Gotham's Reckoning

Rating: 10/10 (20 July 2012)

The conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy is a fantastic and monstrous film that brings about a fitting and surprising conclusion to the series. The Dark Knight Rises takes an original turn, and as a result, is a completely satisfactory ending to the most meaning superhero trilogies.
The film takes place 8 years after the events of The Dark Knight, where Batman took the blame for Harvey Dent's murders. Bruce Wayne has become a recluse, believing the world has nothing to offer him after Rachel died. Now, however, a mercenary named Bane has arrived in Gotham. A hulking beast of a man, Bane brings about even more destruction and panic to the city than the Joker did. So, Batman comes out of retirement to try and fight the Goliath-like mastermind.
Giving away many more plot details would ruin the experience. Like the film before it, Rises is very political. But, the politics in this film are much different from it's predecessor. While the previous film dealt heavily with organizations like the police, corporations, and the mob, this installment is clearly inspired by the Occupy protests and the ongoing recession. The issues that are faced in this film seems much more personal, and as a result, more important. Filled with populist sentiment and references to real world issues, this film is exceedingly relevant and meaningful.
The film introduces three new characters; Bane, Catwoman, and a cop named Blake. Tom Hardy is magnificent as Bane, a man who must wear a mask to live. The parallels between him and Darth Vader are many, and that just makes it better. Hardy creates a terrifying embodiment of evil, a man who lacks any sort of morals or mercy. Since most of Hardy's face is covered in the mask, his eyes and voice become the most important parts of his character. The voice is menacing, commanding, and by far the loudest thing in the picture. His eyes are both enticing and dead cold—Hardy rarely blinks during the entire film. Anne Hathaway is sexy and elegant as Selina Kyle, the Catwoman. Hathaway brings the lighthearted spirit to the film, supplying the majority of what little jokes there are. But she is also a fun and thoroughly enjoyable character. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the police officer. His role is a dramatic one, and many of his scenes play out like an old school detective movie.
The returning stars are also fantastic. Christian Bale is marvelous as the Batman and the psychologically deteriorated Bruce Wayne. Gary Oldman gets a lot of well deserved screen time as commissioner Gordon, and Michael Caine gives a touching and emotional performance as Alfred.
Christopher Nolan directs the movie with a heated passion, and creates a deep sense of realism that blends almost perfectly with the comic book elements. There are many moments that are extremely powerful, and some that are even horrifying. The fight scenes are exceptionally great because they really have force behind them. The punches thrown between Batman and Bane can actually be felt. Bane's backstory is interesting, and brings the film into a realm of mythic legends. The politics are blended seamlessly into the storyline, and the themes of chaos and distorted morality that have been prevalent in the previous films come to a foreboding climax in this film. Nolan gives the movie an apocalyptic feel, and when things are at their lowest, the condition of Gotham is reminiscent of the Warsaw Ghetto.
The Dark Knight Rises is certainly somber and bleak, but it is also a phenomenal cinematic experience. The film engulfs the viewer into its world, and doesn't let go until it's all over. If there is anything that was wrong with this film, it was part of the ending that seemed grossly unnecessary and franchise-building, as opposed to proper closure. However, the rest of the film is maybe the best superhero movie ever made. Certainly the most relevant. Christopher Nolan's conclusion to the Batman series is his masterpiece.
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