Philippines and The Dark Knight

WELCOME TO A WORLD WITHOUT RULES

Is the setting of Batman's universe- The Gotham City but in the latest film, it is more likely as Joker's universe (thanks to Heath's so damn good portrayal of Joker). After watching the film, I can't help but to sigh over the familiarity of the story with the present Philippine scenario. The Anarchical Gotham- a city with overtly boisterous Joker as the head antagonist and same with having an "abiding my own law" night time hero- Batman fighting endlessly for their personal convictions and agendas, is so analogous with the pro and anti government dog-cat fight over the country's leadership. Our government officials can not conceal their selfish agenda whenever they are stubbing each others back and it clearly shows with the turmoil in Mindanao, the government controversies due to corruption and the undying search of many Filipinos for greener pasture abroad.

Joker as a social consciousness
In the movie. Joker stands for the "social consciousness" of the Gotham citizenry, he is the deleterious hubbub of the people because of all the discomforts they had due to the never ending furor in the city, that later on would blame it to batman's existence. There is also a scene in the movie where Joker tries to show that part of His as the "social consciousness" of the Gotham people to Batman by trapping the good citizens and the felons with a "who deserves a booby trap death." but to his dismay it is more likely that the people has another consciousness and that is, Batman himself.

**There is a Joker in each and every Filipino and most likely our government officials are agape windows of the Filipino Jokers, it is profound to say, they are our Joker.

Batman: Hero or villain?
Bruce Wane became Batman because of revenge. He is the product of Gotham people's dissatisfaction with the City' Police and Justice system. Batman do things on his own but because he is so good in battling the city scoundrels, he was recognized by the Gotham City Police or maybe by just Officer Gordon. But whatever good he does, illegal is always illegal so in the end of the story, he sacrificed the cape and accepted his fate as an illegal and anarchical hero- villain.

Batman is the other side of our social consciousness. All our frustrations and displeasure on the Philippine governmental and Justice system motivates us to create justice in our own ways, we became Batman for ourselves, for others and for the society.

Harvey and The Two-face
Harvey is the reflection of the optimistic Filipino youth who are dreaming and hoping that one day this country will change for the better but later on will alter because of the sour reality that soon will hit their faces that greatly influence their views.
In the movie, Harvey's white knight demeanor, optimistic view of Gotham were shuttered when his fiancee was killed in the middle of solving the faux pas of Gotham in the form of Joker, and later on concurred with the Joker's ideals and became Two-face.

All in all, The Dark Knight is a very good movie to watch. You have to be socially critical and sensitive while viewing the film for you to enjoy it.