At the time of writing this, the Winter Soldier has just kicked Sam Wilson/Falcon off one of the Helicarriers. The Hydra asset tore one of the EXO-7 Falcon wings off the pack, keeping the newly introduced hero grounded. I had an intuition to rewatch Captain America: The Winter Soldier for the umpteenth time only to realize it’s the 11th anniversary of the Marvel movie’s theatrical release: April 4, 2014.
Talk about perfect timing.
To celebrate the milestone, I revisited the film and chose 12 of my favorite moments. The task was far from easy—it’s one of the best MCU movies and one of my favorite movies in general. There’s plenty of action, great lines, and heartwrenching moments. So many scenes are ones in which I will recite the script with the characters because I know it that well and enjoy those parts so much. So, though I can theoretically do this all day (“this” being listing everything I love about Captain America: The Winter Soldier), I can’t realistically do this all day.
“On your left”
Dare I say the opening scene of Steve Rogers outrunning Sam Wilson during their respective morning runs around the National Mall is the best in the entire MCU? The scene is a simple, effective way to introduce a new character with more subtle humor and fun. The calm of the D.C. morning also serves as a great contrast to the high stakes and heartbreak ahead.
Natasha’s Smithsonian joke
Captain America: The Winter Soldier isn’t a comedy by any means, but it really does have a good share of clever humor sprinkled throughout. One of my favorite laughs comes when Natasha pulls up in a Corvette and asks Steve and Sam, “Either one of you know where the Smithsonian is? I’m here to pick up a fossil.” Affectionate humor about Steve being born nearly a century ago is always a good time, and Natasha delivers it perfectly.
Cap versus Batroc
Batroc may never actually admit it, but he had to regret his arrogant comment about Steve being more than a shield. Because sure, Cap would’ve won that fight anyway. But you bet Steve felt extra motivated to bring his A-game once Batroc egged him on.
Visiting Peggy
Steve getting to visit Peggy Carter at the nursing home is incredibly bittersweet. He gets to see and speak with someone from his time, but he’s in such a different part of life than Peggy, who has dementia. Just like the cofounder of S.H.I.E.L.D. tells him in that scene, “I have lived a life. My only regret is that you didn’t get to live yours.”
You see them bond, reminisce, and converse about the present. But then the dementia hits, and, suddenly, Peggy is surprised by Steve’s presence. My heart can’t help but sink for them both. Despite that, it is heartwarming how well Steve handles the situation. He could easily dwell on what he has lost, in general and in that moment with Peggy, but he doesn’t. He supports and comforts her during an overwhelming experience.
Sam leading a veteran counseling session
This scene is pretty brief but so crucial to establishing who Sam is in the MCU. The “on your left” montage offers a comparison to Steve and leads into basic background information. Seeing Sam actually lead fellow veterans through a counseling session offers a deeper understanding of who he is as a person and how he interacts with others. It’s great how this sets the tone for how, when he becomes Captain America, Sam works through things, especially conflict with others. Having Sam be a VA counselor is also a wonderful way to pay homage to the character’s comic background as a social worker.
The elevator fight scene
If you know, you know. No explanation needed.
When Jasper Sitwell being a smartass worked against his favor
Was it dumb of Sitwell to tell Steve that it’s “really not (his) style to throw (him) off the roof”? Yes. Do I care? No. That’s what he gets for getting cocky—in addition to be Hydra.
Steve, Natasha, and Sam approach the situation in such a nonchalant manner. Steve goes on to readjust Sitwell’s attire after threatening him, and Natasha casually continues her mission to find Steve a date. Then, Sam is calm, cool, and collected about catching and throwing Sitwell back onto the roof. It’s a great glimpse at how the trio naturally works well together—even early on. It also speaks to Steve and Natasha’s familiarity with each other’s styles since joining the Avengers.
“Who the hell is Bucky?”
I love a good reference to source material, and this reveal is pulled straight from the comics.
Natasha’s misdirect with the Winter Soldier
Natasha Romanoff is a super spy assassin, so it’s easy to first think of her as this expert fighter whose agility, stealth, and training puts her on a whole different level. But Black Widow proved that being a great spy also involves unparalleled intelligence. I’ve always appreciated the misdirect she employs in the fight against the Winter Soldier by drawing him in with a voice recording. That kind of smart thinking is essential when you’re fighting Hydra’s go-to Super Soldier assasin.
Steve’s speech to S.H.I.E.L.D.
My hope is that any of the legitimate S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who were never Hydra didn’t need to hear Steve’s speech to get them on the right side and stand against Nazis. But I would fully believe his inspiring monologue provided extra motivation for them to take down all the fascists who tainted the organization (and elsewhere). And in a film full of fantastic fighting, I prefer Steve’s speech to all of them—except for maybe the elevator fight.
Telling Brock Rumlow to “shut the hell up”
Sam Wilson has no time for your Hydra nonsense, Rumlow. I think he spoke for all of us when he responded to the fascist manifesto with a complete lack of interest in the subject matter, all while the Triskelion was quite literally falling apart.
Steve’s surrender
If you want to describe Steve Rogers as a “fighter,” then I won’t necessarily disagree. It’s not inaccurate, considering the “I can do this all day” mentality he has lived by since his pre-Super Soldier serum, scrawny military reject days. But, more than anything, Steve Rogers is a protector. He doesn’t fight just because. He fights to help and protect others—to stop bullies. Not to mention the fact his weapon of choice is a shield.
So, after stopping Hydra, Steve’s surrender to the Winter Soldier—his best friend—is a testament to his character. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is renowned for its impressive fight scenes. But there’s so much power in Steve choosing to back down.
“The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it’s a price I’m willing to pay. And if I’m the only one, then so be it.” – Steve Rogers/Captain America, Captain America: The Winter Soldier
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