Soldier is a grossly underrated movie, and probably Kurt Russell's best performance. He only has a handful of lines of dialogue, so all of his expression is physical, and he does a fantastic job.
One of the best things about this movie is that with all of the trials and tribulations Sergeant Todd goes through, there is no sudden shift to normal emotional human being at the end of the movie. Despite displaying some feelings, he stays largely distant and emotionless.
@@bootlegga69 no but that scene at the end of the movie where he picks the kid up and they look out the window at the stars shows that he has went through a rmarkable and profound growth. Seriously it's a beautiful movie and one of my favorite Sci-Fi movies of all times
@@cheeseburgerinparadise7124 The look on the other Soldiers face show that they are not yet ready to "reintegrate" and still they look at their Sergeant like he just mastered a powerful new skill.
I found your comment to be really meaningful and I appreciate your willingness to share it with the rest of us. Thanks for that and thank you for your service as well.
I also have a limited experience of certain theatres. The most difficult and shocking thing that I found on returning to civilian life was the luck of trust .. both ways! Inside there was this certain knowledge that the guy next to you would lay it all down just to keep you out of harm's way. And he took comfort in the knowledge that you would do the same for him, without a moment's pause. Everyone on your team including you carried this comfort blanket around and there was a certain subconscious nirvana about it all. When you come out that safety blanket is cut from your mind with the single stroke of an accountant's pen. It is truly shocking at how little trust there is out there and how "me first" the civilian world is. That is what is most difficult about getting out.. at least for me.
After getting out of the military it took me a few months to adjust to civilian life I can't say I've fully adjusted even after 14 years I could only imagine how difficult it would be for a person trained from childhood that never experienced life as a regular person to adjust
It’s weird how most societies going back centuries had cleansing rituals and an understanding that returning warriors need to be transitioned back into society after war times, but modern times have seemed to do away with any of that. It’s a failure as a civilization what we ask of our soldiers, without giving the support for the human being coming home
I didnt see action & dont think I changed much when I got out but was still frustrated with not fulfilling my potential & with civvies mostly just assuming vets are different. I filled the hole by reading a lot and now my theory is it's not that soldiers changed over time but society did. When we had national service in the UK every one conscript or professional shared a sense of responsibility but once they got rid of it that left a hole in society and had a foreign legion effect with the military, society made it someone else's job & chose to forget about it.
@@GenerationFilms Thank you for looking for the deeper meaning of a warriors struggle to adapt to a world that doesn't need him anymore where most people only saw a good action movie.
I first saw this movie about ten years ago. All was fine, what I expected up until the moment the woman saw how emotionally damaged and distant he was then gave him a hug. As he stood there in her arms he began to shake uncontrollably without hugging her back. Then it struck me just how badly he was messed up. He had absolutely no clue how to respond. She let go of him, took a step back and looked in his eyes. She was badly shaken, perhaps as much as he was. I found this quite upsetting and even shed a tear. The poor man. P.T.S.D. close-up, massive psychological trauma revealed. I've watch this movie many times and it gets me every time. As with you, for me it's about the soldier who suffers in silence and ostracism, the brave and selfless rejected and misplaced, the nomad surrounded by the thankless. Todd the odd finally becomes Todd the dad, adapting to his new role as soldier, socialiser and leader. His character development and journey were a suprise to me. I highly recommend this movie.
Hm honestly I always thought that he was actually panicking and fighting against his training. As a soldier there was never need for such close proximity to someone else, other than to kill him. So normally this kind of interaction would result in combat and would mean he is under attack.
We need to stop referring to P.T.S.D. As a disorder. There is an entire movement started by Veterans to refer to it as P.T.S. For those returning home from War. There’s a difference between P.T.S.D. And P.T.S.. Post Traumatic Stress is a normal response. A disorder is an abnormal response.
@@murderouskitten2577 Honestly, it doesn't matter. Take away the flag on our uniform or any sort of national identity and we are nearly all the same. We are soldiers or sailors or Marines or airmen. I run into personnel that were or are service members in other countries and quite often we find that we are cut from the same "cloth" so to speak.
@@Joshua-qm3um And this ( what you just said ) is a reasson why i like people in military like you - you guys are most based and human part of humanity :)
As a Gulf War veteran, I can tell you that upon watching this movie, I thought it captured how I felt for years after returning to civilian life. For me, the scene where Todd is watching the settlers celebrating from above captures it best. The profound impression of otherness, disconnection, and lack of purpose or belonging can be overwhelming. Of course this feeling is often juxtaposed with a longing for the simplicity and singularity of purpose of military life. Despite the abject horror that waging war entails, civilian life will forever be far more ambiguous, and thus prove infinitely more complicated to navigate. Veterans often are misunderstood, marginalized, and invalidated upon our return to civilian life. Even though we are conditioned and trained to give us the best chance of success in the military, little is done to prepare us again for civilian life. I hope some day to see re-entry programs for veterans, much like those designed for convicts returning to life outside of prison. I think the two populations have much more in common than most are willing to admit. I see this in the "odd man out" theme present in not only this film, but Demolition Man, and Judge Dredd. The line you draw attention to, uttered by Rico in Judge Dredd in relation to innocence is a matter of timing neglects what are arguably the more crucial components of setting and context. As a civilian, my brother went to prison for doing essentially the same things I received medals and commendations for while in the military. I think those aspects are better explored and conveyed in Soldier than either Demolition Man or Judge Dredd. However, viewed as a kind of philosophical triple feature, these three movies could be considered to call for a sufficiently thorough and nuanced exploration of the themes you identify in each movie, and how and where they both converge and diverge. Or at least that's how I happen to see it. Thank you for your insightful presentations.
Indeed. We need to rebuild soldiers after service and help shift their perspectives. The number of homeless vets in Australia (where I live) and the USA is way too damn high, not to mention the suicide rate!
@@Ocker3 It's a result of the arrogance and ignorance of the civilian populations. And probably a lot of fear, imo. They see us as "ticking time bombs" because they have no handle on the hows and whys of our reactions. My wife doesn't understand why I "have no friends".
A line from heartbreak ridge to Clint Eastwood’s character, “you should be in a glass case, marked ‘in case of war, break glass.’” It’s impossible to train men for war and peace simultaneously.
Reminds you of A episode of STTNG, A single episode? It reminds me of at least 3: in season 4 you got The Wounded (a Capt cant accept peace after a treaty makes long time enemies now allies. Also in season 4 is "Suddenly Human" The crew encounter an alien ship crewed by teenagers trained as soldiers including a human boy that they have to try and crack his emotionless soldier training and reach his humanity- just like in the movie. But I think you're referring to the episode in season 3 "The hunted" where a biologically enhanced soldier escapes a government prison on his homeworld and runs loose on the Enterprise.
Dude knows how to use his eyes. They can go dead as marbles or cold as ice. Watch the scene in Tombstone where he is slapping around Billy Bob Thornton
Church his reply after the replacement with the new super soldiers , my father was in maintenance and he always said , if it ain't broke , don't fix it
If anyone really wants to understand this concept: After 23 years of working for this company, your services are no longer needed!! Those words break your soul!!
I’m a veteran and when I left the service I felt like I was free falling without a parachute. In my unit my fellow soldiers would give their life for me and I for them. In the civilian world no one will waste a chance to protect themselves.
The brotherhood is what I miss the most. An automatic family who might make fun of each other but always has each other's back. Even the crayon eating marines. :)
@@wakefieldallan never will I be as close to any group as I was with my squad mates. Alas of the 14 men I graduated Ranger school and who were in my unit, only 4 of us are alive. Only three were lost in combat. The others were due to misadventures , car accidents, one cancer, and a two suicides. This goes out to my veteran brothers: If you find yourself in need of help please please reach out, you are not alone.
From an Ole Coastie, please know that you really are never alone. Some of us stand behind you in your blind spot. If you need us we can be there. Reach out.
@@suzannehartmann946 I beg to differ. Suzanne if you were in uniform I had your back, no matter if you were a nurse, a book keeper, an infantryman or an Aviation mechanic. You were as much my military family as my squad mates. As far as esprit de core we might have been on another level due to experience but I would have bought you a beer and shot the breeze with you just the same. A week ago I was in a restaurant and an elderly WW2 veteran was eating with his daughter ( also past retirement age) when I noticed he needed help walking to his vehicle after dinner. I introduced myself as a fellow veteran and let him steady himself on my arm as I escorted him and his daughter to their vehicle. When I returned to my table, another patron of the restaurant stopped me and shook my hand, he said what I had done was wonderful, but asked if I knew the man. I replied “ he is a fellow veteran who gave of his limited time on this earth to a larger idea, and because we share that common ideal he was my brother in arms” As are you Suzanne. Thank you for your service.
