Captain America: The Winter Soldier was far more successfully executed than any of Marvels Phase 2 films so far, because, despite huge plot points, the film managed to keep a lot of the action to a more intimate scale. This was due in no small part to the nature of the relationship between Steve Rogers and the Winter Soldier. Steve Rogers isnt a typical angst-ridden antihero, and many of his troubles stem from feeling lost and alone in the new century; this is driven home when he uncovers the Winter Soldiers identity as being that of the best friend that he thought had died back in the 40s. Throughout the film, hints are given as to the strength of the two mens friendshipincluding a touching flashback scene - which gives the conflict between Captain America and the Winter Soldier an emotional weight that sets it apart and above previous installments, because it creates a tortured but emotionally satisfying internal struggle for our hero. Even amid shocking images of Helicarriers exploding into skyscrapers, the true heart of the climax was the anguished fistfight between Steve and Bucky: the high-minded Steve is unable to fight back against his friend, forcing even the Winter Soldier to pull his punches. Certainly a departure from Marvels most recent antagonists, and with an emotional edge that even Thor and Lokis fractured bond could barely compete with. Despite this barely skirting the realm of cheese, the Winter Soldiers limited arc in the film is wrapped up perfectly in his final (pre-credits) scene, when he wordlessly drags Caps nearly lifeless body onto the shore and walks away without even properly remembering the man whose life he saved. Like this article? Let us know in the comments section below.
Canadian student. Spends probably an unhealthy amount of time enthusing over musicals, unpopular TV shows, and Harry Potter. Main life goal: to become fluent in Elvish.
