Marvel have had many, many amazing films over the years. From Iron Man (2008) which started us on this road, to Avengers: Endgame (2019), which ended a decade-long saga; but didn’t end the story.
Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson in Captain America: The Winter Soldier / Picture Credit: Marvel Studios
In the midst of all that, is Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the film that really changed everything.
The movie follows Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), and the eager Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), as they fight back against a force members of SHIELD thought were long gone…
After a mission Rogers and Romanoff were on, Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) attempts to get access to the information Romanoff took. However, he cannot gain access. The odd thing is, he was the one who denied himself access.
This doesn’t sit right with Fury, so he tries to delay project insight; three giant Heli-carriers equipped with massive guns and jets. Fury wishes to use these to protect the world – Rogers does not see it the same way.
As Fury is in his car, he gets attacked by a swarm of ‘police officers’, however he quickly realises that they are not cops. Fury is killed by these men, and Rogers and Romanoff are shook.
It turns out, the head of secretary for SHIELD is not who he seems… Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford) is in fact HYDRA. He sent HYDRA after Fury to kill him.
However, not only does Pierce send HYDRA agents to kill Fury, he also sends him. The Winter Soldier.
Romanoff has had dealings with The Winter Soldier before, and claims that you can’t win against him; but Rogers has never faced him. The man behind the mask is none other than Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Roger’s friend from the military.
So now, on the search for information and after being deemed enemies of SHIELD by high-ranking HYDRA members within SHIELD, Rogers must enlist the help of his running buddy, Wilson, to help take HYRDA down and if needs be, Bucky, too.
After finding out Fury isn't dead after all, and that he made sure his death looked real in order to know who he could really trust, the team launch a plan to save the world.
This film’s storyline is a thing of beauty. Slightly complex but understandable, more than exciting enough to keep you focused and off your phone the whole time.
The narrative changes the course of SHIELD and its very existence, and for Captain America, who after being frozen in ice for so long, to see someone he knew from the old days is heartbreaking as they shared such a bond, but the Bucky he knew is gone.
The little nods and jokes throughout the film about Rogers’ age and the fact he’s missed out on so much are actually very charming and great ways to break the ice between action sequences. Rogers also has a little list of things to check out and its honestly adorable.
As you would expect with any Marvel movie, the cinematography is outstanding. Any time you pause this film you get a perfect shot. It is beautiful to look at and even with the plain colour palette, there isn’t one moment where you’re bored with what you’re seeing.
This film really is one of Marvel’s best, as they encapsulate hints of comedy, loss, grief, and make it all fit together in a film where there is a much bigger picture.
The introduction of Sam Wilson (aka Falcon) is also a great reason to watch this masterpiece; he and Rogers run together, with Rogers passing Wilson and every time saying, “on your left” as he can run ridiculously fast – its hilarious to watch Wilson attempt to keep up.
While Wilson and Bucky don’t get much time together in the film, and when they do they’re busy trying to knock each other out, it is a great start for the two as they develop a love-hate relationship in the subsequent films as Bucky learns about what HYDRA did to him, and he becomes more and more like the Bucky that Rogers knew.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is available to watch now on Disney+.
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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