Never understood the "decommissioning" of the older soldiers. They can provide advanced field training to the new ones, or be advisors in the field. Something to be said about a Senior Veteran Sgt advising butter-bar graduates or recent BCT/AIT graduates in real life. Their experience alone was worth their weight in Gold Pressed Latinum
That's the point. They were considered completely obsolete. Their experience was mentioned a few times in the movie but passed off by the officer (not sure if that was for plot reasons or they were really depicting a newly minted officer - they are worthless in reality). It's also implied that due to their lack of field experience Todd was able to win. The old ones did get pushed for something else, but were put there mainly because they were 'expendable' at that point and there was no legal issues (like rights for a person) for a crappy job.
I'm a veteran (22 years active) and this movie (and your commentary) struck home. Don't like crowds, or parties. Find it hard to trust. 16 years out and it's still a challenge. Thanks for making this.
After 2 years in Iraq on the front lines, I am not to big a man to admit that this movie chokes me up. Especially the "fear and discipline" line. That one really hits home for me.
Glad you mentioned it. It's one of my favorite of all time. Doing all sorts of insane things in the military, I've found that this saying, and the movie it comes from, is the simplest way to explain it. The way he said it, and the way she reacts is perfect as well. People have always had extreme reactions when I've told them that. That fear is the number one thing you feel, the vast majority of the time. Fear is what makes you do everything. Then when she wigs out he says discipline; fear and discipline. Fear makes you do everything. Literally. Discipline is what makes you choose the right things to do. It does make those mental health questionaires a bit tense though.😅
*snake plissken and jack burton are two of my favorite personalities...also like Roddy Piper from They Live...easily quote one of them a few times a week*
A story like this would fit perfectly in Halo. They've danced around the issues over the years, but I'd really like to see a dedicated story about a Spartan trying to adjust to life outside of the military.
The Spartans would do *okay* doctor Halsey specifically wanted them to be free thinking *humans* as opposed to organic machines like other super soldiers. In fact she was seriously against brainwashing the Spartan 2s and they were trained harshly but not brutally. She also actively encouraged independent thinking from the Spartan 2s.
Halo: Nightfall (live action movie set sometime after Halo 3 that introduces Locke while he was still ONI) had a retired Spartan II as one of the main characters. He'd settled down on a colony world as their senior military officer, had a kid, and generally adjusted fairly well prior to the movie's start, but still stayed in a martial capacity.
I'm pretty sure that the children being abducted and made into supersoldiers in the movie was definitely an inspiration for Halo. Especially when 343 took over on Halo 4.
@@sneakyking , while not "officially" confirmed as being in the BR universe, the writer said he considered Soldier to be a spin-off of BR. Some of the battles Todd fought have the same names as battles Roy referred to in BR.
I am also a 10 Veteran, and I can tell you it difficult to go from that environment to civilian life. The military changes the core of a person. I had a hard time just being able to communicate with family and friends. I did get back to normal but took a few years. I felt the movie was spot on. To all the vets out there, hang on it can get better.
Soldier was underrated and I'm glad its getting attention. Its almost weird to see it mentioned with how few people had heard about it while i was a kid.
The greatest example that Todd still possesses his humanity and feelings is at the end of the movie. Sandra's son walks up to him and, as so many small children do, reaches his arms up to be picked up. Todd scoops him up and faces him out the spaceship window so he can see. One of Todd's former squad mates sees this and give him a quizzical look. Todd just looks back, shrugs like it is no big deal, and turns back to the window holding the little boy. It is obvious from these small actions in this scene that Todd loves the little boy... he may not completely understand the feeling but it is plainly there for all to see. Huge Kurt Russell fan and watching him sell scenes without using a word of dialog is simply amazing.
This has always been one of my favorite movies. After serving 9 years in the Marines, and seeing too many times how humanity treats each other it is not hard to see why Soldiers such as this would be cultivated. I do see not only myself in the character that Russel portrays but many of my fellow Veterans.
7:44 Fear and Discipline. Always. I was active duty when I saw this movie for the first time. I still remember that realization, that what I was experiencing wasn’t strange or overwhelming. I understood what I was feeling more clearly, and I think that my eventual transition back to civilian life was made easier because of that understanding. If you happen to be reading this; Thanks, Kurt. You told the truth.
Married into a forces family, seeing them go from child to soldier the civilian is heart wrenching. Truly we civilians do not deserve the loyalty and sacrifices these men and women make for our futures. Thank you for bringing this struggle to a broader audience and for covering a childhood favourite.
I think this is one of the best movies ever made. Mainly because they were able to tell a story without the main actor having to say very many words. And still ensure the audience was able to follow along in the journey. It also showed many aspects of being a solder that many people will never experience; but of course this was beyond to norm. Also, enjoyed your commentary and found it pretty observant. Have a good one.
Paraphrasing Jocko Willink as best as I can "One of my favourite movies of all times, there's this one scene where the hero is asked about his motivations, and he replies with *fear and discipline* That was so awesome!"
A measly film analysis that just touched my heart as a veteran of war. I’m a marine infantry vet with deployments under my belt from about 13 years ago and I don’t think you understand how well you just happen to understand what veterans go through. That, or you just so happen to put it to words better than anyone I’ve heard in a while
Thank you for this American Ben! I really do appreciate you taking the time to explore a lot of these older movies from my childhood. Backck in the dark ages when we didn't have RUclipsrs to break down movies for us. It sucks you kept getting copyright claims but I enjoyed the video nonetheless and as difficult as it may be please continue doing it.
One of the things I love most in Soldier was the final battle between Todd and Cain. It has no dialogue, we're weaned on our action film villains Monologuing or bantering with the hero in this clash of ideology, but Todd and Cain just fight, because they have nothing to say to each other. They're both just performing their duty.
2:03 "Just because a writer or director wants their film to be about something they might accidentally convey stronger messages about something else." Me - I am looking at you Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers
I dunno man. It was supposedly a parody, with ass and action to keep people from walking out. That's pretty much how I took it. If you're going for for accidental contradiction, watch the later seasons of American Horror Story. My opinion of course.
If you want to understand Starship Troopers, you have to read the novel. The book is based on it, but cannot capture the depth. Robert Heinlein is among the best science fiction writers ever.
I feel like this is something of the message Robert Heinlein was trying to convey in Starship Troopers. Great video Ben, I had forgotten about this movie.
Good analysis. I just retired after 20 years in the military of which I spent 18 years planning combat operations and determining munition effectiveness. The transition to civilian life was difficult and my skill set is isn't applicable any more. This movie didn't have a market when it was released but, it would now.
Appreciate your work. Maybe we should send soldiers to Civvie Life training before retirement, just like we use Basic Training to start turning them into warriors.
@@Ocker3 I know the Air Force has a mandatory 1 week course called TAP (Transition Assistance Program) where we wear business attire and learn basic resume writing and earned benefits but it seriously needs to be longer.
Something interesting to consider is *what happened afterwards?* They have the military ship, and they are heading to the original colony planet intended for the Villagers. With a mixed crew of the survivors from the village and former Super Soldiers (the class of 1993) who are now _in a state of flux regarding their identity_ - and desperate to be relevant again, which Todd just gave them. Riley is almost crying as he sees that Todd is his leader again, and that Todd appreciates him _as a Soldier_ with a salute. But at the same time the situation is also confusing as the Villagers are now with Todd, and they seem accepting of the 1993 Soldiers - their gratitude to Todd and their understanding of his nature and emotional limitations mean they will be able to treat the Soldiers with care and understanding. So what sort of society would develop on their new World? And how many of the female villagers are now widows…like Sandra?
Navy corpsman since 1978. Ended up with 42 years of active duty, reserve, and VA Gov't service. So, I could never stop being a corpsman. Very interesting commentary from G-films for this movie. I still have anxiety with "thank you for your service" from the pink haired cashier.
Best piece of advice I ever got that helped me through adjusting: You are not the same person anymore. You need to pay attention to your new thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Understand how you are different and try to understand how and why the experience is have changed you.
I love this movie, and have watched it countless times. I’m also a retired Army officer and Iraq War veteran. Your analysis is spot on, great job. Todd is an (exaggerated) metaphor for all soldiers.
This movie has a special place in my heart. I had terrible parents and no siblings. I got out of the military after 4 years of being an Army Ranger in 1998 and had just gone through a life shattering divorce as well. I felt alienated, angry, misunderstood and found it impossible to understand or bond with "normal" people for a few years. This movie was an extremely overexaggerated story of much of what I suffered. I could 100% see myself in many of the scenes Kurt did and it brought me comfort that someone could see (even in the over the top sci-fi Hollywood way) the damage done to many of us due to the things we go through can rule us and be extremely hard to break through to become truly human. It also showed that the trauma does not define us and that we can still aspire to be better than what we were made into. There can be happiness after, it is possible, sometimes you can salvage yourself.
To all the veterans and active servicemen and women reading this, no matter your nationality, thank you for your service, thank you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make. Words cannot express my respect and gratitude.
Some servicemen and women defend their countries literally, others only figuratively. Don't lump war tourists in with those who actually defend their country and people. When my grandfathers were shooting invading Russians at the front, they were making sacrifices. When you have to travel halfway across the world to find a purely hypothetical threat, that's horseshit.
