The Dark Knight Rises

Rating : 9/10
Release Date : 20th July, 2012
Time : 164 minutes
Director : Christopher Nolan; Writers : Jonathan & Christopher Nolan, based on on the character Batman, by Bob Kane; Music : Hans Zimmer
Starring : Christian Bale, Anne Hathway, Morgan Freeman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Tom Hardy, Matthew Modine

My first action on exiting the hall after the morning show was to book for another show in the evening and round up the entire family to join me.

There is an air of impending doom about the film, of heightened senses, pumping adrenalin, jaw dropping stunts, which is enhanced, impeccably, by a mouth-watering background score. Full of chants, and pulsating drum beats. With clear battle lines drawn between a larger than life villain and a hero, who, in the best traditions of action hero films, just refuses to fade away or die.

There is more than a touch of a Hindi film about it, as our hero battles with foes from within and outside. Foes, like Bane (Tom Hardy) who are well prepared, have planned their attack for years and will stop at nothing to fulfill the League of Shadows plans for Gotham’s ultimate destruction. Anne Hathway (Catwoman), Joseph Gordon Levitt (a police officer, Blake) are unlikely allies with Gary Oldman (the Police Commissioner) and Michael Caine (Alfred) providing the usual support cast for our nocturnal hero.

There is a beautiful symmetry given to the story, most loose ends tied up neatly towards the end, questions answered, doubts clarified and the film leaving a strong, central message. Hope never dies. And that the point of choosing a symbol like Batman, is precisely that anyone can be Batman…

There is so much to love and learn about the film. The sheer scale of the stunts, and the vivid imagination that goes behind them. The build up towards the climax, the battle royale as the forces of good line up versus the forces of evil. The delicate side stories weaved in so simply, with minimal diversion of attention and time, that help explain it all, humanize the characters. Hans Zimmer’s electric score, which falls to a pin drop silence at times, and builds to a heart pumping crescendo at others.

I loved the delicate messages thrown in. How the fear of death is possibly the most powerful impulse. That hope is necessary for despair. Of how our government can so easily be brought to its knees. How easily we can gravitate towards lawlessness, the rule of the jungle.

There are moments when you wonder ‘how’ ? There are clearly moments which defy logic. But that is when the spectacle takes over. You cheer for the good guys and hope and pray for them to win, against all odds. Wouldn’t want to have it any other way…

PS : I pity the poor guys who in ten-fifteen years will try to remake Batman and will have to top this. Mr Nolan & Mr Bale, salute !