Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Aircraft builder's alleged role in fatal crashes; violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Downfall: The Case Against Boeing
Parent and Kid Reviews
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
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , STEM , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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