I don't think you really understand the business and the full job of " protecting your interests " When you have a interest or a nation that is a " Ally " that is being threatened well then you do what you need to do to " Protect and to Serve "
Soldiers deserve soldiers. I remember my boys, who refused to leave the line even when they were sick, injured, or in some cases even had broken bones. Some of them were so scared they cried and peed their pants but they stayed on the job. They didn't even want to accept their medals because they thought they'd done "nothing special". Now that I am an ex-Soldier (never a civillian), what I find hard to adjust to is how people can't work together towards the simplest of goals. They put their needs first and then act surprised when things don't "get done".
As a vet, the two things that messes with us the most are the change in the ever-present camaraderie and the loss of purpose. In the service you live your life to prepare for and to execute the/a mission. You have a job and a given task that works towards a greater whole. That line "I'm gonna kill them all, sir" speaks to that. He lost his purpose when he fell there. He then found himself in familiar territory. He knew his role and how to accomplish his mission.
There's one part that I think you should have commented on. Right before you says I'm going to kill them all he refuses to train them because soldiers deserve soldiers! As a former Soldier I found that very profound
I had it in my notes to discuss but I had to pick and choose quotes from within single scenes as to not attract the attention of the censors! Ultimately I went with the other line, I think it's more relevant to my angle, but ya'll have done a nice job filling in the rest!
This line should have been put much more better like this- A Soldier deserves a soldier who knows a soldier best.. that should have been put more philosophically.. but the rest is history
One of Kurt's Russell greatest chareacters. He show us so much just using eyes and micro-expressions. The way he trembled with a hug. How he fly away from christmas party chaos and goes to see from above. Tells a lot not only from soldiers and PTSD otherwise, people isolated from human contact and kindess could be feel related too. One of my favorite movies.
I got out of the marines in 2008 and I don’t think I’ve ever fully readjusted to civilian life. I think what really helped was talking to guys that fought in Vietnam, Korea, and even WW2 and them saying that you never fully readjust and that’s ok. You can’t expect people to understand what you’ve seen overseas and there will always be a disconnect between you and the people you fought to protect. Thanks for the video this was always one of my favorite movies.
I just looked up this film on IMDb - turns out the teenage Todd was played by Wyatt Russell, Kurt’s son. So that’s why he really looks perfect as a young version of Todd.
You should check out Scorpius from Farscape. He is a extremely in depth villain with a dark backstory and a goal that would ultimately save the galaxy from his perspective and he is a extremely intelligent individual.
I spent 8 years on active duty in the army, my transition was a little rough at the start. It was made easier by the fact that I was still in the national guard. Still being attached to that life.....even if only once a month, was a life saver. It gave me the time needed to transition without feeling alienated.
I work in the film industry as an asst propmaster/armourer. One of the greatest joys I get to do by having this position is I get to read the scripts. By reading the scripts especially the first draft or " production draft " usually white page script but after that one you get all the revisions and you get to see how the writers want the audience to feel. Your discription of this film reminds me of me reading scripts and figuring out the underlying messages usually 2 that the writers are trying to convey. Love this movie and love you review
Thank you sir. Thank you for not degrading what it means to be a soldier. You hit it spot on. The part that hurt me was the fact that you pointed out the drug and alcohol use. You weren't wrong. They train you to feel nothing at all but then throw you back into society where people dismiss you. I've been out for over 5 years and just now have a control on my alcoholism. This is the best description I've seen of how hard it is for most soldiers to rejoin society. We don't know how to ask for help because we are the help. I still can't ask for it today.
As a psychologist, I can vouch for your interpretation following your more recent viewing. Nailed it in one: Soldier isn't so much a sweeping commentary on society as a great depiction of how the training and experience of soldiers can be so at odds with the society that asks them to do those things. Very good video. Keep it up.
Man, I remember when this movie came up on tv years ago and I thought to myself "Pffft, looks like a generic 90's action scifi", but I ended up sticking around out of curiosity, and boy was I proven wrong. This movie not only LOOKED cool, but it had some very poignant moments as well; and the acting done by Kurt Russell stood out to me even if he only said a handful of words in the whole film.
I just found this review, I can not express how you have nailed the issues we go through, not just combat soldiers, but all of us that put in years of our lives, as early as 16 or 17 till some over 60 years old. The institutionalized lifestyle of the military is needed and hard to overcome during those formative years of young men and women. Well done!
That entire page is nothing but references to other major sci fi movies and a lot of the other movies he's starred in. There's more in that few seconds than most entire movies lol
Ha, I've never actually froze it on that screen ad read it all, even though I've seen this movie a dozen times. I totally missed the Plisken and MacReady references. I would have even missed them in this clip had you not time linked it. Damn, I wonder how many other easter eggs and references I've missed. Thanks for that.
Kirt Russel is my age and I grew up watching him go from a kid on a tv show to major motion pictures. That said, I think one aspect you don’t address, possibly due to your young age, is the Todd character is also experiencing what many men go through at mid-life. I loved this movie. It resonated with me at many levels. Thanks for taking us back. Funny I remember these actors being far more muscular and in shape then remembered.
I feel like this film is seriously underrated. Kurt Russell conveys so much with a single look or a cock of his head. I think you're right about the meaning of the film. I see so many people who come back from war and don't know how to fit back in to society as well as the inability of society to know how to deal with them. This movie is exciting and fun but also moving and, in a way, beautiful
I was still a kid when this movie came out. Didn't know much about PTSD, let alone what soldiers go through after experiencing war. But now, wow, it really made me rethink about the movie and he subtle (or not so subtle) clues of how a soldier's life is like, in and out of the military,
Sgt. Todd was expertly played by Kurt Muscle ! Yum! Great war montage in the beginning. Excellent fight scenes later in the film. but mostly a Wonderful slow-mo scene of shirtless, sweaty Kurt Muscle using a water heater as a punching bag. Two Snaps Up !
This movie is the reason I fell in love with Halo CE. I lived the premise of this movie when it came out (I was 14) and wanted a story about super soldiers and whatnot. I also loved the connections to Blade Runner ( I had just recently seen the film and had the PC game when this movie came out). So when Halo came out and you were a super soldier trained since childhood, I was like “oh heck yes, it’s like that awesome movie Soldier!”
Thank you, Ben, you are the only voice who asks the correct questions on how to treat returning soldiers. If more people would hear the right questions instead of knee-jerking reactions to phrases like "22 a day" we might be able to save more of those 22. As a vet who lives by "Don't give in to the war within," on a daily basis to not become another statistic, you sir have restored some of my faith in humanity. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Yup. When they are displaying Todd's service record, a bunch of the battles are one's mentioned by Roy Batty in his monologue at the end of Blade Runner.
@@johnmoldoch3338 ironically the story is based off Phillip K Dick. But the title "Blade Runner" is based off an entirely different, and unrelated, short story from another author. Because Ridley Scott, the director, thought it was lazy to refer to Decker as a detective.
I am an American veteran. First, thank you. You hit the nail on the head. Listening to you and knowing you understood the feeling made me breakdown. I did four separate year long deployments to Iraq, between 2003-2011. I've been out of the army for almost 10 years now, and I still have a difficult time dealing with civilians and normal situations. I still feel like an outsider sometimes. But I live with it. I manage and I keep moving on. So once again, thank you for understanding. Its the best thing someone can do for a veteran.
Thanks for your service. 🙏 I can't completely understand what you go through but I tried my best to think through it for this video. And I wish you the best sir!
When you read Halo: Fall of Reach, it feels like the writer basically took this whole Soldier training part of the movie as the back story for the Spartan 2 program that Dr. Halsey did. An amazing movie.
The one detail you missed was that even though Todd and Cain are enemies they don't hate each other. Todd and Cain's fight is silent, short of a few grunts, and only two professionals going at it.
@@robertcarmosino6563 Unfortunately, in today's entertainment environment, Todd would likely end up as a wheelchair enabled half black trangender midget, because you gotta get those diversity bingo boxes checked dammit.
@@jthomas5226 I remember counting it one time with the family. It was around 150 words, if not less. It really did enforce how well Russell conveyed his emotions without using a script as a crutch.
Soldiers deserve Soldiers Sir!! He was a beast in this movie!! Probably a role he thought about since dialogue was very minimal..but you know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this...
As a veteran with PTSD, I appreciate this criticism of the film. I have not watched the film, though I may due to this video. You hit the nail on the head on what we struggle with daily. With regards to the training to become a civilian again, the military tries to teach us, but after years (over a decade in my case), it's not not so easy to remove that training. Thank you again.
You did a great job, Ben. Really hit the nail on the head in several places. My wife often tells me that I have no emotions. After three combat tours as a Grunt, it was hard to find a job. Not because I couldn't get there on time, that was easy. Not because I couldn't do what I was told to do, that was easy. Not because I couldn't wear uniform, everything I wore to work was pressed. But because for eight years I have been taught that if there was a problem the solution was to shoot it. Unwaveringly pulling a trigger, doesn't translate to civilian employment well.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you figured it out eventually... at least enough to get by! Sounds like your wife is on your side at least! 🙏
This is one of Kurt Russell's movies I really enjoy watching. Especially since I too am a former member of the United States military. And it really hits the high notes of how we react and why we are who we are when we come back from the military
Just found this breakdown and you nailed it on the head, the difficulties veterans face when trying to reintegrate. Thank you for putting it into words and video.
