The ending we deserved and the ending we needed

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2012)

Batman has been a major part of popular culture for the better part of the last century. With this film, Christopher Nolan concludes his interpretation of this iconic character. And what a conclusion it is.
Picking up eight years after The Joker's rampage, we spend the film's first act observing the state Gotham is in. Harvey Dent is still seen as the hero, Batman the villain. Organised crime is a thing of the past and the city is at peace. Crippled by the fact that he is no longer needed, along with the never ending pain he suffers from the loss of his parents and his beloved Rachel, Bruce Wayne has become a recluse. Christian Bale portrays brilliantly portrays the character's agony with stunning accuracy.
Bruce is brought out of hiding by a number of factors. His loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine) contributes greatly to a number of the film's more tear-jerking scenes. Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) once again delivers his sharp wit as he puts things into perspective. Idealistic rookie cop John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) proves a character that Bruce can relate to on a personal level. Philanthropist Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) shows Bruce that love can still be found when it is thought to be lost. Finally, cat burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) makes Bruce question his place in society, and whether his is doing enough with the wealth he has been given.
However, the biggest factor is Bane (Tom Hardy). With his unyielding strength, brilliant military tactics and unending will, he proves to be Batman's greatest foe. After the impressive turn from Heath Ledger as the Joker in the previous film, it was a masterstroke to introduce a villain who was the complete opposite. With Bane, nothing is left to the imagination. While the villains of the previous films never felt like a match for Batman, Bane proves himself to be one. For once, you actually worry that Batman will lose.
Taking on the iconic role of Catwoman, Hathaway proves herself the ideal choice for the role. Showing the characters morals, physical prowess and conflicted nature in equal measure, she brings the character to life like never before. Hardy is menacing as Bane, and Gordon-Levitt stands out as the only police officer besides Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) to show genuine passion for the city's welfare.
The film's final act brings a gut-wrenching, heart-stopping and emotional climax like no other. The past comes back to haunt the characters and the trilogy is brought full circle is the most satisfying way imaginable. Nolan achieves what many considered to be impossible and outdoes himself once again. So ends the greatest series of superhero movies the world has ever seen. I pity whoever has to reboot the franchise after this.