Annlyel continues her series focussing on the best moment from every instalment in the MCU continuing with The Russo Brothers’ Civil War
When I first watched Captain America: Civil War I was utterly blown away. From the thrilling airport fight to the emotional beatdown Iron Man and Captain America inflicted on one another this movie checked all of my boxes. Now, it’s become one of those movies that aren’t as easy to rewatch as certain Marvel films but still manages to bring a smile to my face or a goosebump to my arms.
Civil War is laced with fantastic scenes that’ll either make you want to jump and down with joy or silently stare at the screen in slack-jawed wonder. There is, however, one moment that no matter how many times I see it always manages to make me say, “Wow.” And that moment is when Captain America gives up his shield.
After Tony Stark finds out Bucky Barnes killed his parents the film’s levity dramatically declines, becoming a morose, super serious story that plucks at the heartstrings as we are forced to watch former friends duke out in a brutal battle. Friendships are temporarily shattered, punches are thrown, a metal arm gets blown off, blood is shed, it’s a mess.
Captain America manages to stop Tony Stark by destroying his reactor, leaving Tony as this barely functional man with blood running out of his nose like, excuse the grossness, snot. As a beatdown Steve Rogers and his half-dead friend, Bucky Barnes, stumble away from the scene Tony begins to berate Steve Rogers.
“That shield doesn’t belong to you,” Tony says. “You don’t deserve it. My father made that shield.”
And what does Steve do? He hears Tony’s words and he drops the shield. It falls to the ground in a resounding clang that leaves the viewer feeling hollow inside. On the shield, it still bears the claw marks created by Black Panther‘s vibranium claws. As Tony manages to sit up the camera pans out, showing Tony in the middle, defeated, Captain America’s shield to his right and his broken helmet sitting to his left.
The symbolism in this shot gets me every time, as it clearly highlights the fracturing of The Avengers. Plus, paired with the morose music, this scene is designed to make you want to cry.
It’s hands down, the best moment in Captain America: Civil War. In fact, it’s one of the best moments in the entire franchise period, it’s that impactful to me. To be honest, that final fight scene with Iron Man, Captain America, and Bucky is the only reason why I’ve seen the movie more than ten times. 😁
Up next, one of my favorite Marvel movies; Doctor Strange.
The Future of the Force. The future of pop culture writing.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and featured articles? Just hit “Like” on our Facebook page and “Follow” us on our Future of the Force Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Author
Hello everyone. My name is Annlyel James. I’m a young woman who loves movies of all genres (specifically ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel movies.) I am also a Senior Correspondent for The Future of the Force.
