Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
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The story
In a world where Superman has become a controversial figure following a catastrophic battle in Metropolis, the billionaire Bruce Wayne operates as the masked vigilante Batman. Having witnessed the destruction firsthand, Bruce views the alien as an existential threat to humanity. Meanwhile, the mastermind Lex Luthor manipulates Batman's fears, orchestrating a scenario that forces the two icons into a confrontation. As the public and the government react to the presence of a god-like being, the conflict between the man who would be a hero and the man who would be a symbol intensifies, while Luthor works behind the scenes to ensure their clash has devastating consequences.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Following a childhood tragedy, Bruce Wayne becomes the vigilante Batman, while Clark Kent lives as Superman. After a public battle with General Zod, Superman's presence becomes controversial. Lex Luthor, seeking to eliminate the threat of the alien, manipulates Batman into believing Superman is a danger. After a deadly explosion at a congressional hearing, Superman goes into self-imposed exile. Batman steals kryptonite to weaponize it against the alien. Luthor lures Superman out by kidnapping Martha Kent and Lois Lane. The two heroes eventually clash in Gotham, where Batman initially triumphs using kryptonite-laced gas. However, a shared realization of their common humanity leads them to team up against a monstrous creature unleashed by Luthor. During the fight, Superman is fatally wounded and dies in Lois's arms. In the aftermath, Batman and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) decide to form a team of metahumans to protect Earth from future threats.
- First release year
- 2016
- Runtime (minutes)
- 151
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Zack Snyder
- Writers
- Chris Terrio · writer; David S. Goyer · writer
- Cast and characters
- Ben Affleck · Batman; Henry Cavill · Superman; Amy Adams · Lois Lane; Jesse Eisenberg · Lex Luthor; Diane Lane · Martha Kent; Laurence Fishburne · Perry White; Jeremy Irons · Alfred Pennyworth; Holly Hunter · June Finch; Gal Gadot · Diana Prince / Wonder Woman
- Genres
- superhero
- Themes
- consequences of power; humanity vs. divinity
- Tone and mood
- dark; serious
- Premise and plot tags
- superhero; reboot; crossover
- Source material / true-story basis
- DC Comics
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, though the lead performances by Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot were well-received.
- Production trivia
- The film was inspired by 'The Dark Knight Returns' and 'The Death of Superman'.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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