Rorschach shines, even more than Dr. Manhattan

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2009)

I am one of the crowd that has not read the comic, being born in '85. The movie however has made me read it, I just had to. Why? Because throughout the entire movie you are looking at an awe-inspiring character study. Each character has so many information surrounding him, past and present - you can completely understand why they act the way they do. You feel their motives, you can start predicting ... like when Rorschach takes a quiet step into the hospital toilets.
After now having read the comic, which I can only recommend, Zack has had to deal with days of information - only to place it in a 160 minute film; with great result! Yet there is more if you crave it. There are very interesting supporting character stories in the comic, like that of the psychiatrist that tries to analyze - even cure - Rorschach. Rorschach himself made the movie for me and my friends, which he of course was intended to, defiant in all odds. And although bitter and black to the core, a good and even rightful man. Jackie Earle Haley, you were awesome.
The Watchmen their original goal might have been fulfilled at the end, but the question is at what price and on which foundation. You will find yourself pondering the final fate of several characters and their impacts on human future society as depicted in the film. Morality, peace, sacrifice and honor are all themes that are somewhat torn here. It has been said many times that a great movie keeps you pondering for a day, this movie has kept me puzzling for over two.
Never back down, not even in the face of Armageddon.