Captain America and the legacy of Steve Rogers was brought to life through Chris Evans’ performance. Created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon during WWII, the Nazi-punching, justice-seeking superhero was viewed as an embodiment of the perfect American soldier. Indeed, the vibranium shield that usually rests on Captain America’s back became a symbol of national patriotism. When the Marvel Cinematic Universe first started to take shape, Captain America was naturally bound to make the jump from the comics into the world of film. Thanks to Evans’ multi-picture deal with Marvel Studios, Captain America’s story was explored across a trilogy of solo movies and a quadrilogy of Avengers titles, giving audiences an in-depth look at the Star-Spangled hero’s time-jumping adventures.
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In addition to patriotism and morality, Captain America’s overarching narrative across the MCU explored ideas of loyalty and heart in ways other heroes’ projects didn’t. As such, Steve Rogers became emblematic of what it truly meant to be a good person and superhero. Captain America: The Winter Soldier, in particular, was a one-of-a-kind movie experience for MCU fans during its initial release. Here’s why it is the best MCU movie of all time.
It Was a Tonal Departure From Previous MCU Movies
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The shift in tone was much needed in order to give Captain America: The Winter Soldier the punch that left a lasting impact. The filmmaking formula in the MCU had struggled to break out of the box that it initially forced itself in, resulting in its films feeling too familiar to each other. Indeed, the seemingly “cut-and-paste” method of the MCU movie structure was—and, arguably, still is—one of the studio’s greatest weaknesses, thereby dampening the potential for cinematic growth.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier, however, gave itself permission to take itself seriously and to foremost serve its characters’ story arcs before serving its fans. This isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with fan-service, but The Winter Soldier’s refusal to insert narratively incongruous jokes, a now-standard MCU movie practice, was refreshing. There were no distractions to pull our attention away from the gravitas of the story.
More than that, the Captain America sequel dared to identify not only as a comic book-inspired film, but challenged itself to tread into new generic territory: the film wove elements of psychological and political thrillers, allowing for darker and more stoic elements to be featured in the MCU, elements that were foundational in Joe Simon’s original comics. This ultimately allowed a more intimate look at the humanity within the superhero. As much as The Winter Soldier provided expertly choreographed fight scenes and larger-than-life action set pieces, the movie also took pleasure in the quieter, more human moments between its characters.
Its Critique of Political Structures of Power is Relevant (Then & Today)
Comics, since their conception, have largely served as a political vehicle. Indeed, the political backdrop of Captain America, both as comic book character and a movie franchise, was fundamental to its narrative. After all, the character was first introduced as a form of anti-Nazi (and pro-America) propaganda in World War II from Timely Comics. Not only does Captain America: The Winter Soldier keenly keep in stride with these themes, but it also critiques them.
For modern audiences, the thematic resonance gestures towards the consequences of government officials overreaching in citizens’ lives and uncovers the, sometimes dark, truth behind the intentions of elected government figures. The hoarding of S.H.I.E.L.D’s most powerful weaponry and the incursion of spy organizations from Hydra strike similar notes to the most poignant of political thrillers, which, in turn, raises concerns over the handling of national security, whatever your allegiance may be. The Insight Helicarriers that watch over the world from S.H.I.E.L.D’s point of view are a direct nod to the constant surveillance that nations are kept under, effectively questioning the sacrifice of privacy for the sake of protection. The reflection of fear over national security and the distrust in government leaders is echoed throughout Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Despite its comics’ pro-nationalistic origins, the movie wasn’t afraid to raise questions of the validity and morality of the political strucutres of power that seek to govern and supposedly protect its citizens. It’s a concept that still rings true today.
Steve Formed Long-Lasting Relationships That Were Founded On Love & Loyalty (Not Superheroic Duty)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier was fundamentally about Steve re-evaluating what he wants for himself in the modern world. Along the way, the movie tested his limits in more than just a physical sense; his morals, values, and ethics were questioned. In the end, love and loyalty—more than nationalistic duty—dictated his choices throughout Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Indeed, the movie took the time to prioritize character relationships. Steve’s love and loyalty for Bucky “The Winter Soldier” Barnes (Sebastian Stan) made it paramount that he spare him. At the final moment, in fact, Steve decides to give up fighting Bucky because “he’s with him ’til the end of the line.” Despite the attacks from The Winter Soldier, Steve was able to see through the decades of destruction done to Barnes’ psyche, his surrender during the final battle between the two is an act of selflessness. After the loss of time with Peggy (Hayley Atwell), Steve couldn’t bear to lose someone else he loved. (This would actually serve as the impetus for the Avengers’ civil war in Captain America: Civil War; Steve always chose Bucky.)
Rogers’ distrust in Natasha “Black Widow” Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) and his moral beliefs pitted against Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)’s pragmaticism are not side barred by his loyalty to them. Instead, these personal challenges build on whether trust and loyalty are important to consider in heroism. He knows that he’s a man running out of time, determined to balance his relationships with those around him with his occupational obligations. The strain put on Rogers’ moral fibers over knowing he couldn’t trust Romanoff didn’t heed him from saving her from the missile strike. Even newcomer Sam “the Falcon” Wilson (Anthony Mackie) earned Rogers’ trust after the pair bond over their time in the Armed Forces, which gave way to a commentary on how veterans are perceived through Western media. From there, Wilson sided with Rogers through conflict upon conflict, earning his trust and loyalty by the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
