing a dangerous situation when a vibration at the power plant occurs. While all this was happening, unbeknownst to the officials at the plant, the whole brief but lethal incident was captured on camera despite being warned not to. As it turns out later, the plant came close to what is know as the China Syndrome in which the core could've melted and radiation could've spread throughout the surrounding area. The supervisor wrestles with his conscience and the corporate officials to decide whether to tell the truth about the incident that is being reported as a minor mishap, when in reality it could lead to a potential disaster. A human error.

Featuring excellent acting from its three leads, this is one really tension filled disaster film that relies on atmosphere and mood rather than showing stuff blowing up. Brilliantly written, skillfully directed drama, it is one of the best disaster thrillers merged as a conspiracy thriller, with corporate villains who will keep the unsafe plants operating just to save millions at the expense of millions of lives and the restless Reporter who wants to get the truth out there, and the experienced supervisor who can't live with the reality and dangers of what could result from his keeping the truth getting to the public.

A very thought provoking and chilling suspense drama that still manages to pose the important question today, are Nuclear Plants safe?

A-.

9/10.