Man, I wish I watched this video sooner. I put it off for too long. Really good stuff in there. I hope you guys do some more videos like this, deep to the point without the jokes and stuff. Those are all well and good, but your insight in this was excellent.
I have used the EXACT comments you have stated in one of my classes. It was pitch perfect in every way. Some of my students actually GET it like this movie was a diamond bullet straight to their head on understanding the plight of the modern soldier. Thanks for doing this.
"Fear and discipline." That's my favorite line but the best part is when he cries, I don't think he ever cried before he wipes away some tears and looks at his had as if to say "what kind of fluid is this?"
Loved this movie. I am a combat veteran and I thought this was a brilliant understated work. Kurt Russell has always been a great actor, thanks for bringing this movie to light.
The other telling lines said before Todd says… _"I'm going to kill them all sir"_ is *"Soldiers deserve Soldiers Sir".* He's been explaining how they are Soldiers like him, and that they are doing this … _"They are obeying orders sir._ _It's their duty"._ He respects them _as being a breed apart,_ as he is. Being killed by a civilian is unworthy, it would be insulting and demeaning to the Soldier killed. Even through they are now his enemy, they are still fellow professionals who are deserving of respect, and in a roundabout way the Spartan ideal [from _300]_ of "a good death". If he had organised the villagers and had them set up ambushes under his guidance (by having amateur _looking_ tactics used as sucker traps for suprises he had designed), the villagers could have gotten a few of the Soldiers, no doubt at great cost to themselves, but it would have enabled Todd to be even more effective in ambushing as they would be distracted. But it would not be a honorable death for a Soldier? [would Klingons like this film if they found it in a cultural database? And what if there was a lost Human colony that had a similar training program? There was a TNG episode that explored some of the same themes; *The Hunted.* The Enterprise help a prospective Federation member capture a escaped prisoner who turns out to be a Super Soldier, now imprisoned with all his comrades because they can't adjust to civilian life after their treatments, programming, conditioning, and _enhancements._ It's a moral question for the Enterprise, which then becomes a imperative when the Super Soldier escapes his cell and is loose on the Enterprise… and he has a plan] A video on this Star Trek episode might make a interesting follow up.
Thx for the comment. You raise some good points, most notably, that Todd likely didn't view the new batch of supersoldiers as "bad guys" or "good guys". They're simply the enemy and thus it's his duty to fight them regardless of his moral philosophy. It's not personal, and yes, I think the respect ran both ways between Caine and Todd.
@@GenerationFilms Yeah I can see it, the final showdown between them when they are squaring up. Caine has that shocked look on his face that the man was alive and bested many of his fellow soldiers. But there was also another moment in that scene, when Caine looks up to Sandra and the others moving around the ridge away from them. Caine took a moment to look to them then back to Todd with just simply shaking his head as if stating I won't let you. Of course, as the fight goes on there are moments of Caine feeling frustrated with Todd. This man who was considered inferior to him in many ways was holding his own, and at the end of the fight when Todd finally outsmarted him, he didn't taunt Caine or anything. He straight up walked up and chocked him out like he had tried to do earlier during their first fight before snapping his neck and gently laying him down in the mud. Not throwing or shoving, but gently putting his head down into the mud before standing up and taking a breath before the scene changed. It implied this sense of respect for a worthy opponent of sorts that even as they brutally beat each other that gesture was like a semblance of showing the respect that man deserved for his fighting spirit while also putting Todd's own past demons to rest.
Loved your commentary on this movie. Kurt Russell is a phenomenal actor and with only a few lines in this movie, he kills it. One thing I'd like to point out though about these 1996 soldiers and the question of them "feeling". When Todd crashes to the ground in the chain fight scene, Riley and the other solider did show they cared for their sergeant. When he it's the ground, both their eyes divert so quickly to see their fallen comrade dead on the ground. Then we got a close up of Riley and his obvious discomfort seeing his fellow soldier dead. They both regret seeing their superior die at the hands of an experiment, I think.
This is what I thought Finn should have been like when he left the First Order in the new Star Wars Trilogy. Him acting like he was brought up like a normal kid and knows about the galaxy outside really set the movie off in bad way. If he was more broken at the start, his character could have had an arc like that of Todd.
I never understood this movie before my first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Now I understand it fully. Thanks for that great commentary. I will share it with people who can’t seem to understand me.
I am 100% Disabled Vet. I was a tanker M1A2. I trained to fight, and I did things that I didn't think I could. I worked hard long hours and then boom. FND hit like a frank train. Now I am lucky if I can walk. Used to work construction and was a ex train mechanic. Now I have my 21 year old wife taking care of me. So the idea of asking for help is beyond insane. I did 26 mile rucks with 80 plus lbs. I did gunnerys with 55lb shells. Put rounds on target with a 240 lema. I did roofing worked in factories building firetruck, and I fixed train cars. Now, I am supposed to just take it and live like an invalid. Having people take care of me. I am supposed to take care of them.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I personally like the next line he speaks "Soldiers deserve Soldiers , sir." I think this is actually one of Kurt Russell's best acting jobs.
You couldn't be more correct, imo!!!
I honestly didn't understand that line until after I joined the military
the main character, is a man of few words, but he spoke volumes with his actions.
Also his work in Big trouble in little china. Those to me are his top 2 performances.
I was going to say that was the best line
Soldier is a grossly underrated movie, and probably Kurt Russell's best performance. He only has a handful of lines of dialogue, so all of his expression is physical, and he does a fantastic job.
One of the best things about this movie is that with all of the trials and tribulations Sergeant Todd goes through, there is no sudden shift to normal emotional human being at the end of the movie. Despite displaying some feelings, he stays largely distant and emotionless.
@@bootlegga69 no but that scene at the end of the movie where he picks the kid up and they look out the window at the stars shows that he has went through a rmarkable and profound growth. Seriously it's a beautiful movie and one of my favorite Sci-Fi movies of all times
@@cheeseburgerinparadise7124 The look on the other Soldiers face show that they are not yet ready to "reintegrate" and still they look at their Sergeant like he just mastered a powerful new skill.
Agree with you, Datan0de! Russell's performance is profound.
“call me snake” 🐍
The most moving part of the film is when Todd cried for the first time and was puzzled by this newfound emotion. It's so well performed by Russell.
I'm a veteran of multiple theaters and your commentary is closer to the truth than many would like to admit. It is appreciated.
Same ive fought in many wars and was there on Cadia before it broke
I found your comment to be really meaningful and I appreciate your willingness to share it with the rest of us. Thanks for that and thank you for your service as well.
@@Razyrazer The planet broke before the guard did
I also have a limited experience of certain theatres.
The most difficult and shocking thing that I found on returning to civilian life was the luck of trust .. both ways!
Inside there was this certain knowledge that the guy next to you would lay it all down just to keep you out of harm's way. And he took comfort in the knowledge that you would do the same for him, without a moment's pause.
Everyone on your team including you carried this comfort blanket around and there was a certain subconscious nirvana about it all.
When you come out that safety blanket is cut from your mind with the single stroke of an accountant's pen. It is truly shocking at how little trust there is out there and how "me first" the civilian world is. That is what is most difficult about getting out.. at least for me.
To you and all those that served, respect thank you,
After getting out of the military it took me a few months to adjust to civilian life I can't say I've fully adjusted even after 14 years I could only imagine how difficult it would be for a person trained from childhood that never experienced life as a regular person to adjust
Thank you for your comment and for your service. 🙌 - American Ben
Thank you for your service
It’s weird how most societies going back centuries had cleansing rituals and an understanding that returning warriors need to be transitioned back into society after war times, but modern times have seemed to do away with any of that. It’s a failure as a civilization what we ask of our soldiers, without giving the support for the human being coming home
I didnt see action & dont think I changed much when I got out but was still frustrated with not fulfilling my potential & with civvies mostly just assuming vets are different. I filled the hole by reading a lot and now my theory is it's not that soldiers changed over time but society did. When we had national service in the UK every one conscript or professional shared a sense of responsibility but once they got rid of it that left a hole in society and had a foreign legion effect with the military, society made it someone else's job & chose to forget about it.
@@GenerationFilms Thank you for looking for the deeper meaning of a warriors struggle to adapt to a world that doesn't need him anymore where most people only saw a good action movie.
I first saw this movie about ten years ago. All was fine, what I expected up until the moment the woman saw how emotionally damaged and distant he was then gave him a hug. As he stood there in her arms he began to shake uncontrollably without hugging her back.
Then it struck me just how badly he was messed up.
He had absolutely no clue how to respond. She let go of him, took a step back and looked in his eyes. She was badly shaken, perhaps as much as he was.
I found this quite upsetting and even shed a tear. The poor man.
P.T.S.D. close-up, massive psychological trauma revealed.
I've watch this movie many times and it gets me every time.
