This was an incredibly complex, visual, and emotional movie. So much grittier and deeper than the typical superhero movie that at times one forgets that it is a superhero movie.Highly recommended!
The performances of the actors were really quite good, with Heath Leadger shining the brightest. However, I feel that all credit goes to the director and other filmakers who constructed and developed a superb gritty action/drama.
Of note, this movie was quite violent and intense, with most of the violence being felt viscerally rather than seen. Thus, it is not for the small kids.
Spoilers: The filming in Chicago made Gotham feel like a current & real city; providing authenticity to the whole movie. It was also fascinating how every main character was placed on different places on the moral spectrum; giving it an added complexity.