The upcoming release of Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer in Japan, which tells the story of the American physicist Robert J. Oppenheimer and his role in developing the atomic bomb used during World War II, has stirred controversy due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Despite this, the film is set to be released in Japan on March 10th by indie distributor Bitters End, who stated that the decision was made following months of thoughtful dialogue and the acknowledgement of the particular sensitivity for the Japanese people. The film was released in most territories in July 2023 by Universal, earning over $950 million at the box office. However, Toho-Towa, which distributes most Universal titles in Japan, did not release the film in the country.
Oppenheimer is played by Irish actor Cillian Murphy and the film also stars Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh. The movie was nominated for a leading 13 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor and Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and more on January 23rd. Despite the accolades, some have accused the film of being insensitive to Japan and its harrowing past. Director Spike Lee questioned why the movie doesn’t show the impact the atomic bombs had on the Japanese public, with the film focusing solely on the American side of the events.
Bitters End praised Christopher Nolan’s work on Oppenheimer, stating that it is a singular cinematic experience that must be seen in theaters. The company also called the film a “spectacular true story drama that depicts the unknown life of a man who holds the fate of the world in his hands while at the same time facing a crisis that could destroy it.” Bitters End invited audiences to watch the movie with their own eyes when it comes to Japan.
It remains to be seen how the Japanese public will react to the release of Oppenheimer. However, Bitters End’s decision to put the movie in theaters in Japan indicates that there is an audience there who wants to see it despite the sensitive subject matter
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