MANILA, Philippines - After the critical success of ?Batman Begins? (2005), which was a remake of the Batman film series that was in hibernation for eight years, it would seem the film was possibly the darkest and best movie adaptation of the Batman ever.

However, the film?s sequel, ?The Dark Knight,? redefines the meaning of ?darkness? and insanity and takes the series to an entirely different level.

In the second chapter of the rebooted series, Batman (Christian Bale), with the help of Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and newly appointed district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), has just begun rounding up Gotham City?s criminals, when an enigmatic and deeply twisted crime mastermind known as the Joker (Heath Ledger) throws the entire city into chaos.

The Joker proves more than a match to Batman as his highly complex nature forces the Caped Crusader to go against all the beliefs he has fought hard for ever since he took up the mantle as the city?s masked vigilante.

Meanwhile, the Dark Knight?s alter ego, Bruce Wayne, is caught in a love triangle with Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and Dent.

With help of old friends such as Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), the man who created the Batmobile and the Batsuit, and Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), his butler, Batman is able to regain control of himself and successfully thwarts the Joker?s madman rampage once and for all.

Beautifully darker

Since the Joker has been depicted in a variety of ways in the comics?from a maniacal sociopath who brutally and whimsically murders people to a wacky clown thief?it is hard to draw comparisons between his characterization in the movie and in the graphic novel. However, Ledger?s masterful portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime, which is possibly the main highlight of the film, captures the villain?s true essence, resulting in a darker and more bizarre Joker.

From the Joker?s trademark maniacal laugh to his sadistic jokes and inhuman expressions, Ledger is right on track. His presence as the Joker dominates the entire film and depicts a side of the villain that was prominently shown only during his earliest appearances in the comics?a purely psychopathic and murderous freak who shows no empathy with anyone.

As in the comics, the real name of the Joker in the film is unknown. His origin was not shown in the movie and was only vaguely explained in his conversation with his victims and with Batman. However, in the comics, his origin is depicted: he fell down a large container of chemicals which permanently bleached his skin white, colored his lips red, and dyed his hair green?attributes retained in the movie but portrayed to a darker and scarier extent, thanks largely to Ledger?s acting.

If there?s anything missing in the Joker?s characterization in the film, it?s his weapons in the comics such as cyanide pies and poison-spewing flowers.

Overshadowed

Bale?s Batman is overshadowed by Ledger?s Joker, but the actor effectively fleshes out both Bruce Wayne, the millionaire who pretends not to care, and Batman.

Notably, Batman?s characterization in the movie shows a darker and more human side to him mainly due to his psychological battle with the Joker. In the film, the villain?s insane ruthlessness forces Batman to desperately struggle against his own idealism.

As in the comics, Joker seems to be always one step ahead of Batman and always has one ace up his sleeve, a portrayal that solidifies the belief that he is the Dark Knight?s greatest foe.

As for the other characters, particular mention should be of Rachel Dawes, who plays a major role in the movie and yet has no significant role whatsoever in the comics aside, from being Bruce?s childhood friend. Gyllenhaal does Rachel well, but Katie Holmes, who played her in the previous film, fits the bill better.

Two-faced twist

A major, albeit expected, twist in the movie is the appearance of Two-Face, originally known as Harvey Dent. Dent serves as Gotham City?s ?White Knight,? who relentlessly campaigns to rid Gotham of criminals.

The disfigurement of the left side of his face?thus his ?Two-Face? moniker?is significantly different from the one in the comics. Generally, the film retains Two-Face?s grotesque left half of the face and his coin-flipping habit to decide his moves.

Perhaps the movie?s only disappointment is that it fails to highlight the friendship between Batman and Harvey Dent, which is significantly depicted in the comics.

Before his face was disfigured in the comics, Dent formed a secret partnership with Batman, who would provide him the evidence he needed to prosecute criminals in court. No part of the movie is devoted to emphasize their friendship, except perhaps for the scene where Batman makes a deal with him to bring back a high-ranking criminal from Hong Kong.

In fact, Two-Face is used more as a symbol that even the most benevolent man could become corrupted, which is the central theme of the movie.

Over all, ?Dark Knight? is a highly intense and disturbing film with a substantial and delightful plot. It is a well-made work that is mainly powered by depth, psychological struggles and realism, not special effects.