Our take
This R-rated direct-to-video animated film adapts the Knightfall saga as Bane frees Arkham's inmates and breaks Batman's back. Strong bloody violence, burning deaths, and a darker tone than most DC animated titles make it appropriate for older teens, not young Batman fans.
Uplifting themes
The Nerds of Color calls it a superb adaptation with heroic sacrifice themes, though violence dominates Batman and Robin show dedication but also unhealthy overwork. Alfred and Dr. Shondra advocate for rest and care
Story (may spoil tone)
Arkham Asylum has been destroyed, and all its inmates have been unleashed upon Gotham City. As Batman races to round up some of his greatest enemies, he is pushed to his physical and mental limits and into a final confrontation with a new threat: the man called Bane!
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Batman exhausts himself fighting escaped rogues before Bane breaks his…
Batman exhausts himself fighting escaped rogues before Bane breaks his back. Wikipedia describes brutal beatings, near-lethal pummeling of Zsasz, and Bane throwing Batman off a roof
Language Infrequent strong language alongside strong violence. Exact frequency i…
Infrequent strong language alongside strong violence. Exact frequency is not fully documented
Sex / nudity No sex found in this title
No sex found in this title
Drugs / alcohol Bane's origin involves the experimental drug Venom, which enhances his…
Bane's origin involves the experimental drug Venom, which enhances his strength. Scarecrow and Riddler scenes tie into chemical enhancement
Frightening Scarecrow fear gas, serial killer Zsasz, and Bane's relentless assault…
Scarecrow fear gas, serial killer Zsasz, and Bane's relentless assault create intense dread. The ending declares Gotham will become hell on earth
Sexual violence Young Bane beats a prison janitor to death after an attempted grope, es…
Young Bane beats a prison janitor to death after an attempted grope, establishing trauma tied to abuse in Santa Prisca prison
Child peril / abuse Young Bane grows up in a brutal prison. Abusive origin scenes are part…
Young Bane grows up in a brutal prison. Abusive origin scenes are part of the story
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons Strong bloody violence and injury detail are board-documented. Producer…
Strong bloody violence and injury detail are board-documented. Producers pushed for on-screen burning deaths and explicit violence to earn the R rating
Dangerous behaviour Batman pushes past exhaustion and refuses help, modeling risky solo her…
Batman pushes past exhaustion and refuses help, modeling risky solo heroics. Robin disobeys orders to investigate alone
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Bruce wrestles with grief over Jason Todd's death and estrangement from…
Bruce wrestles with grief over Jason Todd's death and estrangement from Dick Grayson. Exhaustion and trauma drive his breakdown before Bane's attack
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Jason Todd's death haunts Bruce through Scarecrow-induced hallucination…
Jason Todd's death haunts Bruce through Scarecrow-induced hallucinations. Alfred and Tim mourn Bruce's collapse at the end