Bale rises with Nolan

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2012)

Contains minor spoilers
ALFRED: I NEVER WANTED YOU TO COME BACK TO GOTHAM. I ALWAYS KNEW THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FOR YOU EXCEPT PAIN AND TRAGEDY.
The above line sums it all and describes the tone of the movie which is gloomy, dark, at times depressing, yet gives you hope in the times of despair. Despite all the pain, suffering and trauma the Knight rises and rises in grand style. This is the best movie in Nolan's trilogy and overall, second only to The Shawshank Redemption (I doubt any movie will be able to beat that). Christopher Nolan has outdone himself and created something which will be forever etched in our memories. I don't have words to describe what I witnessed todayto put it simply..a MASTERPIECE.
The movie belongs to Christian Bale who it seems gave his heart and soul in portraying the character of Bruce Wayne. The movie focuses more on Bruce Wayne and his state of mind than any other character (though all the other actors have been given enough time to develop their characters). Every time he came on screen as Batman was greeted with thunderous applause. Bale has definitely given a performance deserving of an Oscar nomination. The way he handled his characters personal dilemma and defeat in times of adversity and still came out victorious despite several failures is awe inspiring.
The surprise package of the movie is of course Lady Hathway and the much hyped character of Catwoman and she does not disappoint. She is never addressed as Catwoman in the entire movie. Anne has done full justice to the character and surpassed the Michelle Pfeiffer's one in Tim Burtons's Batman Returns. She is smart, sexy and dangerous without being cheesy or bitchy like Pfeiffer. Nolan should have given her more screen time as the crowd loved her in the movie.
To all those who are expecting a Joker like character in this movie, PLEASEthere is only one Gabbar singh, one Mogambo and only one Legendry Joker. Stop comparing Bane with Joker. Character like his only comes once in a decade or two. Tom Hardy is a fine actor and he did a superb job in terrorizing Gotham and beating Batman. After all he can be safely called Wayne's Nemesis as he caused too much physical and mental agony to our Knight. He easily overpowers Batman and breaks his back. Full marks to Tom Hardy.
The background score is outstanding which is always expected from Hans Zimmer. Cinematography and editing are superb. The movie never gives you a chance to relax, as so much is happening in every frame and you don't want to blink you eyelashes. Watch out for John Blake n "R". Christopher stuck to contemporary world and approached the subject realistically. Fans of the comic series will remember that Ra's al ghul is immortal, but no mention of Lazarus Pit in the movie, which was always expected of Mr. Nolan.
I salute you Mr. Nolan. My only question isWHAT NEXT!!!