The China Syndrome

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Allan C @RT15713161 Jul 6, 2026 A nail-biting thriller with a conscience The China Syndrome (1979) ****1/2 The China Syndrome is a gripping political thriller that builds relentless suspense while asking uncomfortable questions about corporate accountability and public safety. Outstanding performances from Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas, and especially Jack Lemmon give the film real emotional weight, making it one of the finest and most prescient thrillers of the 1970s. SEE LETTERBOXED FOR FULL REVIEW See more Garry A @heavyg Jun 18, 2026 This thriller about an unstable nuclear plant and a conspiracy cover up is really good. See more Farah R. @Farah Apr 24, 2026 Gripping, tense, and superbly acted, The China Syndrome is a solid thriller with themes still relevant today. Fonda, Lemmon, and Douglas carried the film with their stellar performances, ensuring the film’s thought-provoking message comes across. See more Marshall S @RT49012839 Mar 17, 2026 In an Internet world that derides journalism maybe more than it embraces it, China Syndrome may as well be lumped in with LOTR category wise, but that is a statement on modern times more than it is this wonderful film. A portrait of the practicalities of pressure and danger that holds some people back from doing the right thing, and how paramount it is that someone in the chain of events acts decent. See more J D @jdubbiyou Feb 18, 2026 For those who don't know, The China Syndrome was released in theaters in March 1979, less than two weeks before the nuclear accident at 3 Mile Island occurred (talk about timing) which gave the film an incredible reference to the monumental news of the moment. More so for me, because I lived Santa Barbara at the time where a proposed nuclear plant at nearby Point Conception had been abandoned a few years earlier due to pressure from the public and environmental groups. It's a captivating film which maintains its momentum through a strong narrative and 1st class acting. Fonda and Douglas were bankable stars and Jack Lemmon was a two time Oscar winner and 3 time nominee who was nominated for best actor in this film, which turned out to be the beginning of a second act for him with more nominations over the next few years. To appreciate a film of serious intent made almost 50 years ago, you have to understand the times and how films were made in that era. Highly recommended! See more kevenquinlan T @RT75276071 Sep 22, 2025 Watching again in 2025. Still pretty good though it's got some years on it. A movie about all of the unfounded fears of nuclear power, thank god we are advanced enough now to see how awesome it is and how silly people can be, in hindsight. Fonda, Douglas, and Lemmon are good enough to merit keeping the movie in your collection just b/c they are all in it. See more Read all reviews

The China Syndrome

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