“Oppenheimer,” a film that explores the life of the American scientist responsible for the creation of the nuclear weapons that decimated two Japanese cities, has recently premiered in Japan. The reception has been varied and charged with emotion.
A Historical Backdrop
The film delves into the life and inner conflicts of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb” owing to his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project1. However, the movie’s premiere in a nation that witnessed the catastrophic impact of nuclear weapons 79 years ago has unsurprisingly elicited ambivalent responses.
Mixed Emotions and Reactions
The audience’s reactions to the film have been as diverse as they are intense. Toshiyuki Mimaki, a Hiroshima bombing survivor, expressed his fascination with Oppenheimer’s story but also voiced disappointment at the film’s omission of the Hiroshima bombing scene2.
“During the whole movie, I was waiting and waiting for the Hiroshima bombing scene to come on, but it never did,” Mimaki said.
The Film’s Focus
“Oppenheimer” does not vividly portray the aftermath of the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which instantly claimed the lives of some 100,000 people and caused thousands more deaths in the following days. Instead, the film concentrates on exploring Oppenheimer’s character and his internal struggles.
Delayed Release and Anticipated Reactions
The film’s release in Japan, over eight months after its U.S. debut, was awaited with apprehension due to the sensitive nature of its theme. Former Hiroshima Mayor, Takashi Hiraoka, criticized the film for what it left out3.
“From Hiroshima’s standpoint, the horror of nuclear weapons was not sufficiently depicted,” he said.
Some Applaud, Others Criticize
While some moviegoers praised the film, others found it emotionally stirring. For instance, one viewer commended the film and emphasized the importance of its topic to the Japanese, while another was moved by the portrayal of Oppenheimer’s inner turmoil4.
Controversial Marketing Phenomenon
The film’s release was further clouded by the “Barbenheimer” marketing phenomenon, which combined “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Warner Bros. Japan apologized following backlash over memes that depicted the Mattel doll with atomic blast imagery5.
An American Conscience?
Professor Kazuhiro Maeshima, a U.S. politics specialist at Sophia University, described the film as an expression of “an American conscience.” However, he added that those seeking an anti-war movie might be disappointed6.
A Japanese Response?
Director Takashi Yamazaki, whose film “Godzilla Minus One” is a powerful comment on nuclear catastrophe, proposed the idea of creating a Japanese response to “Oppenheimer.”
“I feel there needs to be an answer from Japan to ‘Oppenheimer.’ Someday, I would like to make that movie,” he said.
Reflecting on Nuclear Weapons and War
Hiroyuki Shinju, a lawyer, noted that Japan and Germany also committed wartime atrocities, even as the nuclear threat increases globally. He suggested that “Oppenheimer” could serve as a starting point for discussions on the legitimacy of the use of nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki7.
Conclusion
The premiere of “Oppenheimer” in Japan underscores the enduring complexities and sensitivities surrounding the history of nuclear weapons. The film’s focus on Oppenheimer’s personal journey, rather than the broader impacts of his work, has sparked a spectrum of reactions, revealing the deep emotional and historical undercurrents that continue to shape perceptions of this globally significant event.