How can Batman even exist after the absolute and definitive story that is this movie? HOW?!

Rating: 10/10 (3 February 2016)

The holy trinity of Gordon, Dent and Batman sets out to rid Gotham of organized crime once and for all. This is only spoiled by the criminal mastermind, simply known as the Joker, as he pushes Batman's values to the limit with his games of moral dilemmas, endangering the very essence of Batman.
Nolan has managed to breathe life and bring suspense into stories that has been told many, many times the past 50-60 years. This is no simple feat, to bring life and suspense into one of the most established comic book heroes of our time. He is also known for his genius editing and sharp narratives, such as Following, Memento and the origin story in Begins. Here he tells a sharp linear story without any of his non-linear trickery. Only true storytelling is at display here, and he only utilizes his editing-trademark at the very end in the conclusion masterfully!!!!!
He reinterprets and reinvent villains and characters in ways so refreshing it actually feels canon to Batman mythos. An example would be such as the alternate meaning of Two-Face or the ambiguous non-existing origins of Joker. The choice of grounding Batman in the real world, is in my opinion both a genius stroke and suicide mission. I believe only non-Batman fan and great storyteller could do things like these, as many of the changes actually are sacrilegious! He took so bold liberties, finishing this movie almost 8 years ago, I felt both great sorrow and joy. I believed back then and I still do, that Nolan had/have created the ultimate Batman story. I question if Batman could exist after the conclusion of The Dark Knight?
Batman was just a vigilante taking out one mob after another before the Joker. The Joker made him something more than just man in a costume. He became the virtue of righteousness, the true caped crusader, a legend of true altruism who will sacrifice himself for the greater good of Gotham. A Dark Knight! Ah I gotta stop! This movie still haunts me as a Batman fan to this day and it will to the end of my days. It is that good.