Rating: PG13
Genre:
Fantasy
Theatrical Release: 06/15/2005(USA
Release Date: 05/12/2009
Flags: Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Children in Peril
Distributor/Studio: Warner Home Video
The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation of the perennially popular comic-book series. The young
Bruce Wayne (
Gus Lewis) leads a privileged life as the son of wealthy, philanthropist parents, both of whom stress their commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of crime-ridden Gotham City. After his mother and father are murdered by a mugger, however,
Wayne grows into an impudent young man (
Christian Bale), full of rage and bent on retribution until encouraged by his childhood sweetheart,
Rachel Dawes (
Katie Holmes), to search for answers beyond his own personal vendettas.
Wayne eventually finds discipline in the Far East under the tutelage of
Henri Ducard (
Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows who guides him in the study of martial arts -- and the ways in which an ordinary man can hone his senses to an almost superhuman acuity. After seven years away from Gotham,
Wayne returns, determined to bring peace and safety back to the city. With the help of his faithful manservant,
Alfred Pennyworth (
Michael Caine), and
Lucius Fox (
Morgan Freeman), a scientist at his late father's corporation,
Wayne develops a secret identity as
Batman, a masked fighter for justice. But when a shady psychiatrist (
Cillian Murphy) joins forces with the criminal underworld,
Wayne realizes that putting an end to their nefarious plans will be very difficult indeed.
Batman Begins also features
Gary Oldman as
Lt. James Gordon and
Tom Wilkinson as the crime boss
Carmine Falcone.
~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
;)
