An Exploration of Tragedy from the Biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer;

Ambition, Politics, Humanity and Morals

“Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” - J. Robert Oppenheimer

(from paraphrase of a verse in Bhagavad Gita)

Based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project, and thereby ushering in the Atomic Age. Oppenheimer probably know as the 'Father of the Atomic Bomb'. Apart from that, the fun fact that Christopher Nolan says he got hooked on the story of Oppenheimer after Robert Pattinson gifted him a book of Oppenheimer’s speeches at the ‘TENET’ wrap party. (source)

Directed by a visionary filmmaker, Christopher Nolan has truly outdone himself with this gripping biographical drama. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer was nothing short of extraordinary; he brought an incredible depth and complexity to the character, making the genius physicist and a conflicted individual. It's another magnum opus from him, feel hauntingly real.

Nolan's direction was masterful as always, seamlessly blending history, science, and emotion. The visuals were breathtaking, transporting us back to the era of the Manhattan Project with stunning attention to detail. The use of practical effects and practical sets added a sense of authenticity that further immersed me in the story.

One aspect that stood out was the film's exploration of Oppenheimer's moral dilemmas and the weight of the decisions he faced. The screenplay didn't shy away from the ethical implications of his work on the atomic bomb, forcing the audience to confront the morally gray areas of scientific progress during wartime.

What impressed me the most was Nolan's ability to present complex scientific concepts in an accessible way without oversimplifying them. The film catered to both science enthusiasts and general audiences, striking a perfect balance between intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance.

"They won't fear it until they understand it. And they won't understand it until they've used it. Theory will take you only so far." - J. Robert Oppenheimer

A thrilling character study of one of history's most complex historical figures whose contribution to the world was viewed as a bit underrated, but not any more thanks to this movie. Nolan crafts a phenomenal, chilling, & terrifying exploration of scientific discovery, persecution during the McCarthy paranoia, and moral dilemma.

Star-studded cast was not just for nothing, they truly, truly delivers each character perfectly. Especially Cillian, damn, brilliant performance. Cillian Murphy as the titular character knocks it out of the park in the most captivating and heartbreaking performances of his career. If Murphy doesn’t get an Oscar nomination, WE RIOT!!.

While the cast is filled with many actors, no matter how small their appearance is, they all bring their A-game. But the ones who made a large impression are Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, a senior member of the US Atomic Energy Commission, with Emily Blunt portraying Oppenheimer's wife, Katherine "Kitty" Oppenheimer, they are in a menacing performance (Oscar-worthy), Matt Damon portraying General Leslie Groves, Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock a small and tragic part, Benny Safdie’s turn as Edward Teller a Hungarian scientist, Tom Conti as the adorable Albert Einstein and others. I truly wish that I could watch it in IMAX 70mm, the way they originally filmed it with.

The cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema is spectacular, stunning especially in the black and white scenes, capturing both the grandeur of scientific discovery and haunting consequences of their work, also the visuals were truly mind-bending, with the highlight being the Trinity test sequence; you can actually feel that there wasn’t any CGI on screen.

The tension is built perfectly with incredible sound design & another magnificent score from Ludwig Göransson. The final scene, and especially the final lines are going to stick with me forever and with everyone else.

Christopher Nolan's masterpiece edges you for the entire three hour showing. It will have you writhing in your seat, but when it's over you'll return begging for more. Oppenheimer is a cinematic orgasm of earth-shattering proportions that leaves you quaking in your sweat soaked-

"We knew the world would not be the same. We imagine a future, and our imaginings horrify us." - J. Robert Oppenheimer

In Greek mythology, the punishment of Prometheus for stealing fire from Olympus and giving it to humans is a subject of both ancient and modern culture. Zeus, king of the Olympian gods, condemned Prometheus to eternal torment for his transgression.

Related to Oppenheimer as he witnessed the first detonation of a nuclear weapon on July 16, 1945, a piece of Hindu scripture ran through the mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”. It is, perhaps, the most well-known line from the Bhagavad-Gita, but also the most misunderstood.

"A few people laughed, a few people cried, most people were silent." - J. Robert Oppenheimer

While Oppenheimer may not be an action-packed thriller like some of Nolan's previous works, its slow and deliberate pacing allowed for a profound and thought-provoking experience. With an outstanding cast delivering powerful performances, the audience is truly immersed in the emotional journey of this brilliant yet flawed protagonist. By the final act, I found myself questioning the moral implications of scientific advancements and reflecting on the consequences of our choices as a species.

"Oppenheimer" is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant film that leaves a lasting impact, inviting viewers to ponder the consequences of scientific advancements and the human cost of war. Without a doubt, this film is a must-see for history enthusiasts and cinema lovers alike.

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a few moments later, the post credit scenes;

PROKLAMASI

Kami bangsa Indonesia dengan ini menjatakan Kemerdekaan Indonesia.

Hal-hal jang mengenai pemindahan kekoeasaan d.l.l., diselenggarakan dengan tjara seksama dan dalam tempo jang sesingkat-singkatnja.

Djakarta, hari 17 boelan 8 tahoen 05

Atas nama bangsa Indonesia

Soekarno/Hatta.