Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Scary, absorbing thriller predicts risks of nuclear power.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The China Syndrome
What's the Story?
Kimberly Wells (Jane Fonda), a charming, popular television news reporter, and her crew are set to film a routine human-interest feature about the local nuclear power plant. While they're observing the smooth workings of the plant's operation, however, an accident happens. Kimberly's cameraman (Michael Douglas) secretly films the panic in the control room. The emergency is averted, but attempts to prevent the news team from releasing the footage, and the position taken by Kimberly's superiors and the industrial bosses, confirm her suspicions that there's more to the story. She seeks out plant supervisor Jack Godell (Jack Lemmon), a man committed to his job and to the positive uses of nuclear power. Jack, increasingly concerned about what he's felt and heard in the control room, aligns himself with the news team in an attempt to uncover and expose the true condition of the plant before tragedy occurs. However, opposing forces in THE CHINA SYNDROME are lethal, determined to conceal any hint of danger in the workings of the industry, especially since hearings are in process to approve a second plant.
Is It Any Good?
This award-winning film works on many levels. Outstanding performances; an intense, suspenseful story and script; and later events (both the Chernobyl disaster in Russia and the accident at Three Mile Island in the U.S.) confirmed the premise of this film and give this movie both power and resonance. Most of all, it's thrilling entertainment. When it was first released, some thought it over-earnest, too political, and foolishly fearful of nuclear power. The movie may be even more impressive today, given our increasing preoccupation with energy-dependence. Highly recommended for teens and their families, it's both exciting and thought-provoking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of the news reporters in this film. Do you agree with the premise that the news media has an obligation to the public? What happens when the reporting of news becomes the news, as it does here?
The filmmakers hoped to deliver an entertaining movie with a message. Were they successful? Why?
This movie was released in 1979. Find out what has happened since that time that either affirms or contradicts the explicit warning in this story.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 16, 1979
- On DVD or streaming : May 29, 1999
- Cast : Jane Fonda , Jack Lemmon , Michael Douglas
- Director : James Bridges
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IPC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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