Product: Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (2005)
Rating: 5.0
A cinematic triumph!
Batman Begins is a cinematic triumph because it doesn't allow the power of Hollywood glitz, to get in the way of a compelling story that is character based and powerful. Bale is at the heart of that story - giving a portrayal of Batman that is at once - tortured and dark as well as warm and sensitive. The Batman franchise is back and in Bale, they have a powerful leading man.Bale - a veteran of recent films portraying psychopaths, brings a psychopathic element to Batman : a presence that seems only slightly saner than the criminals he engages.Bale's Batman has a lot of imperfections, keeping with director Nolan's vision of Bruce Wayne struggling to learn how to be a crimefighter for the first time. The husky whisper is somewhat heavy, admittedly. Batman struggles to hold on when leaping buildings for the first time. Bale feeling the pain of the flames when Dr Crane sets him on fire.Nolan's portrayal of Gotham City also gives it a dimension that many of us can identify with. He shows us that the biggest threat to Gotham itself isn't supervillains but organised crime that infects and infiltrates all levels of city bureaucracy.This Batman gives the franchise a soul and a superhero with human frailties both physical and emotional. Nolan and Goyer, along with Bale have succeeded beyond expectations in bringing respect to the franchise again. This is Batman at his darkest, most tortured self. This is the Batman that we have all come to see.