Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

The film opens amidst the ruins of Metropolis, the sky darkened by smoke and fire as the aftermath of the catastrophic battle between Superman and General Zod unfolds. The date is unstated but recent, a haunting memory etched into Bruce Wayne's mind. Inside a crumbling building, Bruce witnesses the death of Wayne Enterprises employees caught in the crossfire. His voiceover reflects a somber meditation on power and fallibility: "There was a time above… a time before… there were perfect things… diamond absolutes. But things fall… things on earth. And what falls… is fallen." This trauma ignites a deep-seated fear and resentment toward Superman, whom Bruce now sees as a potential threat to humanity.

Years later, Gotham City is a dark, brooding metropolis where Batman operates with ruthless efficiency, branding criminals with a bat symbol to mark them as his prey. Meanwhile, Superman (Clark Kent) continues his efforts to protect the world, but public opinion is divided. His actions during the Metropolis battle have left many questioning his accountability. Senator June Finch leads a congressional hearing at the US Capitol to scrutinize Superman's unchecked power. The tension escalates when a bomb, secretly planted by Lex Luthor inside a wheelchair, detonates during the hearing, killing everyone present except Superman. The explosion devastates the Capitol and further polarizes public opinion. Superman, wracked with guilt for failing to prevent the attack, retreats into self-imposed exile.

Lex Luthor, a wealthy and enigmatic businessman, reveals his obsession with Superman and his manipulative genius. He infiltrates the Kryptonian scout ship that crashed in Metropolis, accessing its advanced technology and biological secrets. Lex's experiments culminate in the creation of Doomsday, a monstrous hybrid born from General Zod's DNA and Kryptonian technology. His plan is to pit Batman and Superman against each other, weakening them both to secure his own dominance.

In Gotham, Batman steals a chunk of Kryptonite from LexCorp, fashioning it into gas grenades and a spear. He dons a heavily armored exoskeleton to compensate for Superman's godlike strength. His vendetta is personal and unyielding; Batman views Superman as an alien menace whose unchecked power must be stopped before more innocent lives are lost.

Lex kidnaps Lois Lane and Martha Kent, Superman's adoptive mother, using them as pawns to force Superman into a deadly game. He throws Lois from the roof of LexCorp Tower, knowing Superman will save her. After the rescue, Superman confronts Lex, who coldly reveals the extent of his manipulation: he has orchestrated the distrust and conflict between Batman and Superman, fueling their animosity to serve his own ends. Lex demands that Superman kill Batman in exchange for Martha's life.

Superman seeks out Batman to warn him, but Batman, blinded by fear and anger, attacks immediately. Their confrontation is brutal and intense, set in an abandoned warehouse rigged with Kryptonite traps. Batman's Kryptonite gas weakens Superman, allowing Batman to land powerful blows. Superman fights back fiercely but is repeatedly subdued by the gas. The battle escalates until Batman corners Superman, preparing to deliver a fatal strike with the Kryptonite spear. At that moment, Superman gasps, "Save Martha," pleading desperately. The name stops Batman cold--Martha is also the name of his own deceased mother. Confused and shaken, Batman hesitates. Lois Lane arrives and explains that Martha is Superman's mother, revealing the truth behind the plea. Batman's rage dissolves into compassion, and he races to rescue Martha Kent from Lex's captivity.

Meanwhile, Lex activates his ultimate weapon: Doomsday. The creature bursts forth from the depths of the Kryptonian scout ship, a terrifying behemoth capable of absorbing and redirecting energy. Batman, Superman, and Diana Prince--who reveals herself as Wonder Woman, a meta-human with extraordinary abilities--join forces to confront this new threat at the Port of Gotham. The battle is fierce and destructive; Doomsday's power overwhelms them as he tears through the city's defenses.

Batman deploys Kryptonite gas to weaken Doomsday, while Wonder Woman uses her strength and agility to restrain the creature. Superman, though still recovering from his earlier fight and weakened by the Kryptonite exposure, finds the courage to retrieve the Kryptonite spear. With Batman and Wonder Woman holding Doomsday in place, Superman impales the monster with the spear. But the victory is pyrrhic--Doomsday retaliates with a lethal bone protrusion, stabbing Superman through the side. Mortally wounded, Superman collapses as the creature dies.