As with you, for me it's about the soldier who suffers in silence and ostracism, the brave and selfless rejected and misplaced, the nomad surrounded by the thankless.
Todd the odd finally becomes Todd the dad, adapting to his new role as soldier, socialiser and leader.
His character development and journey were a suprise to me.
I highly recommend this movie.
It's not a "messed up person". We are highly functional in structured environments. Jessie Littlejohn known as Todd 3465 is "continuing mission."
agree
It's a great flick.
Hm honestly I always thought that he was actually panicking and fighting against his training. As a soldier there was never need for such close proximity to someone else, other than to kill him. So normally this kind of interaction would result in combat and would mean he is under attack.
We need to stop referring to P.T.S.D. As a disorder. There is an entire movement started by Veterans to refer to it as P.T.S. For those returning home from War. There’s a difference between P.T.S.D. And P.T.S.. Post Traumatic Stress is a normal response. A disorder is an abnormal response.
As a soldier/veteran, I really appreciate this video and your introspection on the topic. It's appreciated.
Thx for your service. 🙏
@@GenerationFilms He never said he is a soldier of US or US allied nation :D
Thank you for your comment here and for your service as well.
@@murderouskitten2577 Honestly, it doesn't matter. Take away the flag on our uniform or any sort of national identity and we are nearly all the same. We are soldiers or sailors or Marines or airmen. I run into personnel that were or are service members in other countries and quite often we find that we are cut from the same "cloth" so to speak.
@@Joshua-qm3um And this ( what you just said ) is a reasson why i like people in military like you - you guys are most based and human part of humanity :)
As a Gulf War veteran, I can tell you that upon watching this movie, I thought it captured how I felt for years after returning to civilian life. For me, the scene where Todd is watching the settlers celebrating from above captures it best. The profound impression of otherness, disconnection, and lack of purpose or belonging can be overwhelming. Of course this feeling is often juxtaposed with a longing for the simplicity and singularity of purpose of military life. Despite the abject horror that waging war entails, civilian life will forever be far more ambiguous, and thus prove infinitely more complicated to navigate.
Veterans often are misunderstood, marginalized, and invalidated upon our return to civilian life. Even though we are conditioned and trained to give us the best chance of success in the military, little is done to prepare us again for civilian life. I hope some day to see re-entry programs for veterans, much like those designed for convicts returning to life outside of prison. I think the two populations have much more in common than most are willing to admit.
I see this in the "odd man out" theme present in not only this film, but Demolition Man, and Judge Dredd. The line you draw attention to, uttered by Rico in Judge Dredd in relation to innocence is a matter of timing neglects what are arguably the more crucial components of setting and context. As a civilian, my brother went to prison for doing essentially the same things I received medals and commendations for while in the military. I think those aspects are better explored and conveyed in Soldier than either Demolition Man or Judge Dredd. However, viewed as a kind of philosophical triple feature, these three movies could be considered to call for a sufficiently thorough and nuanced exploration of the themes you identify in each movie, and how and where they both converge and diverge. Or at least that's how I happen to see it. Thank you for your insightful presentations.
Indeed. We need to rebuild soldiers after service and help shift their perspectives. The number of homeless vets in Australia (where I live) and the USA is way too damn high, not to mention the suicide rate!
Thanks for sharing that. And thank you for your service as well.
@@Ocker3 It's a result of the arrogance and ignorance of the civilian populations. And probably a lot of fear, imo. They see us as "ticking time bombs" because they have no handle on the hows and whys of our reactions. My wife doesn't understand why I "have no friends".
@@krevor4095 it's an experience completely foreign to most people.
A line from heartbreak ridge to Clint Eastwood’s character, “you should be in a glass case, marked ‘in case of war, break glass.’” It’s impossible to train men for war and peace simultaneously.
Reminds me of the episode of Next Generation.
hacksaw ridge?
@@iforgotmyname1885 Different movie.
Reminds you of A episode of STTNG, A single episode? It reminds me of at least 3: in season 4 you got The Wounded (a Capt cant accept peace after a treaty makes long time enemies now allies.
Also in season 4 is "Suddenly Human" The crew encounter an alien ship crewed by teenagers trained as soldiers including a human boy that they have to try and crack his emotionless soldier training and reach his humanity- just like in the movie.
But I think you're referring to the episode in season 3 "The hunted" where a biologically enhanced soldier escapes a government prison on his homeworld and runs loose on the Enterprise.
Rudyard Kipling I believe said that there should be two armies. One that parades and drills in garrison/peacetime and another that fights in war.
Kurt Russel is an absolutely amazing actor. This movie is one of those underrated gems that more people need to watch.
Dude knows how to use his eyes. They can go dead as marbles or cold as ice. Watch the scene in Tombstone where he is slapping around Billy Bob Thornton
When that lady tells them "you don't even have to salute anymore Riley" uhh, that look on Rileys face is so heartbreaking.
I feel it
Sgt Todd's comment when asked why he wasn't with his unit...
"I was replaced Sir... by a better soldier. I'm obsolete."
:-(
Church his reply after the replacement with the new super soldiers , my father was in maintenance and he always said , if it ain't broke , don't fix it
If anyone really wants to understand this concept: After 23 years of working for this company, your services are no longer needed!! Those words break your soul!!
I’m a veteran and when I left the service I felt like I was free falling without a parachute.
In my unit my fellow soldiers would give their life for me and I for them.
In the civilian world no one will waste a chance to protect themselves.
The brotherhood is what I miss the most. An automatic family who might make fun of each other but always has each other's back. Even the crayon eating marines. :)
@@wakefieldallan never will I be as close to any group as I was with my squad mates.
Alas of the 14 men I graduated Ranger school and who were in my unit, only 4 of us are alive.
Only three were lost in combat.
The others were due to misadventures , car accidents, one cancer, and a two suicides.
This goes out to my veteran brothers:
If you find yourself in need of help please please reach out, you are not alone.
From an Ole Coastie, please know that you really are never alone. Some of us stand behind you in your blind spot. If you need us we can be there. Reach out.
@@ianstradian Unfortunately the camaraderie never extended to me as a female. So I went back to my hospital work and had your back there.
@@suzannehartmann946 I beg to differ.
Suzanne if you were in uniform I had your back, no matter if you were a nurse, a book keeper, an infantryman or an Aviation mechanic.
You were as much my military family as my squad mates.
As far as esprit de core we might have been on another level due to experience but I would have bought you a beer and shot the breeze with you just the same.
A week ago I was in a restaurant and an elderly WW2 veteran was eating with his daughter ( also past retirement age) when I noticed he needed help walking to his vehicle after dinner.
I introduced myself as a fellow veteran and let him steady himself on my arm as I escorted him and his daughter to their vehicle.
When I returned to my table, another patron of the restaurant stopped me and shook my hand, he said what I had done was wonderful, but asked if I knew the man.
I replied “ he is a fellow veteran who gave of his limited time on this earth to a larger idea, and because we share that common ideal he was my brother in arms”
As are you Suzanne.
Thank you for your service.
Never understood the "decommissioning" of the older soldiers. They can provide advanced field training to the new ones, or be advisors in the field. Something to be said about a Senior Veteran Sgt advising butter-bar graduates or recent BCT/AIT graduates in real life.
Their experience alone was worth their weight in Gold Pressed Latinum
Rule of Acquisition # 34: War is good for business.
You got to get rid of the old model if you want to sell them the new one.
@@megalopathAh but if you've got the lobes, you can slap a new label on the old model and sell it to them as a new one.
@@megalopath the only rule 34 i know is some hentai.
Well, Jason Isaacs is supposed to be the bad guy, I think it's in his standard contract. So they had to set that up.
That's the point. They were considered completely obsolete. Their experience was mentioned a few times in the movie but passed off by the officer (not sure if that was for plot reasons or they were really depicting a newly minted officer - they are worthless in reality). It's also implied that due to their lack of field experience Todd was able to win. The old ones did get pushed for something else, but were put there mainly because they were 'expendable' at that point and there was no legal issues (like rights for a person) for a crappy job.
"Then what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to kill the all, sir."
Great movie.
"Kill the all" 🤔
one of the best lines ever
@@Powerhaus88 he always replies as Sir. Watched it again last night. Plus he only says about 100 words during the moive
@@Leebob4444 I absolutely love this movie. But I always joked that the entire script was like 10 pages long.
Soldiers deserve soldiers, sir
I'm a veteran (22 years active) and this movie (and your commentary) struck home. Don't like crowds, or parties. Find it hard to trust. 16 years out and it's still a challenge. Thanks for making this.
19 years in, 14 years out (medically retired), and still find civilians kind of stupid.
Me too, my brother; me too.
After 2 years in Iraq on the front lines, I am not to big a man to admit that this movie chokes me up. Especially the "fear and discipline" line. That one really hits home for me.
key line of the movie
Amen.
"Fear and Dicipline!" One of my Staff Sergeants when I was in the military loved that line ( and, to be honest, so do I! )
I believe you are correct.
