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The China Syndrome
1979 122 min United States of America PG 12+
★7.9
Drama, Thriller
Director: James Bridges
Trailers
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Teaser
Description
While doing a series of reports on alternative energy sources, opportunistic reporter Kimberly Wells witnesses an accident at a nuclear power plant. Wells is determined to publicize the incident, but soon finds herself entangled in a sinister conspiracy to keep the full impact of the incident a secret.
Budget:
$5.9M
US Gross:
$51.72M
Worldwide:
$51.72M
Starring
Jane Fonda
Actor
Jack Lemmon
Actor
Michael Douglas
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 1980
— Best Actress
BAFTA 1980
— Best Actor
Cannes Film Festival 1979
— Silver Award – Best Actor
BAFTA 1980
— Best Picture
Academy Awards 1980
— Best Actor
Golden Globe 1980
— Best Actress (Drama)
Golden Globe 1980
— Best Actor (Drama)
Golden Globe 1980
— Best Picture (Drama)
Academy Awards 1980
— Best Actress
Academy Awards 1980
— Best Screenplay
Academy Awards 1980
— Best Production Design
Golden Globe 1980
— Best Screenplay
BAFTA 1980
— Best Actor
Cannes Film Festival 1979
— Silver Award – Best Actor
Cannes Film Festival 1979
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
The China Syndrome is widely regarded as a prophetic and socially significant thriller that effectively critiques corporate negligence and media manipulation. While critics agree that Jack Lemmon’s powerful performance anchors the film, opinions on the overall character depth and stylistic approach remain mixed.
| Acting | Jack Lemmon delivers a universally praised, virtuoso performance that provides the film with its emotional core and moral weight. | |
| Culture | The film demonstrates remarkable cultural relevance by accurately anticipating real-world nuclear disasters and serving as a lasting cautionary tale against corporate greed. | |
| Direction | James Bridges employs a deliberate, reportage-style direction that prioritizes tension through natural sounds and silence rather than frantic editing. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed by some as a tightly woven, gripping critique of institutional power, while others find the characterizations thin and the storytelling overly didactic. | |
| Acting | While some critics find the ensemble work of Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas to be natural and effective, others argue they are overshadowed by Lemmon or lack sufficient psychological depth. |