The opening scene of Captain America: Civil War in Lagos receives praise from a military expert. This film, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, was released seven years ago and had a lasting impact on the Avengers. Although the movie is known for its unforgettable moments, the attention given to its action sequences is often underestimated. In a recent video released by Insider, John Spencer, a retired US Army officer and urban-warfare researcher, analyzes the opening scene in Lagos and provides insights into how the Marvel Cinematic Universe portrays urban warfare. Check out the video below:
He discusses the usefulness of drones and the realism of X-ray visions. However, Spencer is particularly impressed by a specific scene in Captain America: Civil War featuring Steve Rogers. Here is his complete statement:
While it may be highly unlikely for someone to throw their Vibranium shield in the air, what this scene represents to me is what we refer to as a three-block war. In urban warfare, the safety of civilians is a key concern, and soldiers must balance the protection of people with their mission objectives. There are clear restrictions on what can and cannot be done. This scenario, where a soldier with strong values strives to safeguard the civilian population while fulfilling their mission, is highly plausible. In terms of realism, I would rate it around a six.
Captain America Praise Makes The MCU's Civil War More Tragic
Marvel Studios used Captain America: Civil War as a build-up to the conclusion of the Infinity Saga. The incident in Lagos introduced several storylines that unfolded thereafter. One of these was the dissolution of the Avengers, stemming from the conflict between Iron Man and Captain America regarding the Sokovia Accords. This conflict later became personal due to Bucky's involvement in the deaths of Howard and Maria Stark.
The question of who was truly correct in Captain America: Civil War continues to be a popular topic of discussion among fans of the MCU. Regardless of the answer, it is heartbreaking to consider the aftermath for the Avengers following the events in the film. In particular, Spencer's admiration for Steve Rogers emphasizes that, ultimately, everyone was striving to do what they believed to be right. Sadly, the Sokovia Accords painted him as a villain, despite his genuine intentions to serve humanity.
Captain America: Civil War may not be a perfect film, with frequent criticism aimed at its cinematography and visuals for lacking depth and excitement. Nonetheless, it undeniably stands as one of the finest offerings within the MCU to date, owing to its captivating plot, superb acting, and pivotal role in shaping the grand finale of the Infinity Saga.