Oppenheimer Not Showing In Japan? Here’s Why

Christopher Nolan’s latest cinematic spectacle, Oppenheimer has finally made its way into theaters to rave reviews. While most theatres around the world are showing Oppenheimer. 

A lot of users are wondering if Oppenheimer is banned in Japan.

Christopher Nolan Banned in Japan

The reason is that the story of the film is based on J. Robert Oppenheimer, the mastermind behind the atomic bomb. In August 1945, the United States used Oppenheimer’s creation to bomb the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to the horrific killing of over 200,000 people. 

Did Japan Ban Oppenheimer?

No Japan has not banned Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer but neither is there a release date for the movie in the country. Recent reports have debunked the ban rumours. The reports add that the film’s release plans are still in progress for various markets, including Japan.

As reported by Variety a Universal spokesperson says “Plans have not been finalized in all markets.”

Why Is Oppenheimer Not Showing In Japan?

As per Variety, Japanese audiences will have to wait a little longer for the movie to hit their theatres. Toho-Towa the Japanese distributor of Hollywood films has as yet not decided on its release plans.

Christopher Nolan Banned in Japan

But many are of the view that as Nolan’s movie revolves around the creation of the atomic bomb that led to the massive destruction of life and property in Japan it is possible that Universal might decide to not release Oppenheimer in the country.

 Variety reports that If the movie does secure a  release date, the Japanese moviegoers may not be interested in seeing a film about the topic.

As Japan falls at the end of the Hollywood film release schedule, it remains to be seen if  Oppenheimer released in the country or not.

Christopher Nolan And His Blockbuster Hits:

Christopher Nolan Banned in Japan

Christopher Nolan’s movies such as The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises were both blockbuster hits and grossed more than $1 billion. Even Inception, Interstellar, and war drama Dunkirk were all bona fide blockbusters.

But Oppenheimer was a challenge because at three hours it is Nolan’s longest film as yet. Also, the movie that was made on a budget of $100 million also has multiple sequences played out in black and white. But it has hit the right chord with the audience and is an added feather in Nolan’s hat. 

Barbie Faces Ban In Vietnam

On the other hand, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie which was released the same day as Oppenheimer is also facing a ban. The movie has been banned in Vietnam over a scene depicting the contentious “nine-dash line.”  It represents China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. 

Warner Bros soon clarified that the scene was intended to be a child-like crayon drawing within the context of “Barbie’s make-believe journey from Barbie Land.”

Speaking about Oppenheimer it has collected $777 million globally at the box office. Oppenheimer is Nolan’s fourth-highest film after Inception, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. 

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