Some moments define your place in history books in more ways than one. It could be a speech, an act of service, or simply standing for something bigger than yourself. But sometimes, the people or the cause you fight for may not be as "patriotic" as they appear. The question is: What part will you play in the reshaping of the new world as someone from the old one? On this day 10 years ago, Marvel Studios released the 9th entry in the MCU and I don't think it can be understated how vital this film was to the franchise at the time. Billed as a high-stakes political thriller, there is no denying that for many fans Captain America: The Winter Solider is one of the MCU's greatest entries. For me, I regard this film as my #1 favorite MCU film, my favorite superhero movie, and one of my favorite films of all time. Needless to say, I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! There are so many elements at play that make this film work on multiple levels. I can't stress enough how well-executed every aspect of this film is. From its characters, impeccable pacing, jaw-dropping action set pieces and fight choreography, top-tier writing, and one of the most game-changing twists in the history of the MCU, the movie was instrumental in turning me into a die-hard Marvel fan. In this post, I wanted to effectively give this movie its flowers and simply celebrate a film that was so influential to me in various ways.
After Steve Rodgers' MCU debut in 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger and his role in 2012's The Avengers, the announcement of a second standalone Captain America film raised the question: How do we make a character like Steve Rodgers complex and nuanced despite his boy scout aura? This was a challenge that directors Anthony and Joe Russo took to heart when they signed on. It was amazing that their first foray into the MCU left such an impact on the franchise left such an incredible mark. The Russo bros had an understanding of what made Captain America so great and they could take someone with his ideals and how to construct his arc as he constantly grips being a man out of time. It creates an interesting arc for Steve. Despite all he put himself through to become the man he is today, all he wanted to do was to serve his country. He never really thought about life after. It's a shadow that hangs over him for the rest of the Infinity saga but it starts right here. Lucky for him, there is someone who is his guide through these feelings both mental and psychological.
It is hard to find a more perfect introduction to former paratrooper Sam Wilson, portrayed by Anthony Mackie. For me, Sam's introduction is one of my favorites in the MCU just because of the merits of which he is presented. He is completely normal compared to Steve but the 2 of them hit it off instantly thanks to the mutual respect they have for each other. It is incredibly humanizing to see that despite being from 2 different times, they know that the trials of being a soldier are universal and run deep. As a person of color, Sam Wilson's inclusion is just the start of a long list of incredible contributions that the MCU made to bring more representation to mainstream media. Sam became such an integral part of the story and was equally instrumental in helping in the climax. It's no secret he became a fan favorite and is now at the forefront of the MCU's newest phase of worldbuilding.
While we are on the subject of worldbuilding, what puts this film above so many for me is what it did to the MCU as a whole at the time. It is rare when a film takes everything you think you know about something and flips it in a way where you are in utter disbelief. The reveal of HYDRA being secretly embedded within SHIELD sent shockwaves through me upon viewing. It was one of the greatest twists I have ever seen on film. I was already on edge thanks to the sense of unease and tension following the "assassination" of Nick Fury, but the twist added an extra layer of high stakes and tragedy to the narrative that truly made me question how this would affect the MCU moving forward. This twist changed the outlook of a lot of characters including Natasha who saw a reinvigoration of her character that elevated her above the perceived eye candy of the Avengers. She has a newfound conviction and a desire to do what is right when her institution turns out to be corrupt. She and Steve develop a relationship based on trust and mutual respect for one another as they both navigate a world that has turned everything they believe on its head.
This is a testament to the writing and pacing. There is not a second of this film that is wasted. Every moment builds to this and when the moment happens, you are breathless as you think back to everything and everyone you've seen and how they are now seen in a different light. The perfect example of this is how the film affected another MCU property that was occurring at the same time. Agents of SHIELD, which premiered just 8 months prior, was significantly affected by the events of this movie. The connective tissues that tied in with the movie truly made the experience of watching both back-to-back such a game-changer for me in terms of how I consumed pop culture media. Before Disney +, Agents of SHIELD was the only place I could try and get an MCU fix in between movies. This was such a game changer for me as it caused me to be fully invested in the happenings of the MCU from that point on. To put it bluntly, Agents of SHIELD and Captain America The Winter Soldier were instrumental in turning me into a full-on Marvel fan. After that, anything Marvel put out I was willing to give a chance to. I never experienced anything like this in all my years of consuming pop culture. Even years later, I still point to this as the moment when my love for this Cinematic Universe became locked in.
Despite all of that, the reason I love this movie so much is simply because...It's an amazing action movie. Its writing, pacing, and character development are all incredible aspects that deserve to be highlighted. But the film is an absolute blast from an action standpoint. The amount of standout set pieces is so well spread out and diverse. They vary in scale but are all expertly shot and choreographed with such precision and frenetic fluidity that is unmatched compared to the other films in Phase 2. Seeing Steve get nasty with it during the Lemurian Star infiltration at the start of the film was such a jarring yet irresistibly fun reintroduction to the character. It made him a more formidable fighter amongst the Avengers and showed he was more than capable of leading in a fight. Another favorite sequence of mine is the elevator scene at SHIELD headquarters. When I tell you this is one of the purest examples of how to perfectly build tension and deliver when the moment arrives to have action transpire. With every new goon comes the realization that something is wrong. It also showcases the emotional intelligence of Cap as he reads the room and understands the situation he is in. But despite the circumstances, Steve is never one to not display manners which leads to the greatest pre-fight line in the MCU.
NO NOTES!!! It is a perfect illustration of Steve's humility but a stern warning of what these men are
about to get themselves into. the rest of the sequence following that line is brutal, claustrophobic, and full-on hilarious, especially the final shot. The Russo's impeccable understanding of characterization and building anticipation and paying it off is one of the reasons why they are amongst the greatest directors to come into the MCU. But if we are going to talk about action, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing fight between The Winter Soldier and Steve.
This is an exercise in frenetic fluidity. The speed and power of these two characters trading blows is so much fun to watch and is shot in a way that truly captures the intensity of the brawl. The entire sequence is amazing with every aspect of it leaving you on edge. the artistry on display is impeccable with the fight being like a mini roller coaster ride that leaves little opportunity to catch your breath. The sequence ends with the reveal of Bucky being the Winter Soldier adding even more personal stakes to Steve's ongoing arc. It also paints Bucky as a tragic victim and pawn in the game of those he was unlucky enough to encounter. In the end, he takes the first steps in reclaiming his identity that won't be fulfilled until 2021's The Falcon and The Winter Solider. Sebastian Stan plays the character wonderfully and his chemistry with Evans made the emotional toll of the reveal hit harder. This made Bucky Barnes one of the most complex and nuanced characters in the MCU and a bonified fan favorite among many. Full marks for an incredible antagonist.
To say that I adore this film would be an understatement. Even a full decade later, it still never loses its entertainment value or staying power. For me, Captain America The Winter Soldier is one of the most important films in the MCU because of what it did for the franchise as a whole. It made Steve Rodgers a beloved member of the Avengers, introduced an awesome new character in Sam Wilson who is now on pace to be our new Captain America, reinvented Natasha Romanoff, and forever changed the trajectory of the MCU thanks to its game-changing plot. But mostly, I'm grateful for this film for it inspired me to fully invest in the MCU and I've been thankful ever since. People may have their favorites in this cinematic heroverse, but I will always ride with this outstanding superhero flick to the end of the line.
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