Uncomfortable, disturbing, thought provoking. A must see.

Rating: 10/10 (9 October 2019)

Dark, uncomfortable, thought provoking film. Gritty, dirty, well observed cinematography. A commentary on our times, broken systems, abuse, lack of care; be it societal, physical, mental or pastoral. Owes much to Taxi Driver and King of Comedy. Takes Heath Ledger's Joker deeper and darker. All in all a fitting origins (back story or prequel, whatever) tale or stand alone movie. Complaints about violence? Meh, I've seen more in a Avengers movie...at least it has context.
We genuinely feel for the Joker, is he a misunderstood hero, a figurehead for a anarchic uprising or a monster?
Or is he what our uncaring, unpleasant society has created....?
There's more humanity in this film than the whole of the Nolan Batman franchise.
Does he save the girl on the train with his maniacal laughter distracting the abusers, not able to bear seeing another human abused or can he just not help it?
As he descends deeper into madness, seeking solace in his delusions, finding release in violent acts, you still empathise with him and despise what society forced him to be.
Watch this, love the streetscapes, colour palette, edgy soundtrack and fine method acting from Joaquin Phoenix - Oscar? Oh I think so.