Best Batman Movie, Best Comicbook Movie, Great Film

Rating: 10/10 (17 June 2005)

Christopher Nolan has created a universe for Batman that is beyond our wildest expectations. We get to see Bruce Wayne, from the hurt child at his parent's murder, over a young man consumed by rage and guilt, transform into the heroic identity of the Batman. Christian Bale performs amazingly as Wayne, giving us a deep glance into the character's dark soul. He is equally outstanding as the man in the cape and cowl, bringing menace to every word and importance to every look. Michael Keaton will always be my childhood's Batman, but Bale has brought the Bat back into my adult life.
The other actors shine as well. This is bar none the best ensemble cast for a superhero movie and even one of the best casts I've seen in a LONG time. From the endearing and witty Michael Caine (Alfred), to the always splendid Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), the lovely Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes) and the utterly classy Liam Neeson (Ducard), Bruce's allies and mentors are indeed a delight to watch. Even more so are the villains, exploring all different shades of evil in Gotham, with Ken Watanabe (Ra's Al Ghul), Tom Wilkinson (Falcone), Rutger Hauer (Earle) and the outstanding Cillian Murphy (Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow) all giving deliciously nuanced performances.
Christopher Nolan and his cinematographer Wally Pfister really brought to the film what they promised: an epic scope, beautiful shots reminiscent of "Laurence of Arabia" and "Blade Runner" and a return to the traditional, but by no means bland or uninspired, action adventure story. It has amazing dramatic flow, good dialogue, fantastic characters and an intelligent, layered plot.
A great movie, the very best its genre has to offer and a cinematic treat to any film fan.