Batman Begins

Batman Begins is the 2005 feature film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the first film in The Dark Knight trilogy.

The film stars Christian Bale in an extended origin story of his transition from a young victim of a violent crime, to a world traveler learning various forms of combat, tactics, investigation and psy-ops. He inevitably returns to Gotham and begins his one-man campaign to reform the city, and serve as a larger symbol. The film also stars Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Liam Neeson as Ra's al Ghul, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow and Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes.

Director Christopher Nolan was rightfully lauded for creating an intensely thought-out, grounded take on the mythos that was a further pivot away from the camp and fantasy of previous versions. Nolan co-wrote the script from David S. Goyer.

The film was a massive critical and box office success and elevated Nolan's reputation as the creator of intellectual blockbusters. It is followed by The Dark Knight.