The Dark Knight (2008)

The superhero film, The Dark Knight (2008), was directed by Christopher Nolan and co-written with his brother Jonathan. It serves as the sequel to Batman Begins (2005) and is the second installment in The Dark Knight Trilogy. In Gotham City, a group of masked criminals stages a robbery at a mafia-owned bank. Amid betrayals and killings, the mastermind behind the heist is revealed to be none other than the Joker, who escapes with the stolen money. To combat organized crime in Gotham, Batman teams up with district attorney Harvey Dent and police lieutenant Jim Gordon. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne – Batman’s true identity – publicly supports Dent as Gotham’s lawful protector with hopes that it will allow him to retire and pursue a romantic relationship with his childhood friend Rachel Dawes, despite her current involvement with Dent.

The mafia bosses of Gotham meet to discuss protecting their organizations from the Joker, law enforcement, and the notorious Batman. Interrupting their meeting, the Joker proposes a deal – he will eliminate Batman in exchange for half of Lau’s hidden fortune. After tracking down Lau in Hong Kong with the help of Wayne Enterprises CEO Lucius Fox, Batman brings him back to Gotham where his testimony leads to the capture of the crime families by Dent. The bosses agree to the Joker’s offer and he proceeds to take out key figures involved in the trial, such as the judge and police commissioner. Although Gordon manages to save the mayor from an attack, the Joker warns that his actions will not cease until Batman reveals himself. At a fundraising dinner attended by Dent, the Joker targets Rachel and throws her out of a window but is saved by Batman.