Warning: Strong spoilers
*This review is made in memory of the victims of the Aurora, CO tragedy. Our deepest condolences to those that were affected by this tragedy.
When the first of director Christopher Nolan’s Batman films came out, a question was poised: Why do we fall? The question was asked by the good ol’ Alfred (Michael Caine), and in continuation, the answer: So we can learn to pick ourselves up. Now, years later as the epic finale in Nolan’s Batman trilogy has arrived, and it seems like Batman is learning that lesson more than ever.
As with the past two Batman films from Nolan, The Dark Knight Rises features multiple villains: Batman Begins had Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and Ra’s Al Ghul (Liam Neeson), The Dark Knight had the Joker (Heath Ledger) and Two-Face (Aaron Eckhart), and the epic finale features Bane (Tom Hardy) and Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). Though some would’ve liked to see notable villains like Mr. Freeze, Penguin, or even The Riddler, I can assure you: Bane as the main villain works perfectly.
Now, some of you might know Bane as the steroid-infused brute, but in The Dark Knight Rises, he’s portrayed as an intellectual brute with inhumane strength and stamina. Everything from Bane’s brute actions to his liberation speeches hold some immense power behind them; he’s a juggernaut with a mind for a twisted sense of justice. Though the Joker was one crazed psychopath of a villain, it would seem like Bane could step toe-to-toe with the iconic villain. Every step of Bane’s master plan leads to several plot twists and further’s Batman’s spiral down to ground zero, forcing the protagonist to relearn what it means to pick oneself up after falling.
Also, in terms of Catwoman, there’s only one word to describe Anne Hathaway‘s performance: brilliant. Catwoman was known for her sly moves and hilarious sense of humor. She adds quite a bit of humor to this (very) dark story, proving to be one of, if not, the best Catwomans–ever. Hathaway brings an incredible amount of flexibility, sexiness, and independence that Catwoman fans have always loved–and it completely makes up for the failed Catwomans in movie history past. *cough*Halle Berry‘s Catwoman*cough*
We’re even introduced with a new, up-and-coming cop, John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). John Blake is essentially the younger, amateur version of Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), who becomes one of Batman’s greatest allies. He’s quite intuitive too; figuring out Batman’s true identity, as well as holding on to his own moral laws when anarchy breaks out in Gotham.
Lastly, we have Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard), who serves as the person who fills up the gap in between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. The story goes that the two of them were working on a project to provide clean, unlimited fuel. Unfortunately, threats lurk all around Gotham, and the project was initially scrapped. (Interestingly enough, it could be noted that most of the cast of Nolan’s last film, Inception, was also a part of this movie.)
As for the story, there aren’t as many action sequences as the first two movies, as this is a story about how a broken Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) drops to his lowest point before rising up against as the caped crusader, but when the action sequences occur, they are explosive, literally. Bane seems to like his explosions, and whether it’s dropping a plane down from the sky, or blowing up a football stadium to make a dramatic entrance, his actions are as explosive as his character portrayal. (some could say that it could step toe-to-to with the Michael Bay’s Transformers movies, which are quite infamous for making things explode).
The entire movie is almost made up of finding oneself, recovering from a crisis, or peering in to the brilliant mind of Bane. Bruce Wayne’s past has finally caught up to him, and the consequences of his actions, from killing Ra’s Al Ghul to taking the fall for Harvey Dent/Two-Face pile up one after another. Though it’s years after Bruce dons his Batman uniform again (there’s a significant time lapse between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises), we first see Bruce as an old, semi-crippled multi-billionaire. Though there was a loose story that tied the trilogy together (Batman Begins introduces the Joker, while The Dark Knight Rises makes references to both of its predecessors), it feels as if there was some deeper story reaching its inevitable climax. Batman had risen over the years, yet through trials and tribulations, he falls only to rise again.
We are given a grim reality; a society built on lies will ultimately result in war and bloodshed. The war is waged by the criminals and angered Gotham residents against the police. We even see the first times that Bruce is revealed to be Batman by both Bane and John Blake. Masks may have been a central theme in Nolan’s trilogy (Bruce Wayne, Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, and Catwoman all wore masks, and to some extent, Harvey Dent/Two-Face), but identities are unveiled and reasons for masks are rationalized. Each of the main characters will have fallen in some form during the movie, reaching the lowest point in their lives before mustering enough strength to save Gotham City once again. It is indeed a fitting end to the trilogy.
Lastly, it should be noted that the Gotham society is, essentially, one massive main character. In The Dark Knight, we have a glimpse of the people at a desperate time as Joker gives them an ultimatum: blow up the other boat, or risk being blown up yourself. He had created a perfect dilemma; should the rich and prosperous live on while the criminals die, or do criminals deserve a second chance? Now, with Bane, we have a larger scope of the city; criminals who have been affected by the Dent Act (made in memory of Harvey Dent, which gave ultimately gave stricter control of criminals to the Gotham police force) are furious and create anarchy in the midst of Bane’s chaotic liberation scheme. The police themselves are the silenced voice of moral reasoning, as they are battered just as much as Batman during the Batman/Bane brawl. Once liberated from their imprisonment, however, the police stand up firmly, facing their enemies with just one remark: There’s only one police in Gotham.
Overall, Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece of a finale, telling a story about dropping to one’s lowest point, only to rise up higher than before. The movie is overly dramatic and somewhat darker–but that’s a good thing; this is Batman, after all. Still, with the humor Catwoman brings to the movie, it gives the movie a slightly, much-needed, lighter tone. There are quite a bit of plot twists within the near-three-hour movie, less so for those following the comic book series. The hype was great and was fulfilled–we can finally say farewell to the caped crusader… until next time.
Ratings:
Story: 5/5
The story is compelling and deep, depicting a Gotham that has risen due to Harvey Dent’s death, only to be torn apart and cast down. A perfect end for Nolan’s Batman trilogy.Soundtrack: 5/5
The iconic musical selection from the past two Batman films return for their finale. Each note is powerful, deep, and resonant, mirroring the action and story within the film.Character Portrayal: 5/5
The actors are phenomenal, and each one brings out the best aspects of each of their characters. Though some may still not like Batman’s raspy voice change, the characters stay true to the foundation they were built on, and serving to be what comic book fans have always liked about the characters.Overall: 5/5
With a great mix of story, music, and a large cast of characters, The Dark Knight Rises serves as a landmark achievement. Nolan’s Batman trilogy has set the bar for future Batman films to reach, and it may come soon enough with the announcement of the Justice League of America movie.
To the people affeected by the Aurora, CO tragedy: It would seem like the shooter couldn’t have picked a more ironic movie than The Dark Knight Rises to create a tragedy that has shaken the world. He has single-handedly brought many of you to your lowest points. However, I urge you all to rise again, better than before. Those who were injured have the chance to do what those that have been shot down couldn’t; you’ve been given the chance to live to see another day, to learn from this experience, and to grow stronger because of it. Those that weren’t there or didn’t know someone who was in the theater at the time of the shooting cannot grasp the magnitude of sadness, grief, or anger, however, know that you are the only people in the world who can rise up again–to either live a stronger life, or live for those who’ve died. We give our utmost, sincere condolences to you, and we wish that you may recover from this tragedy soon enough.