This World War Two film was nominated for 13 Oscars and was the most successful movie about the conflict ever made – and now it will be shown in the BBC.

The gripping biographical thriller Oppenheimer, featuring Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy alongside Robert Downey Jr and a stellar ensemble of Hollywood heavyweights, airs on BBC tonight.

Backed by an impressive lineup including Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Kenneth Branagh and Rami Malek, the gifted Murphy portrays American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, whose work proved crucial in creating the world’s first nuclear weapons.

Set against the backdrop of World War Two, the film achieved remarkable critical acclaim and box office triumph upon release, securing multiple prestigious awards. Audiences have hailed it as a “masterpiece” of cinematography that “grabs you by the heart and mind”.

The narrative traces Oppenheimer’s journey as he earns his doctorate, travels extensively and establishes a quantum physics department at Berkeley research University in California. During this period, he encounters communist party members, including psychologist Jean Tatlock (Pugh), with whom he embarks on an intense and enduring affair before wedding biologist ‘Kitty’ Puening (Blunt).

Recruited into World War Two’s Manhattan Project—America’s race to build an atomic bomb ahead of Nazi Germany—Oppenheimer grapples with profound moral dilemmas surrounding the creation of such devastating weaponry.

His anguish deepens when he’s hailed as a hero following the US dropping two bombs on Japan, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/masterpiece-war-film-without-single-36410635″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

The film also delves into his participation in the project and the subsequent inquiry into his communist associations as he wrestles with his conscience. Drawing from the 2005 biography ‘American Prometheus’, Christopher Nolan wrote, co-produced and directed ‘Oppenheimer’.

Upon its 2023 release, the film garnered enormous critical praise and became the year’s third highest-grossing picture at the box office.

It stands as the most commercially successful World War Two film of all time and triumphed at the Academy Awards, claiming seven Oscars from 13 nominations, including Best Actor for Murphy, Best Picture and Director for Nolan, and Best Supporting Actor for Downey.

The accolades continued with five Golden Globes and seven BAFTAs.

Admirers of the picture wholeheartedly endorse its multitude of honours, hailing it as a “masterpiece”.

On Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a 93% rating, one fans: “Oppenheimer blew me away – it’s a masterpiece of cinema. From the breathtaking visuals and haunting score to the intense performances and heavy-hitting story, this film grabs you by the heart and mind and doesn’t let go. It’s more than just a movie – it’s an unforgettable experience that makes you think, feel, and question. If you want a film that truly shakes you, challenges you, and stays with you long after it ends, Oppenheimer is 5 out of 5, no doubt.”

Another viewer remained captivated from start to finish: “An absolute gem of a movie by Christopher Nolan. Not a single dull moment in the entire movie,” they wrote. “The protagonist acted fabulously to portray the complex character of Oppenheimer. Loved the ending of the movie which provokes deep introspection – especially the scene between Einstein and Oppenheimer.”

A third viewer believed it was an outstanding production overall: “With excellent performances, excellent cinematography, excellent score, and excellent effects, Oppenheimer is Nolan at the top of his technical game.

Balancing out the spectacle, the film brings equally hard hitting character moments and ethical quandaries which will stick with you long after the credits roll.”

Oppenheimer airs on BBC2 at 9pm tonight, Sunday 21 December.