The Dark Knight (2008), directed by Christopher Nolan, follows Batman (Christian Bale) as he faces off against the chaotic and ruthless Joker (Heath Ledger), who aims to plunge Gotham City into lawlessness and force Batman to question his own moral limits. The film picks up with Batman, district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), and police lieutenant Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) working together to dismantle the organized crime in Gotham. However, their efforts are thwarted when the Joker, a brilliant yet unpredictable criminal mastermind, emerges with an agenda to create fear and anarchy.
The Joker tests Batman by placing Gothamβs citizens in impossible moral dilemmas and targeting those close to him. Through psychological manipulation and terror, he pushes both Batman and Harvey Dent into dark places. Dent, who is initially a symbol of hope for Gotham, tragically transforms into the vengeful villain Two-Face after a devastating accident, which marks his fall from grace.
The film explores themes of heroism, duality, and sacrifice, with Bruce Wayne ultimately realizing the cost of his role as Gothamβs protector. Batman takes the blame for Two-Faceβs crimes to protect Harvey Dentβs legacy and keep hope alive in Gotham, ending with him as a fugitive. Heath Ledgerβs iconic portrayal of the Joker, combined with Nolanβs intense storytelling, makes The Dark Knight a powerful, morally complex, and visually stunning chapter in Batmanβs journey.