Oppenheimer
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Synopsis:
Oppenheimer is a 2023 historical drama film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The film follows Oppenheimer’s journey from his early days as a young scientist to his involvement in the Manhattan Project and the moral dilemmas he faced along the way. As tensions rise and the destructive power of the atomic bomb becomes apparent, Oppenheimer grapples with the consequences of his creation.
Review:
Oppenheimer has been one of the most anticipated films of the year, and the buzz surrounding it has been overwhelmingly positive. It is a visually stunning and thought-provoking epic about the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb during World War II. The film stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, and it’s everything you would expect from Nolan: haunting background score, ground-breaking camera work, unexpected surprises, and a cerebral indulgence of emotions.
But Oppenheimer is also the most “non-Nolan” movie experience. Nolan famously doesn’t use CGI or VFX, and he eschews them here, too. Instead, he relies on his cast and crew to create explosions that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The result is a film that is both epic and intimate, and that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
The performances in “Oppenheimer” elevate it from being a mere historical account to a deeply human experience. Murphy gives a tour-de-force performance as Oppenheimer, capturing the scientist’s intelligence, complexity, and inner turmoil with great skill. Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Lewis Strauss is among his career-best and may earn him several award nominations, including a potential Academy Award.
Emily Blunt is also excellent as Oppenheimer’s wife, Katherine. The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh.
Nolan directs Oppenheimer with his usual mastery, creating a film that is both epic and intimate. The film is full of memorable images, and Nolan’s direction is always in service of the story. The score by Ludwig Göransson is also haunting and beautiful, and it perfectly complements the film’s visuals and story.
Witnessing Nolan’s prime is a privilege for our generation. He remains one of the few filmmakers who truly understands and embraces the art and magic of cinema. Oppenheimer is Nolan’s best work to date, standing out amidst the abundance of fast-food cinema. It is a cinematic masterpiece, deserving to be savored with all senses, and easily earns the title of the best film of 2023.
Verdict:
If you’re a fan of historical epics, science fiction, or thought-provoking cinema, then you need to see Oppenheimer. It’s a masterpiece, and it will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Watch the trailer: