Batman Begins (2005)

Directed by Christopher Nolan, Batman Begins (2005) is a superhero film co-written by Nolan and David S. Goyer. After an incident involving bats in his childhood, Bruce Wayne develops a fear of them. Years later, at the opera with his parents, he becomes unsettled by performers dressed as bats and asks to leave. Tragically, they are killed in front of him by Joe Chill, a mugger. Bruce is then taken in and cared for by Alfred Pennyworth, the family’s loyal butler. As an adult, when Chill is released from prison after testifying against crime boss Carmine Falcone, Bruce plans to avenge his parents. However, before he can act, one of Falcone’s henchmen eliminates Chill instead. Concerned for Bruce’s well-being and horrified by his plans to take matters into his own hands, Rachel Dawes – his childhood friend – confronts him about going against the justice system. Heeding her words, Bruce embarks on a journey that takes him across the globe where he hones his combat skills and familiarizes himself with the criminal underworld after encountering Falcone who believes true power comes from instilling fear in others.

In a Bhutan prison, Bruce is approached by Henri Ducard, who recruits him to the League of Shadows under the leadership of Ra’s al Ghul. The organization believes that Gotham is beyond saving and plans to destroy it. Despite completing his training, Bruce ultimately rejects the League and their belief that killing is necessary. In a daring escape, he burns down their temple and inadvertently causes Ra’s to be killed by falling debris. Bruce saves the unconscious Ducard and returns to Gotham with a newfound determination to fight crime. Taking an interest in his family’s company, Wayne Enterprises, which is in the process of going public under businessman William Earle. With the help of company archivist Lucius Fox, who was a close friend of Bruce’s father, Bruce gains access to prototype defense technologies including a protective bodysuit and the Tumbler armored vehicle.