Batman Triumphant!! The Caped Crusader soars above and beyond all its predecessors!

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2008)

Warning!! ( Many spoilers)
First Tim Burton directed two films opening the legacy. Next, Joel Schumacher continued two more films, but for lesser quality. Now Chris Nolan has made "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," something to treasure forever.
There are three things that won me over with this movie. First, this film pushes the envelope to a near R-Rating. There so much gunfire, explosions, and gruesome images that I felt tensed of what would happen next. I love movies that take risks because if more movies exercised play-safe techniques, we would be watching "Batman and Robin" all over again. Second is Heath Ledger's brilliant performance. Although less comical, ledger's character is realistic, menacing, and truly horrifying. A true psychopath, which Ledger brings so much realism. Even if there is no posthumous Oscar nomination, Ledger will most definitely live on as a movie legend. Not a single online hater complaining about the film's length, darkness, or complex story can take away Ledger's status. Finally the third thing is the film has first-rate storytelling. There is a surprise twist and a nail-biting action sequence at every corner. The action is also evenly balanced with the plot and characterization. Its more than just a good v.s. evil film. There is real conflict and real turmoil that plays on both sides of law enforcers and law violators.
The film concerns Batman/Bruce Wayne trying to make the city a better place. while crooks and copycat vigilantes run amok, the Joker associates himself with powerful crime bosses. Through countless terrorist attacks, the Joker commands the citizens of Gotham to do whatever he wants as long as he controls their fears and emotions. Sometimes there is no clear motive or explanation about the Joker's past, but he wants to unmask Batman and try to make him appear villainous in the face of Gotham. The Joker is anything but a two-dimensional villain. He had a conflicted childhood just like Bruce, but he uses his angst, his rage, and his emotions to hurt others rather than protect them. Bruce Wayne on the other hand soon wants to hang up his Batman suit and settle with his love Rachel Dawes, since DA Harvey Dent is leading a revolution against all citywide crime. That is until later, when Harvey Dent makes a transformation into the monstrous Two-Face. Who is just as scary and sinister as the Joker. From that moment onward its a crazy roller coaster ride of thrills, unpredictability, and tragedy.
Although the movie is long, there is sharp editing, outstanding performances, great stunt work, a superb script, and enough memorable moments to make the 2.5 hours zip by. A MOVIE MASTERPIECE.