'Batman Begins' Review- The Dark Knight Trilogy Debuts
This movie originally premiered in 2005.
British director Christopher Nolan brought us Batman Begins. The plot combines elements from a few sources to bring us a new film origin for the Batman. It took Gotham City out of obscurity and into modern times.
After his parents’ murder, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), finds himself locked in a Chinese prison before ending up being trained by Ra’s al Ghul’s (Ken Watanabe) right-hand man Ducard (Liam Neeson) through the path of League of Shadows. Through flashbacks, we discover that he wanted to kill his parents’ killer Joe Chill (Richard Brake), but after an encounter with gangster Carmine Falcone (Tom Wilkinson), leaves Gotham City.
After an incident where it appears al Ghul dies, Bruce with his faithful butler Alfred (Michael Caine) returns to Gotham City to begin his career as a crime-fighter. He connects with GPD Sergeant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), his childhood friend Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), and Wayne Industries engineer Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman). Though he starts to make headway, the twisted Dr. Jonathan Crane (Cillian Murphy) has a secret benefactor who will bring Gotham and the Batman to its knees.
This movie brought Batman out of film limbo and into the modern era. It is a modern, gritty take that while it avoids the cheesiness of some comic book films, but still pays homage by placing Easter eggs and direct references in various place. Nolan did everything right in this DC Comics adaption, from the casting to recruiting Hans Zimmer for the score, it is one of his finest films.
As for Christian Bale, he shines as the Dark Knight and Bruce Wayne. He brings a bleakness and sense of fulfillment in his role and makes the movie go along at a comfortable pace. Holmes’s performance still divides fans, but I think it was suitable for this movie. Neeson and Murphy shine as the villains Ra’s al Ghul and Jonathan Crane aka the Scarecrow. Their performances are unmatched.
The movie was criticized for having “too many villains,” but I honestly did not feel that way. I thought Nolan did a fantastic job of crafting the plot and keeping you hooked. I loved the way the movie brought you into the dark world of Gotham City and allowed you to witness the beginning of the Batman.
Bottom line, Batman Begins is a solid reboot of the Dark Knight franchise.
FAVORITE QUOTE: I’m Batman.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, disturbing images, and foul language
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, anime, movie, or novel you would like me to review.