The China Syndrome
Seen it?1979 | 122 min | Drama, Thriller
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (88% on Rotten Tomatoes), it collected a shelf of major awards, it made about 9 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Super 8 or The Conversation, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 2 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1979: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role, British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role. Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actor. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Drama Written Directly for the Screen. Also nominated for 4 Oscars, 5 Golden Globes and 2 more BAFTAs. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$52 million worldwide on a $6 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 222K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Super 8
Saturday SpecialAnother conspiracy thriller, and a Saturday Special.
The Conversation Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed conspiracy drama.
Dark Waters Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Fair Game
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning Saturday SpecialAnother thriller, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by James Bridges
- Jane FondaKimberly Wells
- Michael DouglasRichard Adams
- Jack LemmonJack Godell
- Scott BradyHerman De Young
- James HamptonBill Gibson
- Peter DonatDon Jacovich
- Wilford BrimleyTed Spindler
- Richard HerdEvan McCormack
- Daniel ValdezHector Salas
- Stan BohrmanPete Martin