Oppenheimer stands as one of the finest films of the 21st century and arguably Christopher Nolan's greatest achievement. It masterfully balances the story of a brilliant yet deeply controversial genius, his groundbreaking work, and profound philosophical questions about humanity and the consequences of our actions.

It's deeply ironic that much of the audience was drawn to the film by an action-packed trailer and its focus on the atomic bomb. This reveals something about human nature: our willingness to engage with a story about the death of hundreds of thousands, packaged for entertainment. Yet, overhearing comments in the theater calling the movie "slow" or "boring" after its conclusion, I couldn’t help but feel that many had missed the point. The film isn't just about the man or the creation of the bomb but about its profound impact on humanity and the weight of a single life.

Take, for example, the poisoned apple, a haunting metaphor for Oppenheimer’s future guilt. The apple’s potential harm to one professor echoes the devastating moral weight of his later work. Similarly, Jean Tatlock’s suicide confronts the audience with the sorrow and guilt Oppenheimer feels for failing to intervene. These moments emphasize the devastating impact of two lives lost, magnifying the unimaginable consequences of the bomb, which killed thousands. And yet, that same bomb potentially saved countless lives by ending the war. The film repeatedly asks: What is the worth of a single life?

The movie also interrogates the idea of patriotism. What defines a "true patriot"? Is it Oppenheimer, the mastermind behind the bomb that potentially saved hundreds of thousands of American lives? Is it Strauss, advocating for America’s strength by enhancing its arsenal? Or perhaps the interrogators, upholding security and confidentiality? Oppenheimer is framed as a patriot, yet the film subtly questions this label. Can a man with Communist ties in a democratic nation be considered patriotic? Can those who sought to discredit him in the name of national security be called patriots?

The theme of consequences permeates the film. Oppenheimer realizes too late the true devastation his creation would unleash. The burden of his moral conflict punishes him, both mentally and physically. His guilt, compounded by his ruined reputation, is palpable, amplified by Nolan's precise editing and claustrophobic framing. We, as an audience, share in this regret.

Oppenheimer’s legacy endures today, with advanced versions of his original creation dominating the news. As the "father of world destruction," his invention instills fear and uncertainty about humanity’s future. Yet, in his later years, Oppenheimer tirelessly opposed the use of nuclear weapons, striving to undo the consequences of his actions. This raises a powerful question: Has Oppenheimer been redeemed? Should his name finally be cleared? The "near-zero" chance of global annihilation he feared has become a somber reality. Now, it’s our turn to wrestle with moral dilemmas and navigate choices that will shape humanity’s future, just as Oppenheimer once did.

88
Story & Pacing: 15/20
Characters & Acting: 18/20
Themes: 47/50
Cinematography & Editing: 5/5
Soundtrack & Sound: 3/5
Memorability: 0/1