Welcome to a world without rules

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2008)

"The Dark Knight", directed by Christopher Nolan and including an all-star cast; Christian Bale, the late but legendary Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman, is a cinematic masterpiece of a Crime Epic that is undoubtedly the most superlative blockbuster of the new millennium.
The now famous Christopher Nolan delivers once again with the greatest comic book and action film in cinematic history as he explores meaningful and profound themes of love, hope, dedication and commitment. It was only at the conclusion of the previous film, "Batman Begins", that it was evident that Batman's (Bale) persona and character had changed and he had become an experienced masked vigilante, entirely ready to bring Gotham back to the way he dreamed it would once be. However, Batman has no idea what he is in for
The Joker (Ledger) is a sadistic and merciless individual who appears to take pleasure in watching and making innocent people suffer. The way that Nolan establishes this character makes us incredibly intrigued as he is portrayed as a human being that is deeply disturbed; this is achieved mainly by hints of his unpleasant relationship with his father during his childhood. Heath Ledger, who passed away before the film was released but completed all of his scenes and post-production work, portrays the most formidable and frightening villain of all time. When Heath is off screen his absence is palpable, however, when he appears the viewer feels themselves slowly urging forward in their seat as if by gravitational force. Also, Nolan intentionally refused to insert an origin story of The Joker to make his character appear complete which works effectively. RIP, mate.
Harvey Dent (Eckhart) is Gotham's district attorney who Batman, along with the citizens of the city, believes that he is Gotham's "White Knight". He is the only person who can bring Gotham back to a place of solace and he can do it "without a mask". The film illustrates the point in time where he has become District Attorney while Aaron Eckhart accomplishes an unbeatable depiction of the character.
Gary Oldman also provides a solid performance as Lt. James Gordon, Michael Caine does it again as Bruce's butler Alfred Pennyworth and one of the greatest actors of all time Morgan Freeman plays Lucius Fox astoundingly. Other actors include Eric Roberts as Salvatore Maroni, Nestor Carbonell as Mayor Anthony Garcia and Cillian Murphy appears in a cameo as Dr Jonathon Crane/Scarecrow.
"The Dark Knight" is an exceptional and outstanding piece of work that, throughout, conveys a man's love for the city that he grew up in and the extent that he will go to in order to ensure that it is restored. From its captivating beginning through to its touching ending, the film will send the viewer on a dark, breathtaking and thrilling ride. If you have been living under a rock and haven't been able to see this film yet, I tremendously urge you to check it out as soon as possible. Be enthralled as you go along a journey with Batman: the masked vigilante, the caped crusader, the dark knight.