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This US R 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 are the main concerns. Fear gas, serial-killer dread and abusive origin material add weight. Appropriate for older teens who know the comics' darker side, not young Batman fans expecting lighter animation.
Uplifting themes
Review coverage calls it a superb adaptation with heroic sacrifice themes, though violence still dominates the experience 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!
Details
Violence Batman exhausts himself fighting escaped rogues before Bane breaks his…
Batman exhausts himself fighting escaped rogues before Bane breaks his back. Brutal beatings, near-lethal pummeling of Zsasz and Bane throwing Batman off a roof keep the violence hard
Language Infrequent strong language sits alongside the strong violence. Exact fr…
Infrequent strong language sits alongside the strong violence. Exact frequency is not fully documented, but language is not the primary concern
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 also tie into chemical enhancement themes
Frightening Scarecrow fear gas, serial killer Zsasz and Bane's relentless assault c…
Scarecrow fear gas, serial killer Zsasz and Bane's relentless assault create intense dread. The ending declares Gotham will become hell on earth
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 how his story is told, which may unsettle some viewers
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons Strong bloody violence and injury detail are clearly present. Producers…
Strong bloody violence and injury detail are clearly present. 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 also disobeys orders to investigate alone
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health Grief over Jason Todd's death and estrangement from Dick Grayson weigh…
Grief over Jason Todd's death and estrangement from Dick Grayson weigh on Bruce. 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. At the end, Alfred and Tim mourn Bruce's collapse
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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