An intriguing action spectacle

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2014)

The Winter Soldier provides visually striking action set pieces with a gripping plot that resonates various political themes that question the ethical considerations of national security and the limits of military control.
The audience is provided with an intriguing moral compass embodied in the character of Steve Rogers who serves as a perspective to the new elaborate systems that SHIELD intend to use as a means to fight foreign threat. While Captain America appeared in previous Marvel instalments as a proverbial image of the American way without much depth, here he is given the emotional and philosophical development needed to appreciate his character. The film is given an opportunity that was denied in the avengers due to the abundance of main characters to focus on the hero's struggle to adapt to the modern world that is both technologically and morally convoluted.
The fight sequences are also portrayed with intensity and realism without overblown special effects, which makes them more satisfying and comprehensive. There is also a great deal of emotional intensity created between Rogers and the primary antagonist of the movie making the fight sequences both visually and emotionally compelling and painful in some places. Along with its effective action sequences and political themes, The Winter Soldier is much more than an action film, it delves deep into the issues of national fears, paranoia, political exploitation and questions of morality which is a surprising mixture of elements to be found in a marvel film.