Movie “Oppenheimer” debuts in Japan, sparking mixed reactions from filmgoers – CBC

Movie opens 8 months after North American debut, previous controversy over ‘Barbenheimer’ imagery

“Oppenheimer” finally premiered in Japan on Friday, 8 months after it opened in the U.S. and 79 years after the American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, invented the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The highly anticipated film has generated mixed reactions from Japanese filmgoers, many of whom have strong emotions tied to the historical events depicted in the movie.

Film’s Release Watched with Trepidation

The release of “Oppenheimer” in Japan was watched with trepidation due to the sensitivity of the subject matter. The film, which recently won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, focuses on J. Robert Oppenheimer as a person and his internal conflicts, rather than directly depicting the events that transpired on the ground during the bombings. This approach has sparked a range of opinions among Japanese filmgoers.

Mixed Reactions from Japanese Filmgoers

The reviews from Japanese filmgoers vary, with some commending the movie for its portrayal of Oppenheimer’s internal turmoil. Others, however, feel that the horror of nuclear weapons and the devastation caused by the bombings were not sufficiently depicted. Toshiyuki Mimaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, expressed his disappointment in not seeing a portrayal of the bombing scene despite the movie’s focus on Oppenheimer.

Hiroshima Mayor’s Criticism

Former Hiroshima mayor, Takashi Hiraoka, who attended a preview event for the film, voiced criticism over the movie’s omission of the full horror of nuclear weapons. He believed the film was made in a way that validated the conclusion that the atomic bomb was used to save American lives. Hiraoka’s remarks highlight the continuing controversy surrounding the bombings and differing perspectives on their justification.

Japan’s Reflection on Nuclear Weapons and War

The release of “Oppenheimer” has prompted discussions on the use of nuclear weapons and their legitimacy. Hiroyuki Shinju, a lawyer, believes that the film can serve as a starting point for addressing the legitimacy of the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as humanity’s and Japan’s reflections on nuclear weapons and war. The movie has sparked a renewed examination of Japan’s own wartime actions and the potential consequences of nuclear weapons.

The Significance of “Oppenheimer”

“Oppenheimer” represents a shift in American sentiment towards the justification of nuclear weapons. The film presents an America that has dramatically changed its approach to nuclear weapons compared to previous decades. The portrayal of Oppenheimer’s story in a Hollywood blockbuster serves as an expression of this shift, and a Japanese response to the film may offer a renewed perspective on the complex issues surrounding nuclear weapons.