Christopher Nolan‘s highly anticipated biopic, “Oppenheimer,” made its long-awaited debut in Japanese theatres on Friday, eliciting a range of emotions from audiences in a country deeply impacted by the subject matter. Despite the sensitive nature of its narrative, the film managed to achieve a significant milestone by surpassing the sci-fi epic ‘Dune: Part Two‘ to claim the title of the highest opening weekend of 2024 in Japan.
According to box office reports, “Oppenheimer” amassed an impressive $2.5 million from its release in 343 theatres, outpacing the $1.3 million earnings of ‘Dune: Part Two’ released the previous month. Additionally, the biopic eclipsed the box office performance of last year’s ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,’ which garnered an estimated $1.6 million.

Although “Oppenheimer” secured the third position on the domestic box office charts, trailing behind local offerings such as the horror film ‘Strange House’ and the animated feature ‘Haikyu!!’, its global impact remains undeniable. With cumulative ticket sales reaching an astounding $965 million worldwide, the film continues to captivate audiences on a global scale.

The biopic chronicles the life of US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, whose pivotal role in the creation of the atomic bomb shaped the course of history. Boasting rave reviews and a slew of accolades, including seven Oscars at this month’s awards ceremony, including Best Director for Christopher Nolan and Best Actor for star Cillian Murphy, “Oppenheimer” has garnered widespread acclaim.

However, its success has not been without controversy, particularly in

Hiroshima, the city devastated by the first nuclear bomb. Critics have raised concerns about the film’s portrayal of historical events, with some questioning its perspective and sensitivity towards those affected by the bombings.
Despite the mixed reactions, “Oppenheimer” continues to spark discussions and reflections on the enduring legacy of nuclear warfare.