Batman: Year One

This 2011 animated movie is adapted quite directly from a graphic novel of the same name.  It’s a rather good origin story, plotting the course of two men arriving in Gotham – Bruce Wayne after years of travelling and training, and Jim Gordon, an honest policeman who the other cops shun as he’s…well, honest.

We see Bruce try and figure out how to make a difference after getting stabbed in a seedy area of Gotham after picking a fight with a lowlife, and trying to figure out how to make himself much more imposing and scary, but also begging his father for a sign as he slowly bleeds to death…to have a bat smash through his study window.

Meanwhile Gordon settles in and takes the rough with the rougher.  But he’s tough and brave, and makes his mark, taking down corrupt policemen (including the commissioner of police) and him and batman form a working relationship.

We also get some other significant characters present – specifically Harvey Dent and Catwoman, as well as a mention of The Joker.

There’s also a good short in the Bluray edition, a 15 story focussing on Catwoman tangling with gangsters that’s pretty good.

Rating: GOOD 7/10, suitable for older teens upwards.