‘Winter Soldier’ challenges viewers to question national surveillance

By: Jacob Bailes

   “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is without a doubt the most politically-charged movie released by Marvel. Besides Stark Industries’ weapons manufacturing for the military in the Iron Man movies, this is the first to blatantly touch on real life issues. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) returns to present day after being frozen for decades in ice at the end of “The First Avenger.” “The Winter Soldier” resumes from that with him getting accompanied to the modern world. Rogers is struggling to adapt to the modern era while working for S.H.I.E.L.D. While fighting terror, things heat up due to the mysterious Winter Soldier threatening citizens’ lives and American beliefs. The Winter Soldier is a brainwashed assassin who executes without thought.

   While Captain America is battling the Winter Soldier, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) helps bring them down by leaking classified information that shows HYDRA’s sinister plans. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) secretly gives her missions that Rogers wouldn’t be comfortable with.

   Rogers’ classically liberal beliefs and sticking to his old school ways shows his doubt in national surveillance, a prevalent theme throughout the movie.

   Distrust in national surveillance and power being in the hands of just a few are two ways the movie coincides with Edward Snowden providing information that the NSA is spying on us and whether we should sacrifice our freedom for security. Ultimately, the message is that putting trust in an overpowered, centralized government is dangerous and we can prevail without giving up our freedom.

   The movie is filled with plenty of action and deep, thought provoking storyline. If you haven’t seen it already, I strongly recommend you do. It has an excellent plot and provides a good transition from the first Captain America movie and “The Avengers.” It’s also worth watching because it provides a look into actual problems we face as a nation. Be sure to stay after the credits too for a sneak peek into an “Avengers” sequel.