Downfall: The Case Against Boeing
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Downfall: The Case Against Boeing
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Downfall: The Case Against Boeing looks at the investigation of two fatal airplane crashes only months apart. The planes were Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in Ethiopia in March 2019. Images and references include crash sites, passenger and crew deaths, bodies identified, debris floating in water, and smoking and alcohol use. Swear words include "damn," "f--k," and "f--king." Featured positive messages include don't take actions or words at face value and seek the truth.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
DOWNFALL: THE CASE AGAINST BOEING examines the aircraft manufacturer's alleged involvement in two airplane crashes that killed 346 people. The documentary presents archival footage and photos, as well as firsthand interviews, which include a child describing the loss of a father, a reporter who sets out to unmask the truth behind the tragedies, and U.S. Congressional hearings revealing the possible reasons that contributed to the catastrophic events.
Is It Any Good?
This is definitive documentary-making by award-winning director Rory Kennedy about the two aircraft crashes that impacted lives across the globe. In Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, Zipporah Kuria, daughter of Joseph Waithaka, recalls her father's final words before his March 10, 2019 departure on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. "He was going to Kenya because he wanted to better the community that he grew up in…He said that 'I love you, and I said 'I love you too.'" For Wall Street Journal reporter Andy Pasztor, it was important to unveil why these events took place. "They had the public's trust," Pasztor says of the company's stellar reputation, "and two planes dropped out of the sky." Kennedy's thought-provoking film is must-see viewing to learn about a senseless chapter in global aviation history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication and courage of the surviving family members in Downfall: The Case Against Boeing. How do they also demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why do you believe Boeing placed blame on the plane pilots? Do you think that the company may have valued profit over lives? Why or why not?
Was there a purported cover-up by Boeing and what were the reasons? What do you think of the final rulings of the case against Boeing? Were they fair decisions? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 18, 2022
- Cast: Zipporah Kuria, Andy Pasztor, Chesley Sullenberger
- Director: Rory Kennedy
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, STEM, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some strong language
- Last updated: April 21, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
United 93
Story of 9/11 hijacking: harrowing, not for kids.
-
World Trade Center
Inspiring 9/11 account too much for younger kids.
-
Living in the Age of Airplanes
Airplane docu is visually stunning for transportation fans.
For kids who love documentaries
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate