Sean and Sarah continue their nuclear film exposure, with 1979's The China Syndrome; a tale about the power of the media, the dangers of nuclear energy and the effects of corporate indifference and greed.

Released just 12 days before the real 'Three-Mile Island' nuclear incident, this film was discussed by everybody in 1979.

Sean and Sarah wonder whether this brilliant film has had the cultural impact that it should have had, before delving into what the modern day film industry is failing at (It's pretty much everything).

Discussion Points:

-The DVD read-through returns.

-The almost-perfect timing of the film.

-Sarah wonders about the impact of timing, how this film "was everywhere but then nowhere", similar to Avatar (2009).

-The impeccable writing and the intelligence of all the characters.

-Sarah and Sean struggle to explain just how good this film is.

-"We can't go back to living like Hermits", Sean wades into the debate around the future of energy.

-Sean and Sarah name their price to give up work for a year and just watch modern films.

-The death of "taking-a-risk" films.

Raised Questions:

-Has this film been forgotten?

-Does the title (meaning nuclear meltdown) harm the film?

-Do you love films that show the behind-the-scenes "manic-ness" of live broadcasting?

-Is there anything more ominous than a shaking cup of tea?

-Would a soundtrack have been out of place?

-Is Sarah incoherent?

-What was the film Sean saw at a mystery screening?*

Events:

-The San Bernadino Train Crash and 'The Duffy Street Incident' (1989).

-The accidents on American Airlines Flight 96 (DC-10) and United Airlines Flight 811 (747), and the crash of Turkish Airline Flight 981 (DC-10) when cargo doors failed.

-Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station partial nuclear meltdown on 28th March 1989.

-Dresden Nuclear Power Plant 'false high pressure signal' incident on June 5th 1970.

-"Counterfeit Plane Parts": The crash of Partnair Flight 394 (CV-580).

*The film that Sean thought was "bloody awful" was Joy Ride (2023).

Time Stamps:

0:08

Welcome to Review It Yourself

1:22

The China Syndrome Overview

5:36

Exploring the Title's Meaning

8:13

Behind the Scenes of Broadcasting

13:18

The Characters and Their Dynamics

19:17

The Nuclear Incident Unfolds

25:14

Tension Builds in the Control Room

35:07

Corporate Greed versus Safety

43:23

The Cultural Context of Nuclear Power

46:44

The Climax: Racing Against Time

50:27

The Final Confrontation and Truth Revealed

51:44

The Interview Distraction

52:52

Consequences of Choices

54:37

The Complexity of Storytelling

56:47

The Pressure of Public Speaking

59:11

The Weight of Communication

1:01:20

The Tragic Break

1:04:06

The Nuclear Dilemma

1:05:10

The Value of Depth

1:15:05

Intentional Filmmaking

1:30:08

Enjoyable Cinema Experiences

1:34:30

Disappointment in Modern Films

1:36:09

The State of Current Filmmaking

1:39:16

The Quest for Quality Films

1:43:37

A Call for Support

Thanks for Listening!

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