Top 15 Villains: #14- Ra's Al Ghul

14. Ra’s Al Ghul (Batman Begins; movie)

            Ra’s Al Ghul, which is Arabic for “The Demon’s Head”, is leads the League of Assassins (or Shadows, depending on the writer) with  the solitary goal to knock the population of mankind down a few notches so he can save the Earth…and possibly enslave it and be ruler of everything ever. In the comics, he is able to rejuvenate his body due to a natural pool of chemicals called a “Lazarus Pit”. However, since I’m talking about Christopher Nolan’s version of the character in Batman Begins, it’s very unlikely that this applies. All thanks to Nolan’s persistence to keep his Batman “realistic”…to keep “Batman Realistic”…still don’t get that. Don’t people read comic books and watch movies to get away from reality because it sucks? Sorry, off topic.

I like Nolan’s interpretation of the character mostly for two reasons:

1. He’s played by Liam Neeson (of Taken fame),

2. This version of the character looks and sounds like Liam Neeson.

I mean, holy shit, hearing Liam Neeson intellectually trash-talk Batman is awesome enough alone, but having him play possible one of the biggest threats to ever face the Dark Knight…that’s just something I can’t explain. However, all praise aside, Ra’s is kind of a one-track villain. His plan in the movie (destroy Gotham City) is very clique, as is most of the plans his comic counterpart has. He keeps a menacing presence throughout the film, ending with a climactic battle of skill against his former student, Bruce Wayne.  

I admit, it wouldn’t be fair to base the judgment of the character only on the actor who played him, so let me elaborate on Ra’s Al Ghul as a whole. While following the very basic motivations for world domination, he does provide an interesting disposition which catches my interest. He wants to wipe out humanity, yes, but he legitimately thinks this will deliver a type of environmental balance to the world. Without mankind, then pollution would end, resources will replenish, forests will grow, etc. He wants to save Earth by killing those who abuse it…his heart might be in the right place, but it’s carrying a shotgun.

Oh, and what kind of comic fan would I be if I didn’t mention Ra’s obsession with Batman? Yes, like all the others in the Wayne rogue gallery, old Ra’s has Bats on the mind. Apparently he feels that Batman is the only person worthy of being his successor once he finally decides to die…and he would be right. Batman already has top-assassin training, as well as being a natural leader; Ra’s would be stupid to think anyone else better for the job.  Problem is, Batman doesn’t want to be his heir, which leads into several conflicts, which leads to Batman sleeping with Ra’s daughter (Talia), which leads to Bruce having a son. Yep, Damian Wayne (the current Robin) is the product of a man who dresses like a bat, and the daughter of a master-assassin environmentalist…only in comics. 

Despite being simple at times, Ra’s Al Ghul has established himself as a threat big enough for the entire Justice League pay attention to. Especially if he’s being played by Liam Neeson…man, that’s awesome.