Glad you mentioned it. It's one of my favorite of all time. Doing all sorts of insane things in the military, I've found that this saying, and the movie it comes from, is the simplest way to explain it. The way he said it, and the way she reacts is perfect as well. People have always had extreme reactions when I've told them that. That fear is the number one thing you feel, the vast majority of the time. Fear is what makes you do everything. Then when she wigs out he says discipline; fear and discipline.
Fear makes you do everything. Literally. Discipline is what makes you choose the right things to do. It does make those mental health questionaires a bit tense though.😅
My second favorite Kurt Russell movie. First place will always be "The Thing".
Same lol
*snake plissken and jack burton are two of my favorite personalities...also like Roddy Piper from They Live...easily quote one of them a few times a week*
@@scottmantooth8785 It's time to chew bubblegum & kick some ass--& I'm all out of gum
Agree. Big Trouble in Little China is fantastic, though.
Both of those are my favorites too!
A story like this would fit perfectly in Halo. They've danced around the issues over the years, but I'd really like to see a dedicated story about a Spartan trying to adjust to life outside of the military.
The Spartans would do *okay* doctor Halsey specifically wanted them to be free thinking *humans* as opposed to organic machines like other super soldiers. In fact she was seriously against brainwashing the Spartan 2s and they were trained harshly but not brutally. She also actively encouraged independent thinking from the Spartan 2s.
Just pretend that's what Sims is about.
Halo: Nightfall (live action movie set sometime after Halo 3 that introduces Locke while he was still ONI) had a retired Spartan II as one of the main characters. He'd settled down on a colony world as their senior military officer, had a kid, and generally adjusted fairly well prior to the movie's start, but still stayed in a martial capacity.
the most books that take place after halo 3 does delve in to this aspect of Spartans
I'm pretty sure that the children being abducted and made into supersoldiers in the movie was definitely an inspiration for Halo.
Especially when 343 took over on Halo 4.
Little known fact, this movie takes place in the Blade Runner universe.
I did know, Sweet, right? What did you think of '49 with Gosling and Batista?
Shoulder of Orion, Tannhäuser Gate
@@christophereason7863 my favorite movie. Of all time. It really is perfect, and I have nothing to nitpick about it, which is unusual.
Explain
@@sneakyking , while not "officially" confirmed as being in the BR universe, the writer said he considered Soldier to be a spin-off of BR. Some of the battles Todd fought have the same names as battles Roy referred to in BR.
I am also a 10 Veteran, and I can tell you it difficult to go from that environment to civilian life. The military changes the core of a person. I had a hard time just being able to communicate with family and friends. I did get back to normal but took a few years. I felt the movie was spot on. To all the vets out there, hang on it can get better.
Soldier was underrated and I'm glad its getting attention. Its almost weird to see it mentioned with how few people had heard about it while i was a kid.
I watched it in Theater.
"Soldier" is such an underrated masterpiece.
Man I remember loving this movie so much.
I still love it...
@@GuilePatrick Me too one of my fav
@@GuilePatrick haven't seen it in years unfortunately, but I imagine i would still like it.
The greatest example that Todd still possesses his humanity and feelings is at the end of the movie. Sandra's son walks up to him and, as so many small children do, reaches his arms up to be picked up. Todd scoops him up and faces him out the spaceship window so he can see. One of Todd's former squad mates sees this and give him a quizzical look. Todd just looks back, shrugs like it is no big deal, and turns back to the window holding the little boy. It is obvious from these small actions in this scene that Todd loves the little boy... he may not completely understand the feeling but it is plainly there for all to see. Huge Kurt Russell fan and watching him sell scenes without using a word of dialog is simply amazing.
This has always been one of my favorite movies. After serving 9 years in the Marines, and seeing too many times how humanity treats each other it is not hard to see why Soldiers such as this would be cultivated. I do see not only myself in the character that Russel portrays but many of my fellow Veterans.
The way Todd 3465 layed Cain 607 down in the mud carefully, almost gentle...
Soldiers deserve Soldiers.
7:44 Fear and Discipline. Always. I was active duty when I saw this movie for the first time. I still remember that realization, that what I was experiencing wasn’t strange or overwhelming. I understood what I was feeling more clearly, and I think that my eventual transition back to civilian life was made easier because of that understanding. If you happen to be reading this; Thanks, Kurt. You told the truth.
Married into a forces family, seeing them go from child to soldier the civilian is heart wrenching. Truly we civilians do not deserve the loyalty and sacrifices these men and women make for our futures. Thank you for bringing this struggle to a broader audience and for covering a childhood favourite.
As a Veteran of the war against ISIS, I wish more civilians were capable of this sort of insight.
I think this is one of the best movies ever made. Mainly because they were able to tell a story without the main actor having to say very many words. And still ensure the audience was able to follow along in the journey. It also showed many aspects of being a solder that many people will never experience; but of course this was beyond to norm. Also, enjoyed your commentary and found it pretty observant. Have a good one.
My favorite line is "Soldiers deserve soldiers." One of the most underrated movies ever.
This is a good parallel for the SPARTAN IIs and IIIs of the Halo verse. None of them were ever expected to survive to retire.
I'm surprised you didn't address the "kinship" Sgt. Todd felt with the couples little boy. That stood out to me when I watched the film.
I'm replying 3 years later but it is part of the " fear and discipline " routine the he underwear as a young kid as well
Paraphrasing Jocko Willink as best as I can
"One of my favourite movies of all times, there's this one scene where the hero is asked about his motivations, and he replies with *fear and discipline* That was so awesome!"
A measly film analysis that just touched my heart as a veteran of war. I’m a marine infantry vet with deployments under my belt from about 13 years ago and I don’t think you understand how well you just happen to understand what veterans go through. That, or you just so happen to put it to words better than anyone I’ve heard in a while
🎯🎯🎯
Thank you for this American Ben! I really do appreciate you taking the time to explore a lot of these older movies from my childhood. Backck in the dark ages when we didn't have RUclipsrs to break down movies for us. It sucks you kept getting copyright claims but I enjoyed the video nonetheless and as difficult as it may be please continue doing it.
Thanks Jeff. No claims on this one! A lot of pictures, but I'll take it.
@@GenerationFilms amen to that beratna!
@@GenerationFilms give us more Kurt! You know what I'm going to say...WE WANT PLISKIN!
I love Soldier! I own Soldier. Must find and watch again!
One of my very favorites.
One of the things I love most in Soldier was the final battle between Todd and Cain. It has no dialogue, we're weaned on our action film villains Monologuing or bantering with the hero in this clash of ideology, but Todd and Cain just fight, because they have nothing to say to each other. They're both just performing their duty.
2:03 "Just because a writer or director wants their film to be about something they might accidentally convey stronger messages about something else."
Me - I am looking at you Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers
Haha so true! Great example!
I dunno man. It was supposedly a parody, with ass and action to keep people from walking out. That's pretty much how I took it. If you're going for for accidental contradiction, watch the later seasons of American Horror Story. My opinion of course.
If you want to understand Starship Troopers, you have to read the novel. The book is based on it, but cannot capture the depth. Robert Heinlein is among the best science fiction writers ever.
@@KznnyL Reading the novel will give you no insight into the movie, and vice versa. Their connection via title is mostly concidence.
I feel like this is something of the message Robert Heinlein was trying to convey in Starship Troopers. Great video Ben, I had forgotten about this movie.
Good analysis. I just retired after 20 years in the military of which I spent 18 years planning combat operations and determining munition effectiveness. The transition to civilian life was difficult and my skill set is isn't applicable any more. This movie didn't have a market when it was released but, it would now.
Appreciate your work.
Maybe we should send soldiers to Civvie Life training before retirement, just like we use Basic Training to start turning them into warriors.
@@Ocker3 I know the Air Force has a mandatory 1 week course called TAP (Transition Assistance Program) where we wear business attire and learn basic resume writing and earned benefits but it seriously needs to be longer.
Something interesting to consider is *what happened afterwards?*
They have the military ship, and they are heading to the original colony planet intended for the Villagers.
With a mixed crew of the survivors from the village and former Super Soldiers (the class of 1993) who are now _in a state of flux regarding their identity_ - and desperate to be relevant again, which Todd just gave them.
Riley is almost crying as he sees that Todd is his leader again, and that Todd appreciates him _as a Soldier_ with a salute.
But at the same time the situation is also confusing as the Villagers are now with Todd, and they seem accepting of the 1993 Soldiers - their gratitude to Todd and their understanding of his nature and emotional limitations mean they will be able to treat the Soldiers with care and understanding.
So what sort of society would develop on their new World?
And how many of the female villagers are now widows…like Sandra?
new sparta???
Good question; Dorsai?
I think all the women be fucking super soldiers and yoinks
That would be a good movie right there.
Navy corpsman since 1978. Ended up with 42 years of active duty, reserve, and VA Gov't service. So, I could never stop being a corpsman. Very interesting commentary from G-films for this movie. I still have anxiety with "thank you for your service" from the pink haired cashier.
As it has been said " Many soldiers may return from war but none can ever go home."
Best piece of advice I ever got that helped me through adjusting: You are not the same person anymore. You need to pay attention to your new thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Understand how you are different and try to understand how and why the experience is have changed you.
