In the long history of cinema, few three-hour films have achieved both immense critical acclaim and commercial success like Sir Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Released in July 2023, the film overcame years of setbacks in "development hell" before finally reaching audiences. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, Oppenheimer presents a gripping and intricate portrait of the life and legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist often referred to as the "father of the atomic bomb."
The film follows Oppenheimer (portrayed by Cillian Murphy) as he leads the top-secret Manhattan Project, racing against Nazi Germany to develop the world's first nuclear weapon during World War II. However, Oppenheimer does more than just recount scientific breakthroughs—it delves into the moral dilemmas, political tensions, and personal struggles that defined the physicist’s life. As he grapples with the consequences of his creation, Oppenheimer finds himself caught in a post-war political storm, facing accusations of Communist sympathies and a government investigation that ultimately strips him of his security clearance.
Upon release, Oppenheimer was met with overwhelming praise for its storytelling, direction, and performances—particularly Murphy’s portrayal of the conflicted scientist. The film became a global box-office sensation, earning nearly $1 billion against a production budget of $100 million. It was nominated for thirteen Academy Awards and won seven, including Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan, cementing its place as one of the defining films of the 21st century.
Despite its accolades, Oppenheimer was not without controversy. Some critics, including Japanese filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, argued that the film failed to fully acknowledge the human toll of the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Others debated whether it glorified or condemned the creation of nuclear weapons. Nonetheless, Oppenheimer remains a monumental achievement in filmmaking, offering a thought-provoking examination of power, science, and the weight of history.
