"Batman Begins"

I remember seeing this movie in the theaters. I actually saw Batman Begins three or four times in the theater, even once at the IMAX in Spokane. Yes, it is that good. The story-line, the special effects, the acting...amazing. Michael Cane does an excellent job as the butler, loyal, full of wisdom. Morgan Freeman also plays a man of integrity, as does the actor who plays Gordon. And Katie Holmes and Christian Bale, Liam Niessen...and of course the actor who plays Dr. Crane. He plays crazy a little too well.

Gordon raises the question though, of how far do we go? Even though Batman's desire is to do good, and to restore Gotham City, there are consequences. Gordon basically says, if we start doing this, such as wearing heavier armor, the bad guys will up us one, to which we'll respond, to which they'll respond...you get the idea. And He leads us into the sequel actually with the Joker's calling card. A character with a "taste for the theatrics."

We're left with a bittersweet success. Yes, the good guys won...this time. But there are plenty of more bad guys out there. How long do we keep up the fight? How do we maintain our own integrity? We have to remember the reason why we're doing any of this, the reason behind our decisions, the reason behind our desire to do good. The reason we do what we do.

-Bethany


I remember being absolutely blown away by this film the first time that I saw it...and despite seeing it over an over again, it is one of those shows that doesn't grow old.  instead, I find myself catching more and more each time that I watch it.  Batman Begins completely separates itself from the more cartoony Batman films and TV shows that have preceded it.  It is a dark film, but one that sheds a surprising amount of light on topics ranging from crime, class, justice, and vengeance.

There is alot to be said for the movie's central idea or theme which I believe to be Justice.  The film however does not just ask 'what is justice and how does one define it' but it delves into deeper questions such as, how can we define a hero as someone who sees justice as the murder his parents murderer?  How can we define a villain as someone who wants to see the elimination of crime?  This film dares to ask what is injustice, and are we guilty of it?  The next film in our list will of course be the second Christopher Nolan Batman film, which asks similar questions, but instead of the topics of justice/injustice  we will find ourselves in search for a definition of evil.  More to come on that.

Batman Begins is a film that leaves you hopeful in the chance of Gothams' resurrection as a shining jewel of a city, but also leaves you nervous in wondering what the future will actually hold for its police, citizens, and its hero.

-David