The phrase 'The China Syndrome' is a hypothesized situation of a nuclear meltdown in an American reactor, where the molten reactor core would breach the ground and melt through the crust of the earth and reach China. This hypothesis serves as the basis for this film.
When a local TV news reporter (Jane Fonda) and a cameraman (Michael Douglas) who are filming a documentary on energy production witness an emergency plant shutdown at a privately run nuclear power plant, they suspect that there are safety issues for the entire state. The plant manager (Jack Lemmon) who manages to avert disaster is unconvinced about the safety certificates that have been issued for some of the sensitive equipment in the plant.
When he confronts his superiors, he is told that there is no cause for concern and the operations must be re-started because the company is planning to bid for new power projects in the state. In the mean time, he is sought out by the curious reporter and agrees to take this story public. In a dramatic move, he takes control of the plant and plans to go live on air from inside the control room, to tell the world the true story. Will he succeed or will he be passed off as a lunatic is what the plot tries to resolve.
Fine acting performances from Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon uphold the intensity of the film. Both received Oscar nominations for their leading roles. Jack Lemmon's portrayal of the morally troubled Jack Godell is moving and as a viewer, you can feel his suffocation and frustruation. Michael Douglas as the cameraman provides able support in a small but significant role. He is also the producer of this film. Director James Bridges keeps the narrative simple and keeps the focus on the core problem without allowing the tension to dissipate. The film has the right mix of cinematic drama and practical technical insights about what is going wrong, that makes you believe it.
‘The China Syndrome’ is a very good whistle-blower film that provides a chilling view into a world where the lives of many are in the hands of a supposedly conscientious few.
When a local TV news reporter (Jane Fonda) and a cameraman (Michael Douglas) who are filming a documentary on energy production witness an emergency plant shutdown at a privately run nuclear power plant, they suspect that there are safety issues for the entire state. The plant manager (Jack Lemmon) who manages to avert disaster is unconvinced about the safety certificates that have been issued for some of the sensitive equipment in the plant.
When he confronts his superiors, he is told that there is no cause for concern and the operations must be re-started because the company is planning to bid for new power projects in the state. In the mean time, he is sought out by the curious reporter and agrees to take this story public. In a dramatic move, he takes control of the plant and plans to go live on air from inside the control room, to tell the world the true story. Will he succeed or will he be passed off as a lunatic is what the plot tries to resolve.
Fine acting performances from Jane Fonda and Jack Lemmon uphold the intensity of the film. Both received Oscar nominations for their leading roles. Jack Lemmon's portrayal of the morally troubled Jack Godell is moving and as a viewer, you can feel his suffocation and frustruation. Michael Douglas as the cameraman provides able support in a small but significant role. He is also the producer of this film. Director James Bridges keeps the narrative simple and keeps the focus on the core problem without allowing the tension to dissipate. The film has the right mix of cinematic drama and practical technical insights about what is going wrong, that makes you believe it.
‘The China Syndrome’ is a very good whistle-blower film that provides a chilling view into a world where the lives of many are in the hands of a supposedly conscientious few.