The Academy Award-winning Oppenheimer has made its debut in Japanese theaters, eight months after its release in the United States. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the biopic delves into the life of the renowned theoretical physicist known as the 'father of the atomic bomb'.
The film has sparked mixed reactions in Japan, with some viewers expressing disappointment over its portrayal of the devastating impact of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Former Hiroshima Mayor Takashi Hiraoka criticized the movie for not adequately depicting the horror of nuclear weapons, stating that the film seemed to justify the use of the atomic bombs as a means to save American lives.
Survivors of the Hiroshima bombing, such as Toshiyuki Mimaki, felt let down by the lack of focus on the actual bombing event in the movie. Audience members, including Kawai, acknowledged the film's cinematic achievements but raised concerns about its seemingly favorable depiction of the atomic bomb.
On the other hand, some viewers, like Nagasaki resident Koichi Takeshita, found depth in Nolan's portrayal of Oppenheimer's inner turmoil and speculated on the character's feelings of regret and sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the bomb.
Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki has expressed a desire to create a film in response to Oppenheimer, aiming to offer an alternative perspective on the historical events depicted in Nolan's biopic. Nolan himself defended his storytelling choices, emphasizing his focus on portraying the narrative from Oppenheimer's personal viewpoint.
Oppenheimer, written, directed, and produced by Christopher Nolan, features a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh. The film has garnered critical acclaim, box office success, and multiple awards, including the prestigious Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.
