15 Things You Somehow Missed In Oppenheimer

3. The U.S. Flags Have Too Many Stars

Oppenheimer Flag
Universal

Here's a mistake that actually picked up a decent amount of traction online, and if you know your U.S. flags, you might have noticed it yourself. If not, no chance.

When Oppenheimer gives a speech to those who worked on the Manhattan Project and is celebrated for his achievement, the U.S. flags waved around during the scene have 50 stars on them, with each star representing one of the country's 50 states.

Except, in 1945 when this scene takes place, the U.S. only had 48 states, with Alaska and Hawaii only joining many years later in 1959, and new 50-star flags first being introduced the next year.

And so, the flags are historically inaccurate, which is all the more strange given that other U.S. flags shown in different scenes do indeed have the correct 48 stars.

Does it break the movie? Of course not. Is it an easily avoidable mistake? You betcha.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.