IMO, this movie was the best cinematic presentation of the Batman ever made...by anyone not named Nolan.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
I absolutely concur with your sentiments.
The Dark Knight is about the only film incarnation that tops this particular film in terms of the type of dark Batman fans have wanted to see for years.
This film cemented Mark Hamill’s Joker as the quintessential Clown Prince of Crime. So much so that almost every animated and video game incarnation of the villain has been voiced by Hamill. Not to mention Kevin Conroy’s Batman voice slays any and all who ever portrayed him on film - including Bale and Keaton.
I would say under the red hood finally one up’ed Mask but it took 20 years.