In the aftermath, Lex Luthor is arrested and imprisoned. Batman visits him in jail, warning, "I'm always watching." Lex cryptically gloats that Superman's death has left Earth vulnerable to even greater alien threats, hinting at darker forces looming on the horizon.

Clark Kent's death sends shockwaves through the world. A public memorial is held in Metropolis, where citizens mourn the loss of their protector. A private funeral takes place in Smallville, attended by Lois Lane, Martha Kent, Bruce Wayne, and Diana Prince. Martha gives Lois an envelope containing Clark's engagement ring, a poignant symbol of his love and plans for the future.

In the film's closing moments, Bruce reveals to Diana his intention to form a team of meta-humans to safeguard the world in Superman's absence. He references the files he discovered in LexCorp's database, containing information on other potential heroes like Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. As they leave the funeral, the dirt atop Clark's coffin begins to levitate subtly, signaling the possibility of Superman's resurrection and the dawning of a new era of heroes.

Throughout the film, every death underscores the high stakes and the cost of unchecked power: Wayne Enterprises employees perish during Zod's attack; Senator Finch and the congressional attendees die in the Capitol bombing orchestrated by Lex; Anatoli Knyazev (KGBeast) is killed by Batman during a high-speed chase; and ultimately, Superman sacrifices himself to stop Doomsday. The film's tension builds relentlessly through these losses, the betrayals, and the shifting alliances, culminating in the formation of the Justice League and the promise of hope beyond tragedy.

This is a story of fear and misunderstanding, manipulation and redemption, where heroes clash not only with villains but with each other, only to unite against a common enemy. It ends with the world mourning a fallen hero and preparing for the battles yet to come.

In the ending of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," Batman and Superman face off against a monstrous creature called Doomsday, which is created from the remains of General Zod. After a fierce battle, Superman sacrifices himself to defeat Doomsday using a kryptonite spear. Batman, who had been conflicted about Superman, mourns his loss. The film concludes with a funeral for Superman, where Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) discuss the need to unite a team of heroes, hinting at the formation of the Justice League.

Now, let's delve into the ending in a detailed, chronological narrative.

As the climactic battle unfolds, the scene shifts to a devastated Metropolis, where the monstrous Doomsday wreaks havoc. The creature, a grotesque amalgamation of Zod's body and advanced technology, emerges from the ruins, its appearance marked by a rocky exterior and glowing eyes. Superman, having just reconciled with Batman, takes to the skies to confront this new threat. Batman, equipped with his tactical gear and a sense of urgency, joins the fray, albeit reluctantly, as he grapples with his own feelings about Superman.

The battle is intense and chaotic, with Doomsday displaying immense strength and resilience. Superman and Batman work together, but their efforts are hampered by the creature's overwhelming power. The city around them is caught in the crossfire, with buildings collapsing and civilians fleeing in terror. Amidst the destruction, Wonder Woman arrives, her presence a beacon of hope. She joins the fight, showcasing her combat skills and determination.

As the battle rages on, Batman realizes that the only way to stop Doomsday is to use a kryptonite spear he had previously crafted. However, the spear is located in a dangerous area, and retrieving it becomes a perilous mission. Batman, driven by a newfound respect for Superman, risks his life to obtain the spear. He faces Doomsday's wrath, narrowly escaping with the weapon.

In a pivotal moment, Superman takes the spear from Batman, understanding that he must be the one to deliver the final blow. He flies towards Doomsday, who is preparing to unleash a devastating energy blast. In a heart-wrenching moment, Superman plunges the kryptonite spear into Doomsday's heart, but in doing so, Doomsday fatally stabs him with a bone protrusion from his own body. The two titans fall, lifeless, to the ground.

The scene shifts to a somber atmosphere as the world mourns the loss of Superman. A funeral is held, attended by friends, family, and citizens who once feared him. Bruce Wayne stands at the forefront, grappling with his emotions. He reflects on the complexity of Superman's character, realizing that the hero was not just a symbol of power but also of hope and sacrifice. Diana Prince stands beside him, and they share a moment of understanding about the need for unity among heroes.

In the final moments, Bruce and Diana discuss the future. Bruce expresses his determination to honor Superman's legacy by assembling a team of heroes to protect the world from threats. The scene fades out, leaving viewers with a sense of impending action as they hint at the formation of the Justice League.

