Too late, I know. But this has got to reach the Web. This had been my first review in my Film 100 class.

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Batman is human after all. Behind the mask of Gotham City’s mysterious nocturnal hero is a person vulnerable to pain and fear, a person who has had a past of unspeakable horror, a person who has just chosen the path that had been destined for him to take. This is what director Christopher Nolan and his colleagues tell us in their contribution to the Batman saga, Batman Begins.

The film is a prequel, which makes its title quite apt to the story. It brings us back to the time when Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) was yet a tormented soul, a man seeking revenge of his parents’ death, which he had witnessed firsthand as a child. Here we see Bruce Wayne the Fresh Princeton Grad find himself in the abode of ninjas who call themselves the League of Shadows. There Bruce undergoes rigorous trainings, those which demand not only physical strength and agility but extreme mental alertness as well. It is also there where Bruce learns how to conquer fear which, as the Master (Liam Neeson) says, is done only by becoming fear himself. However, an unexpected turn of events happens, resulting in Bruce Wayne’s inevitable yet initially twisted transformation into the bat-inspired phantom that he ultimately becomes.

There is that distinct gloom throughout the story, and I like it that way. With everything at Gotham City being predominantly black or gray and the characters’ moods usually somber, Batman Begins has no place for comedy. Well, save for Lucius Fox’s (Morgan Freeman) witty one-liners in discrete parts of the movie…and of course, the “black (uh) tank” thing. Conversations are frequently serious; topics range from Bruce’s parents’ demise to Bruce’s inclination to do vengeance to his rough and gradual enlightenment about the fine line between justice and revenge. The film takes a different perspective compared to its predecessors. There is great emphasis on the human spirit (and a beleaguered one at that) that is in eccentric billionaire Bruce Wayne. His motivation to save Gotham City from destruction by becoming Batman is clearly shown.

It is also praiseworthy that the movie delivers something with strong moral undertones. It even led me to a moment of serious contemplation. What is the difference between justice and revenge? And what really is the defining factor that makes me me? Lawyer Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes) is the unlikely sage who answers these difficult questions for Bruce and me. Incidentally, she also becomes Bruce’s lover.

The actors also perform just fine. Christian Bale disappears into Bruce Wayne’s personality almost effortlessly, though sometimes his distorted facial bone structure scares my wits away. Michael Caine, however, proves to be the best choice to wear Alfred’s impeccably shiny shoes with that distinct paternal halo around his head. And as usual, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, and Gary Oldman (as Sgt. Gordon) are as convincing as they can be in their respective roles. Katie Holmes, in the meanwhile (though I don’t remember watching any of her past films), delivered well enough for me to consider Rachel Dawes a strong, wise woman.

The screenplay is acceptable at worst and natural at best. Editing is effective; foreshadowing, subtle. The conspicuous flaws in Batman Begins seem to be just the lack of more action and stunts and more thrilling car chases. The Batrover, despite the breakneck speed, is not even that…well, good-looking. We find consolation, however, in the acoustics; digital surround system is utilized to its full potential.

All in all, Batman Begins creates a sub-genre of its own. It is not just a superhero movie; it is a superhero movie with a poignant human feel.