Oppenheimer

NZ release: 20 July 2023

Sex scenes, offensive language, nudity & suicide Rated on: 20 July 2023

Oppenheimer

What’s it about?

The film follows American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led a secret project that created the atomic bomb. We witness the moral struggles and dilemma he faces after discovering the devastating consequences that forever changed history and the world itself.

The facts

  • Directed by Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, Inception)
  • English language
  • Runtime 180 minutes
  • Staring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey Jr.
  • Based on Robert Oppenheimer constructing the atomic bomb
  • 2024 Oscar Winner for Best Picture, Director, Actor in a leading role, Actor in a supporting role, Cinematography and Original score

Why did it get this rating?

This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body.

Horror

In one scene, we hear a discussion of the aftermath of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This includes horrifying descriptions of the victims’ injuries and the devastating nuclear fallout.

In a brief scene Oppenheimer sees the horrific impacts of the atomic bomb in a hallucination, including a burned body and the skin on a woman’s face being blown off.

The film also features very loud explosions that can appear without warning. This may frighten some viewers.

Suicide

There is a scene which a character dies by suicide. The scene is brief and fast-paced, but may be distressing for some viewers.

Sex Scenes

There are two sex scenes with partial nudity. We see a woman’s breasts and a man’s butt.

Alcohol

Characters frequently drink in the film. Although it’s not promotional, we see one character constantly drunk, and it is further suggested that they are an alcoholic.

Offensive language

“F**king” and “Sh*t” is mentioned.

Helplines

Further information

Recent featured decisions

03 April 2025

Violence and scary scenes

Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter.

Read more

12 February 2025

Graphic violence & offensive language

When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, assistant bank manager Nate Caine uses his rare inability to feel pain as a surprising advantage, taking on a gang of thugs to rescue her.

Read more