I love this movie, and have watched it countless times. I’m also a retired Army officer and Iraq War veteran. Your analysis is spot on, great job. Todd is an (exaggerated) metaphor for all soldiers.
This movie has a special place in my heart. I had terrible parents and no siblings. I got out of the military after 4 years of being an Army Ranger in 1998 and had just gone through a life shattering divorce as well. I felt alienated, angry, misunderstood and found it impossible to understand or bond with "normal" people for a few years. This movie was an extremely overexaggerated story of much of what I suffered. I could 100% see myself in many of the scenes Kurt did and it brought me comfort that someone could see (even in the over the top sci-fi Hollywood way) the damage done to many of us due to the things we go through can rule us and be extremely hard to break through to become truly human. It also showed that the trauma does not define us and that we can still aspire to be better than what we were made into. There can be happiness after, it is possible, sometimes you can salvage yourself.
I concur with your self assessment. We don't have to be defined by our past. We can rise above it and work to become better if we want to.
To all the veterans and active servicemen and women reading this, no matter your nationality, thank you for your service, thank you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make. Words cannot express my respect and gratitude.
Some servicemen and women defend their countries literally, others only figuratively. Don't lump war tourists in with those who actually defend their country and people.
When my grandfathers were shooting invading Russians at the front, they were making sacrifices. When you have to travel halfway across the world to find a purely hypothetical threat, that's horseshit.
I don't think you really understand the business and the full job of " protecting your interests " When you have a interest or a nation that is a " Ally " that is being threatened well then you do what you need to do to " Protect and to Serve "
Soldiers deserve soldiers.
I remember my boys, who refused to leave the line even when they were sick, injured, or in some cases even had broken bones. Some of them were so scared they cried and peed their pants but they stayed on the job. They didn't even want to accept their medals because they thought they'd done "nothing special".
Now that I am an ex-Soldier (never a civillian), what I find hard to adjust to is how people can't work together towards the simplest of goals. They put their needs first and then act surprised when things don't "get done".
This is my favorite Kurt Russell movie, and one of my overall favorite movies.
As a vet, the two things that messes with us the most are the change in the ever-present camaraderie and the loss of purpose. In the service you live your life to prepare for and to execute the/a mission. You have a job and a given task that works towards a greater whole. That line "I'm gonna kill them all, sir" speaks to that. He lost his purpose when he fell there. He then found himself in familiar territory. He knew his role and how to accomplish his mission.
There's one part that I think you should have commented on. Right before you says I'm going to kill them all he refuses to train them because soldiers deserve soldiers! As a former Soldier I found that very profound
I had it in my notes to discuss but I had to pick and choose quotes from within single scenes as to not attract the attention of the censors! Ultimately I went with the other line, I think it's more relevant to my angle, but ya'll have done a nice job filling in the rest!
This line should have been put much more better like this-
A Soldier deserves a soldier who knows a soldier best.. that should have been put more philosophically.. but the rest is history
One of my all-time favorite movies. You provided a great piece examining the sorts of questions the movie can evoke in a viewer.
One of Kurt's Russell greatest chareacters. He show us so much just using eyes and micro-expressions. The way he trembled with a hug. How he fly away from christmas party chaos and goes to see from above. Tells a lot not only from soldiers and PTSD otherwise, people isolated from human contact and kindess could be feel related too. One of my favorite movies.
I got out of the marines in 2008 and I don’t think I’ve ever fully readjusted to civilian life. I think what really helped was talking to guys that fought in Vietnam, Korea, and even WW2 and them saying that you never fully readjust and that’s ok. You can’t expect people to understand what you’ve seen overseas and there will always be a disconnect between you and the people you fought to protect. Thanks for the video this was always one of my favorite movies.
More of us need to hear that than you know. and agreed
I just looked up this film on IMDb - turns out the teenage Todd was played by Wyatt Russell, Kurt’s son. So that’s why he really looks perfect as a young version of Todd.
You should check out Scorpius from Farscape. He is a extremely in depth villain with a dark backstory and a goal that would ultimately save the galaxy from his perspective and he is a extremely intelligent individual.
Which Scorpious? The flesh, or the brain? heh.
@@Mikkel-RS
The real Scorpius that has been a great antagonist to turned anti hero.
I spent 8 years on active duty in the army, my transition was a little rough at the start. It was made easier by the fact that I was still in the national guard. Still being attached to that life.....even if only once a month, was a life saver. It gave me the time needed to transition without feeling alienated.
I work in the film industry as an asst propmaster/armourer. One of the greatest joys I get to do by having this position is I get to read the scripts. By reading the scripts especially the first draft or " production draft " usually white page script but after that one you get all the revisions and you get to see how the writers want the audience to feel.
Your discription of this film reminds me of me reading scripts and figuring out the underlying messages usually 2 that the writers are trying to convey.
Love this movie and love you review
Thank you sir. Thank you for not degrading what it means to be a soldier. You hit it spot on. The part that hurt me was the fact that you pointed out the drug and alcohol use. You weren't wrong. They train you to feel nothing at all but then throw you back into society where people dismiss you. I've been out for over 5 years and just now have a control on my alcoholism. This is the best description I've seen of how hard it is for most soldiers to rejoin society. We don't know how to ask for help because we are the help. I still can't ask for it today.
As a psychologist, I can vouch for your interpretation following your more recent viewing. Nailed it in one: Soldier isn't so much a sweeping commentary on society as a great depiction of how the training and experience of soldiers can be so at odds with the society that asks them to do those things. Very good video. Keep it up.
Man, I remember when this movie came up on tv years ago and I thought to myself "Pffft, looks like a generic 90's action scifi", but I ended up sticking around out of curiosity, and boy was I proven wrong. This movie not only LOOKED cool, but it had some very poignant moments as well; and the acting done by Kurt Russell stood out to me even if he only said a handful of words in the whole film.
I liked this movie before, but after I went into the military, I appreciated it more.
I just found this review, I can not express how you have nailed the issues we go through, not just combat soldiers, but all of us that put in years of our lives, as early as 16 or 17 till some over 60 years old.
The institutionalized lifestyle of the military is needed and hard to overcome during those formative years of young men and women.
Well done!
3:39
Props to the movie for using D&D attributes as Unit Statistics! I never noticed that before!
That entire page is nothing but references to other major sci fi movies and a lot of the other movies he's starred in. There's more in that few seconds than most entire movies lol
Ha, I've never actually froze it on that screen ad read it all, even though I've seen this movie a dozen times. I totally missed the Plisken and MacReady references. I would have even missed them in this clip had you not time linked it. Damn, I wonder how many other easter eggs and references I've missed. Thanks for that.
Kirt Russel is my age and I grew up watching him go from a kid on a tv show to major motion pictures. That said, I think one aspect you don’t address, possibly due to your young age, is the Todd character is also experiencing what many men go through at mid-life. I loved this movie. It resonated with me at many levels. Thanks for taking us back. Funny I remember these actors being far more muscular and in shape then remembered.
I feel like this film is seriously underrated. Kurt Russell conveys so much with a single look or a cock of his head. I think you're right about the meaning of the film. I see so many people who come back from war and don't know how to fit back in to society as well as the inability of society to know how to deal with them. This movie is exciting and fun but also moving and, in a way, beautiful
I was still a kid when this movie came out. Didn't know much about PTSD, let alone what soldiers go through after experiencing war. But now, wow, it really made me rethink about the movie and he subtle (or not so subtle) clues of how a soldier's life is like, in and out of the military,
Sgt. Todd was expertly played by Kurt Muscle ! Yum! Great war montage in the beginning. Excellent fight scenes later in the film. but mostly a Wonderful slow-mo scene of shirtless, sweaty Kurt Muscle using a water heater as a punching bag. Two Snaps Up !
This movie is the reason I fell in love with Halo CE. I lived the premise of this movie when it came out (I was 14) and wanted a story about super soldiers and whatnot. I also loved the connections to Blade Runner ( I had just recently seen the film and had the PC game when this movie came out). So when Halo came out and you were a super soldier trained since childhood, I was like “oh heck yes, it’s like that awesome movie Soldier!”
One of my favorite Kurt Russell movies!!
Thank you, Ben, you are the only voice who asks the correct questions on how to treat returning soldiers. If more people would hear the right questions instead of knee-jerking reactions to phrases like "22 a day" we might be able to save more of those 22. As a vet who lives by "Don't give in to the war within," on a daily basis to not become another statistic, you sir have restored some of my faith in humanity. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Deep dark secret; _Soldier_ and _BladeRunner_ occur in the same universe.
As well as Alien.
Yup. When they are displaying Todd's service record, a bunch of the battles are one's mentioned by Roy Batty in his monologue at the end of Blade Runner.
There’s also two as quoted by Khan is Star Trek 2. Antares Nebula and Perditions Flames.
Blade Runner was based on the Phillip K. Dick novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep". Soldier definitely echos that book.