As the credits roll, the fates of the main characters are sealed: Superman, having sacrificed himself, is mourned but not forgotten; Batman, now more resolute in his mission, prepares to lead a new alliance; and Wonder Woman, having found her place among them, stands ready to fight for justice. The film closes on a note of hope, despite the heavy loss, suggesting that the fight for good continues.

In "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," there is no traditional post-credit scene. However, there is a brief moment during the credits that features a montage of various characters and elements that hint at the future of the DC Extended Universe. This includes glimpses of the Justice League, setting the stage for the upcoming films. The credits roll with a somber tone, reflecting the weight of the events that have transpired in the film, particularly the conflict between Batman and Superman and the implications of their actions. The absence of a specific post-credit scene emphasizes the film's focus on the themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the consequences of power.

Batman's motivation to fight Superman stems from his deep-seated fear and distrust of the alien hero's immense power. After witnessing the destruction caused during the battle between Superman and Zod in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne feels a personal responsibility for the lives lost, including those of his employees at Wayne Enterprises. He views Superman as a potential threat to humanity, believing that someone with such power could easily become a tyrant. This fear is compounded by his own traumatic past, leading him to take on the mantle of Batman with a singular focus on stopping Superman.

Lex Luthor orchestrates a complex plan to pit Batman against Superman by exploiting their vulnerabilities and fears. He uses the public's fear of Superman, fueled by the destruction in Metropolis, to sway public opinion against him. Luthor also manipulates Batman by planting evidence that suggests Superman is responsible for the death of his friend, Jimmy Olsen, and by revealing the existence of a powerful weapon, Doomsday, which he intends to unleash. By creating a narrative that frames Superman as a threat and Batman as a necessary protector, Luthor successfully ignites their conflict.

Martha Kent plays a crucial role in the climax of the conflict between Batman and Superman. During their intense battle, Batman is about to deliver a fatal blow to Superman when he hears Superman plead, 'Save Martha!' This revelation that both heroes share the same name for their mothers--Martha--shocks Batman and forces him to confront his own motivations. It serves as a turning point, highlighting the shared humanity between the two characters and ultimately leading Batman to reconsider his actions and the fight against Superman.

Kryptonite serves as a pivotal plot device in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.' It is the only substance that can weaken Superman, making it a critical tool for Batman in his quest to confront the alien hero. Lex Luthor acquires Kryptonite from the wreckage of Zod's ship and uses it to create a weapon that can incapacitate Superman. The presence of Kryptonite symbolizes the vulnerability of Superman, contrasting with Batman's reliance on technology and human ingenuity. It also represents the lengths to which Batman is willing to go to protect humanity, even if it means using lethal force.

Wonder Woman, also known as Diana Prince, plays a significant role in the conflict as a mediator and eventual ally. Initially, she observes the battle between Batman and Superman from the sidelines, intrigued by their struggle. As the conflict escalates, she intervenes during the climactic battle against Doomsday, showcasing her own formidable powers. Her presence not only shifts the dynamics of the fight but also symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of heroes. Wonder Woman's involvement highlights the theme of unity among heroes, as she ultimately helps Batman and Superman realize the importance of working together against a common threat.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" contains several elements that may not be suitable for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects:

1. Violence and Action Sequences: The film features intense action scenes, including hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and large-scale destruction. Characters engage in brutal fights, and there are moments of significant physical harm.

2. Death and Loss: Themes of mortality are prevalent, with characters experiencing loss and grief. There are scenes depicting the aftermath of violent events, including casualties.

3. Dark Themes: The film explores heavy themes such as fear, vengeance, and moral ambiguity. The characters grapple with their identities and the consequences of their actions, which may be complex for younger audiences to understand.

4. Intense Emotional Moments: Characters experience deep emotional turmoil, including feelings of betrayal, anger, and despair. These moments can be quite heavy and may be distressing for sensitive viewers.

5. Mature Language: There are instances of strong language that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

6. Imagery of Destruction: The film includes scenes of widespread destruction, including buildings collapsing and chaos in urban settings, which can be unsettling.

Overall, while the film features iconic superheroes, its darker tone and mature themes may not make it suitable for all viewers, particularly children.