REVIEW: The Dark Knight

Rating: 9/10 (17 July 2008)

In 2005, Christopher Nolan with a very committed and talented cast and crew set out to make an amazing 'crime noir' film that was gestured to remaining true to the values of artistic and quality cinema, whilst committing to mass-commercial appeal by incorporating a famed character from the DC Comics franchise and honouring a darker, grittier, intense and mature rendition of a Graphic Novel theme with 'Batman Begins'. The result was one that received mass acclaim and generated a feeling throughout film-goers everywhere that this was a Comic Book tie-in film that was, unanimously, a force to be reckoned with - a total triumph! - with a complete rollicking epic story, interesting characters, memorable moments, justified action and responses to a situation that one man - with an ideal - could change things...
Forever...
Now there's no going back...
Introducing 'The Dark Knight' - following the events of 'Batman Begins', we now find Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) pushed to his limits emotionally, physically and especially ethically under the severity of a new force of criminal in town... a man with no rules and no response to authority... a man who quite simply, is in it 'for kicks' and would gladly watch the world burn in a blaze of white hot chaos... a man who is as mysterious as the 'smile on his face' - The Joker (Heath Ledger in an amazing, potential Oscar blazing final performance). The Joker only has one real ambition and that is to satisfy his ego by 'killing the Batman' and hopefully, along the way, allowing him to unveil his identity to the world... he will do whatever it takes to destroy Gotham's greatest vigilante, even if it means that he destroys everything (including himself) in process. This is the main challenge to 'The Dark Knight' - do I become one of them to stop this ultimate evil? Or do I persevere? Let them hate me for not giving in and going against all I stood for? What I deem right over wrong? When is too far... too far? ...
Incorporate an amazing, complex plot with all the trimmings of 'crime epic', interesting flawed characters, an evil that is, somewhat, sympathetic and ethical issues that will have you questioning the 'The Dark Knight' himself... even though you know the answer... it is one of the most satisfying and intense films ever made, quite simply, brilliant! The performances from the support cast including Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent (who renders an amazing character in 'Two-Face'), Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth - the voice of reason, Morgan Freeman - as Lucius Fox - an inventor of great intelligence and moral grounding, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes - the conflicting love interest and Gary Oldman as Commissioner Jim Gordon (in a well-rounded and an amazing performance) as Batman's greatest ally, they all work well within their roles and add to the drama and the emotional impact that this film needs to rise it well above just 'ordinary'...
This is perhaps, the most anticipated film of the year, and believe me, it was worth every painful moment of consistent waiting...
For those who are curious to know if questions are answered, you may be surprised - I won't give anything away! For the sceptics, believe me - trust the hype on this one - it will not disappoint! This is one of the most well-rounded, action-packed, justifiable and memorable films ever made! Go see it and actually 'experience' a film once again... It's such a great feeling!
RATING: 9.5 / 10