@@johnmoldoch3338 ironically the story is based off Phillip K Dick. But the title "Blade Runner" is based off an entirely different, and unrelated, short story from another author. Because Ridley Scott, the director, thought it was lazy to refer to Decker as a detective.
I am an American veteran. First, thank you. You hit the nail on the head. Listening to you and knowing you understood the feeling made me breakdown. I did four separate year long deployments to Iraq, between 2003-2011.
I've been out of the army for almost 10 years now, and I still have a difficult time dealing with civilians and normal situations. I still feel like an outsider sometimes. But I live with it. I manage and I keep moving on.
So once again, thank you for understanding. Its the best thing someone can do for a veteran.
Thanks for your service. 🙏 I can't completely understand what you go through but I tried my best to think through it for this video. And I wish you the best sir!
I felt that Todd's best line was "Because soldiers deserve soldiers, Sir".
When you read Halo: Fall of Reach, it feels like the writer basically took this whole Soldier training part of the movie as the back story for the Spartan 2 program that Dr. Halsey did. An amazing movie.
I've really been enjoying this series, thank you
The one detail you missed was that even though Todd and Cain are enemies they don't hate each other. Todd and Cain's fight is silent, short of a few grunts, and only two professionals going at it.
Okay, if Soldier takes place in the Blade Runner universe, that means there are Xenomorphs as well. There's a movie that needs to happen.
No. I think I've had enough of Aliens.
That would be great ! As long as the writers don't go WOKE .
@@robertcarmosino6563 Unfortunately, in today's entertainment environment, Todd would likely end up as a wheelchair enabled half black trangender midget, because you gotta get those diversity bingo boxes checked dammit.
If done properly, that'd be awesome!!!
No Xenomorphs in Blade Runner - you're thinking of Androids.
This is one of my favorite movies from my childhood and as a veteran now it's a very powerful movie. Great choice in doing this one
SGT Todd - the only character in filmdom with a permanent “thousand yard stare”. A masterful performance by Kurt Russell. 🪖👑
I wonder if Russell had trouble remembering his lines? 😂🤣 His expressions made you feel what he was going through.
He did a brilliant portrayal of Col O’Neill in Stargate as well. Can’t wait to see him in this one
A fantastic job as usual by Kurt Russell
@@WRMonger1 In Stargate you really do see the pain of his loss.
@@jthomas5226
I remember counting it one time with the family.
It was around 150 words, if not less. It really did enforce how well Russell conveyed his emotions without using a script as a crutch.
Soldiers deserve Soldiers Sir!! He was a beast in this movie!! Probably a role he thought about since dialogue was very minimal..but you know what Jack Burton always says at a time like this...
As a veteran with PTSD, I appreciate this criticism of the film. I have not watched the film, though I may due to this video. You hit the nail on the head on what we struggle with daily. With regards to the training to become a civilian again, the military tries to teach us, but after years (over a decade in my case), it's not not so easy to remove that training. Thank you again.
Easily one of Kurt Russels best performances.
You did a great job, Ben. Really hit the nail on the head in several places. My wife often tells me that I have no emotions.
After three combat tours as a Grunt, it was hard to find a job. Not because I couldn't get there on time, that was easy. Not because I couldn't do what I was told to do, that was easy. Not because I couldn't wear uniform, everything I wore to work was pressed.
But because for eight years I have been taught that if there was a problem the solution was to shoot it. Unwaveringly pulling a trigger, doesn't translate to civilian employment well.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you figured it out eventually... at least enough to get by! Sounds like your wife is on your side at least! 🙏
@@GenerationFilms
All good. Keep up the great content.👍
This is one of Kurt Russell's movies I really enjoy watching. Especially since I too am a former member of the United States military. And it really hits the high notes of how we react and why we are who we are when we come back from the military
Just found this breakdown and you nailed it on the head, the difficulties veterans face when trying to reintegrate. Thank you for putting it into words and video.
I bout had a heart attack when you said "A prayer in mourning". I thought you were about to say Kurt Russell died.
Man, I wish I watched this video sooner. I put it off for too long.
Really good stuff in there.
I hope you guys do some more videos like this, deep to the point without the jokes and stuff.
Those are all well and good, but your insight in this was excellent.
loved this line after he turned down a civ's offer to help fight.
"soldiers deserve soldiers, sir"
You knocked this one out of the park American Ben
SOLDIER is an underrated movie. I wish they did a sequel.
I have used the EXACT comments you have stated in one of my classes. It was pitch perfect in every way. Some of my students actually GET it like this movie was a diamond bullet straight to their head on understanding the plight of the modern soldier. Thanks for doing this.
"Fear and discipline." That's my favorite line but the best part is when he cries, I don't think he ever cried before he wipes away some tears and looks at his had as if to say "what kind of fluid is this?"
Loved this movie. I am a combat veteran and I thought this was a brilliant understated work. Kurt Russell has always been a great actor, thanks for bringing this movie to light.
The other telling lines said before Todd says…
_"I'm going to kill them all sir"_ is
*"Soldiers deserve Soldiers Sir".*
He's been explaining how they are Soldiers like him, and that they are doing this …
_"They are obeying orders sir._
_It's their duty"._
He respects them _as being a breed apart,_ as he is.
Being killed by a civilian is unworthy, it would be insulting and demeaning to the Soldier killed.
Even through they are now his enemy, they are still fellow professionals who are deserving of respect, and in a roundabout way the Spartan ideal [from _300]_ of
"a good death".
If he had organised the villagers and had them set up ambushes under his guidance (by having amateur _looking_ tactics used as sucker traps for suprises he had designed), the villagers could have gotten a few of the Soldiers, no doubt at great cost to themselves, but it would have enabled Todd to be even more effective in ambushing as they would be distracted.
But it would not be a honorable death for a Soldier?
[would Klingons like this film if they found it in a cultural database? And what if there was a lost Human colony that had a similar training program?
There was a TNG episode that explored some of the same themes; *The Hunted.* The Enterprise help a prospective Federation member capture a escaped prisoner who turns out to be a Super Soldier, now imprisoned with all his comrades because they can't adjust to civilian life after their treatments, programming, conditioning, and _enhancements._
It's a moral question for the Enterprise, which then becomes a imperative when the Super Soldier escapes his cell and is loose on the Enterprise… and he has a plan]
A video on this Star Trek episode might make a interesting follow up.
Thx for the comment. You raise some good points, most notably, that Todd likely didn't view the new batch of supersoldiers as "bad guys" or "good guys". They're simply the enemy and thus it's his duty to fight them regardless of his moral philosophy. It's not personal, and yes, I think the respect ran both ways between Caine and Todd.
@@GenerationFilms Yeah I can see it, the final showdown between them when they are squaring up. Caine has that shocked look on his face that the man was alive and bested many of his fellow soldiers. But there was also another moment in that scene, when Caine looks up to Sandra and the others moving around the ridge away from them. Caine took a moment to look to them then back to Todd with just simply shaking his head as if stating I won't let you. Of course, as the fight goes on there are moments of Caine feeling frustrated with Todd. This man who was considered inferior to him in many ways was holding his own, and at the end of the fight when Todd finally outsmarted him, he didn't taunt Caine or anything. He straight up walked up and chocked him out like he had tried to do earlier during their first fight before snapping his neck and gently laying him down in the mud. Not throwing or shoving, but gently putting his head down into the mud before standing up and taking a breath before the scene changed. It implied this sense of respect for a worthy opponent of sorts that even as they brutally beat each other that gesture was like a semblance of showing the respect that man deserved for his fighting spirit while also putting Todd's own past demons to rest.
Loved your commentary on this movie. Kurt Russell is a phenomenal actor and with only a few lines in this movie, he kills it. One thing I'd like to point out though about these 1996 soldiers and the question of them "feeling". When Todd crashes to the ground in the chain fight scene, Riley and the other solider did show they cared for their sergeant. When he it's the ground, both their eyes divert so quickly to see their fallen comrade dead on the ground. Then we got a close up of Riley and his obvious discomfort seeing his fellow soldier dead. They both regret seeing their superior die at the hands of an experiment, I think.
This is what I thought Finn should have been like when he left the First Order in the new Star Wars Trilogy. Him acting like he was brought up like a normal kid and knows about the galaxy outside really set the movie off in bad way. If he was more broken at the start, his character could have had an arc like that of Todd.
Instead he was made a parody of a man. A buffoon..
I never understood this movie before my first deployment to Iraq in 2003. Now I understand it fully. Thanks for that great commentary. I will share it with people who can’t seem to understand me.
I am 100% Disabled Vet. I was a tanker M1A2. I trained to fight, and I did things that I didn't think I could. I worked hard long hours and then boom.
FND hit like a frank train. Now I am lucky if I can walk. Used to work construction and was a ex train mechanic. Now I have my 21 year old wife taking care of me.
So the idea of asking for help is beyond insane. I did 26 mile rucks with 80 plus lbs. I did gunnerys with 55lb shells. Put rounds on target with a 240 lema. I did roofing worked in factories building firetruck, and I fixed train cars. Now, I am supposed to just take it and live like an invalid. Having people take care of me. I am supposed to take care of them.