3. He Rescues His Fellow Avengers
Seeing the Avengers who fought for Captain America at the Raft prison definitely strikes a cord when you realize just how broken the Avengers as a group have become. So when Steve Rogers appears at the very end of the film to bust them out, it’s definitely a satisfying moment. And, it also highlights one of Steve’s greater qualities: he doesn’t leave a man behind even if it seems there’s not much that can be done in the situation. Not only is it clear he is breaking them out of jail, he’s also forming his own team. Which is just as equally badass.
2. He Abandons His Shield
While some of us were expecting an ending closer to the Civil War comic, what we ended up getting was, to a degree, better. If every character is at fault as the film demonstrates, then Steve Rogers leaving his shield behind is a poignant moment to what the comic attempts to get across. For this version of the Civil War story, things were personal for Steve. His judgement was clouded at times. And, because of that, he knows he cannot be the Captain America the world needs. He cannot be the symbol America wants him to be.
This falls in line with the events of Winter Soldier. America, and consequently, the world, have become something foreign to Captain America. It chooses to go down a path Steve does not believe in. And, because of this, he can no longer fight under the Captain America symbol.
At least, until Infinity War comes. Then maybe things will be different.
1. He Apologizes to Tony in the End
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, one of the difficulties with coming up with a list that highlights Steve Rogers’ “best moments” in the film is the simple fact all the characters’ good moments do not outweigh their bad ones. If Steve Rogers has any salvation in this film for the mistakes he makes, it’s the final moment when he writes to Tony. Not only does he write to Tony, he apologizes for the mistakes he’s made. And that says a lot about Steve Rogers.
But there’s more to that. Steve leaves a burn phone: a peace offering. An offer to help if help is ever needed. He has left behind his shield by this point, it is no longer his duty to help. And yet, he still offers it. If there is any sign of hope in this movie, it is this moment when Steve swallows his pride, something Tony couldn’t seem to do until the last act of the film, and offer his help not as Captain America but as a friend.
What do you think are some of Captain America’s best moments in Civil War? Does he redeem himself by the end of the film? Share your thoughts on Twitter!
