In honor of Captain America: Civil War's release in Digital HD, and its release on Blu-Ray on September 13th, it is a great time to revisit the #1 superhero movie of the year. The Avengers are divided in this riveting 13th installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in what is definitely its most emotional installment to date. Here are the five most powerful moments in Marvel's latest box office hit:
<SPOILERS AHEAD>
5. Black Panther encounters Zemo
"Vengeance has consumed you, It's consuming them. I am done letting it consumer me." - T'Challa (Black Panther)
One of the best scenes in Avengers: Age of Ultron was the scene between Vision and Ultron in the forest. Joss Whedon's Shakespearean dialogue brought humanity and peace between Vision and his creator, both two sides of the same coin. This film attempts another scene between a hero and villain, this time with Black Panther and the film's fantastic antagonist: Helmut Zemo. Cutting back between the battle between the two main characters, this scene shines the most with its writing. In this moment the mystery behind Zemo unravels, showing his motivation and how the incident in Sokovia left him without anyone to care for. Without superpowers, or a evil organization behind him, the subtlety and the silent portrayal of Zemo makes him one of Marvel's best villains, tearing The Avengers apart without throwing a single punch.
4. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderling
"When you can do the things that I can, but you don't, and then the bad things happen, they happen because of you." - Peter Parker (Spider-Man)
Emotionally, this is not a sad scene, but one that makes Spider-Man fans around the world cry tears of joy. Not only is Tom Holland perfect as Peter Parker, he gets better every time people re-watch the film. Starting with the word QUEENS spread across the frame, and Alt-J's Left Hand Free setting the tone, the scene is such an incredible introduction to Peter Parker. Holland comes off as charismatic, funny and full of energy, fitting into the Marvel Cinematic Universe quite well. He successfully holds his own with big stars like Robert Downey Jr in what already feels like a sweet mentor-trainee relationship, that not only adds character growth to Parker, but Stark as well. All of this without even wearing a suit. From his conversation with his aunt, to his rephrased "with great power" monologue, to worrying about his homework, this scene is perfect, and Marvel has found an amazing Spider-Man.
3. So Was I
"That shield doesn't belong to you. You don't deserve it. My father made that shield" - Tony Stark (Iron Man)
Let me take this part of the paragraph to praise the Russos. Joe and Anthony Russo have made two incredible superhero movies, that not only have fantastic characters and large steaks, but major consequences and repercussions for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This scene shows that it will be hard to come back together after the events of Civil War. The Avengers are now split apart, Steve Rodgers is no longer Captain America, and no longer holds his mighty shield. This scene shows how far Rodgers and Stark are willing to go in tearing each other apart, and how far Steve is willing to go for his best friend. Rodgers feels the guilt and realizes his sins in this culmination of all he has done. By leaving his shield, and leaving Tony helpless he no longer sees himself as the Star-Spangled Man with a plan. Downey and Evans absolutely kill it in this scene.
2. RHODESSSSS!
"I'm Sorry" - Sam Wilson (The Falcoln)
After years of saving the world, costing innocent lives, The Avengers actions have finally caught up to one of their own. I know what you're thinking: "But Rhodey isn't dead?" Living the rest of his life as a disabled "veteran" Avenger may be worse. He can no longer save the world, and live the life he once had. He will probably never suit up again (unless they ruin the importance of this scene by making Rhodey all well in Infinity War.) He is and will remain to be a living reminder of what The Avengers can do to themselves and others by representing consequences. This makes Rhodey a key component in what makes this such a fantastic movie . The scene expresses so much with so few words and triggers Tony to take down Rodgers, even if it is on his own.
1. Mission Report: December 16, 1991
"An empire toppled by its enemies can rise again, but one which crumbles from within... that's dead.... forever." - Helmut Zemo
This scene is Captain America: Civil War's acting at its finest. Just the thought of Tony Stark finding out and watching how his parents died right in front of their killer, is emotionally crushing. Robert Downey Jr. seeing the events unfold feels raw and genuine, with the anger boiling up inside of him. The audience themselves are along for the ride as it is revealed that Bucky Barnes, Captain America's best friend, was the reason Tony never recovered from the guilt with his parents. As soon as Stark asks if Rodgers knew, the audience understands and knows what he has to do. At this moment Zemo wins, and as Civil War comes to a close, they are torn apart.