A perfect telling of how the clash between Batman, the Joker and Gotham City begins. The introduction of Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent is no less than what is expected for that character and the actor. The late Heath Ledger gives a stellar performance as the infamous Joker. He is so close to what you would assume the Joke would be (much better than Jack Nicholson in my opinion). Christian Bale's follow-up to Batman Forever is outstanding as he delivers Bruce Wayne more into what Batman is and less of himself.
This installment of the series may be a bit long, but it marries all the characters, schemes and dreams all into one. A bit of warning, it does have strong "humanity can win" content, which is to be expected of the "true" character of Batman.