Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Oppenheimer, which chronicles the life of American physicist Robert J. Oppenheimer, has received mixed reviews after being released in Japan. Oppenheimer was integral in the creation of the atomic bomb, and the movie focuses on his involvement in World War II. Despite winning seven awards, including Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer has been criticized by some for ignoring the impact of the atomic bombs on Japan.
The mayor of Hiroshima has been particularly critical of the movie, stating that it fails to fully convey the horrors of nuclear weapons. He also claims that the movie is ultimately aimed at justifying the use of the bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and argues that the eloquence of the film’s portrayal is disrespectful to the memory of those who died. While many have praised Nolan’s work for its intense atmosphere and exquisite detail, others argue that it is too insensitive to Japan’s tragic history.
Spike Lee has questioned why the movie neglects to show the impact of the atomic bombs on Japanese citizens, causing many more to criticize Oppenheimer for being unsympathetic. While some viewers applaud the film for its cinematic brilliance, others, like Koichi Takeshita, have begged to differ. Takeshita lamented the fact that, as someone who hails from Nagasaki, it was difficult to overlook how the film praised the use of the atomic bomb.
Nolan made over $85 million from the film in his deal with Universal, which included a 15% share of the gross revenue that Oppenheimer earned from the start, even before the studio recouped their investment. Oppenheimer made a total of seven wins at the 2024 BAFTAs, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Murphy, before topping off the year by winning several awards at the Oscars.
Despite its polarizing reviews, Oppenheimer leaves one in awe of Nolan’s skilled storytelling and filmmaking vision. The movie examines the underlying politics surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb while managing to keep the story focused on the larger questions about humanity’s ability to wield such power. However, many still question why the movie doesn’t show more of the disastrous effects of nuclear superiority on the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
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