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Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Release Date: July 20, 2012

Genre: Superhero, Action, Drama

Director: Christopher Nolan

Screenplay: Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan

Story by: Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer

Based on: Characters from DC Comics

Cast: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman

Runtime: 164 minutes

Language: English

Budget: $250–300 million

Box Office: $1.085 billion

Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, DC Entertainment, Syncopy Inc.

Cinematography: Wally Pfister

Editing: Lee Smith

Music: Hans Zimmer

Filming Locations: Jodhpur, London, Nottingham, Glasgow, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Pittsburgh

Formats: IMAX 70 mm film

Awards: Named one of the top 10 films of 2012 by the American Film Institute

Critical Reception: Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 87% based on 382 reviews, average rating of 8/10; Metacritic score of 78/100 based on 45 critics; CinemaScore grade of “A”

Box Office Rankings: Second film in the Batman series to earn over $1 billion; third-highest-grossing film of 2012; seventh-highest-grossing film of all time at the time of release

Notable Achievements: Nolan’s highest-grossing film; Empire magazine ranked it as the 72nd greatest film of all time in 2014

Controversies: Some negative reviews led to fan backlash, prompting Rotten Tomatoes to disable user comments prior to release

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The Dark Knight Rises

 (2012) – Movie Review



Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises concludes his acclaimed Batman trilogy with a film that is both ambitious and emotionally resonant. Set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the story follows a reclusive Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he returns to his role as Batman to confront the formidable terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy), who threatens to destroy Gotham City.





Plot Summary



After the death of Harvey Dent, Gotham enjoys a period of peace, leading Bruce Wayne to retire as Batman. However, the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist with a mysterious past, forces Bruce to don the cape once more. As Bane’s plans unfold, Bruce faces physical and emotional challenges that test his limits. The film introduces Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), a cunning cat burglar whose loyalties are ambiguous, and John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a young police officer who believes in Batman’s mission. The narrative builds to a climactic battle for Gotham’s soul, culminating in a conclusion that ties together the trilogy’s overarching themes.





Performances



Christian Bale delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Bruce Wayne’s vulnerability and determination with depth. Tom Hardy’s Bane is a physically imposing antagonist, though some critics noted that his masked voice was difficult to understand at times. Anne Hathaway’s Selina Kyle brings wit and agility to the screen, providing a dynamic counterpart to Batman. Supporting performances by Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman add gravitas to the ensemble.





Direction and Cinematography



Nolan’s direction emphasizes practical effects and large-scale set pieces, resulting in visually stunning sequences that benefit from the use of IMAX 70 mm film. Wally Pfister’s cinematography captures the grandeur and grit of Gotham, while Hans Zimmer’s score underscores the film’s tension and emotional beats.





Writing and Themes



The screenplay, co-written by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, weaves complex themes of redemption, sacrifice, and societal upheaval. Drawing inspiration from the “Knightfall” and “No Man’s Land” comic storylines, the film explores the consequences of heroism and the resilience of a city under siege. While some critics found the plot dense and overlong, others praised its ambition and depth.





Critical Reception



The Dark Knight Rises received positive reviews, with an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 78/100. Critics lauded the film’s scope and performances, though some noted issues with pacing and clarity. The film was named one of the top 10 films of 2012 by the American Film Institute.





Final Verdict



The Dark Knight Rises serves as a fitting conclusion to Nolan’s Batman trilogy, delivering a film that is both epic in scale and rich in character development. While it may not surpass its predecessor, The Dark Knight, it stands as a testament to the director’s vision and the enduring appeal of the Caped Crusader.


Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)