The Secrets of Soldier Explained

Today we continue our "Secrets" series with a breakdown of the 1998 film Soldier starring Kurt Russell.
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[@Nonexister1]

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.

[@Aiden999]

You couldn't be more correct, imo!!!

[@napujamesperedo5059]

I honestly didn't understand that line until after I joined the military

[@vicarofrevelwood]

the main character, is a man of few words, but he spoke volumes with his actions.

[@BofaDee33]

Also his work in Big trouble in little china. Those to me are his top 2 performances.

[@thornenoakenshield2662]

I was going to say that was the best line

[@toxicmale1744]

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.

[@burningchrome70]

It's not a "messed up person". We are highly functional in structured environments. Jessie Littlejohn known as Todd 3465 is "continuing mission."

[@sourcecode5273]

agree

[@warface4881]

It's a great flick.

[@seamonlark9282]

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.

[@crazychris3745]

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.

[@jacobhope6164]

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.

[@Ocker3]

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!

[@clocutron]

Thanks for sharing that. And thank you for your service as well.

[@krevor4095]

@@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".

[@Ocker3]

@@krevor4095 it's an experience completely foreign to most people.

[@Laeadern]

Kurt Russel is an absolutely amazing actor. This movie is one of those underrated gems that more people need to watch.

[@jamesbaggett7223]

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

[@ianstradian]

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.

[@wakefieldallan]

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. :)

[@ianstradian]

@@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.

[@madmax2099a]

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]

@@ianstradian Unfortunately the camaraderie never extended to me as a female. So I went back to my hospital work and had your back there.

[@ianstradian]

@@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.

[@Wolf3685]

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

[@megalopath]

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.

[@cympimpin20]

@@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.

[@boywithcrackers3871]

@@megalopath the only rule 34 i know is some hentai.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

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.

[@nexusdrop7863]

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.

[@pocketheart1450]

Little known fact, this movie takes place in the Blade Runner universe.

[@christophereason7863]

I did know, Sweet, right? What did you think of '49 with Gosling and Batista?

[@paulgrant421]

Shoulder of Orion, Tannhäuser Gate

[@shoua7]

@@christophereason7863 my favorite movie. Of all time. It really is perfect, and I have nothing to nitpick about it, which is unusual.

[@sneakyking]

Explain

[@paulgrant421]

@@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.

[@neilcarson4511]

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.

[@pizzedahff3127]

"Then what are you going to do?" "I'm going to kill the all, sir." Great movie.

[@themeanestkitten]

"Kill the all" 🤔

[@Leebob4444]

one of the best lines ever

[@Leebob4444]

@@Powerhaus88 he always replies as Sir. Watched it again last night. Plus he only says about 100 words during the moive

[@Galeanthropist]

@@Leebob4444 I absolutely love this movie. But I always joked that the entire script was like 10 pages long.

[@wakefieldallan]

Soldiers deserve soldiers, sir

[@machinarreventortas6245]

My second favorite Kurt Russell movie. First place will always be "The Thing".

[@letsatsi2616]

Same lol

[@scottmantooth8785]

*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*

[@jonathanbaron-crangle5093]

@@scottmantooth8785 It's time to chew bubblegum & kick some ass--& I'm all out of gum

[@TheCJUN]

Agree. Big Trouble in Little China is fantastic, though.

[@thomasbaker9787]

Both of those are my favorites too!

[@rmaha1965]

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.

[@hauntedhouse7827]

19 years in, 14 years out (medically retired), and still find civilians kind of stupid.

[@dalepittman5254]

Me too, my brother; me too.

[@varimkadas6068]

"Fear and Dicipline!" One of my Staff Sergeants when I was in the military loved that line ( and, to be honest, so do I! )

[@michaelmcclay7749]

I believe you are correct.

[@OldNew45]

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.😅

[@Mike89369]

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

[@GenerationFilms]

Thank you for your comment and for your service. 🙌 - American Ben

[@Whykickamoocow]

Thank you for your service

[@iloveknives75]

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

[@V.B.Squire]

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.

[@Mike89369]

@@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.

[@forloveofthepage2361]

Man I remember loving this movie so much.

[@GuilePatrick]

I still love it...

[@michaelernst3731]

@@GuilePatrick Me too one of my fav

[@forloveofthepage2361]

@@GuilePatrick haven't seen it in years unfortunately, but I imagine i would still like it.

[@DSlyde]

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.

[@alien777]

I watched it in Theater.

[@ronwalsh]

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.

[@napujamesperedo5059]

My favorite line is "Soldiers deserve soldiers." One of the most underrated movies ever.

[@nailboard6492]

As a Veteran of the war against ISIS, I wish more civilians were capable of this sort of insight.

[@MatthiasPowerbomb]

"Soldier" is such an underrated masterpiece.

[@tomcopple7633]

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

[@GenerationFilms]

Haha so true! Great example!

[@OldNew45]

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.

[@KznnyL]

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.

[@Wonzling0815]

@@KznnyL Reading the novel will give you no insight into the movie, and vice versa. Their connection via title is mostly concidence.

[@willek1335]

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!"

[@hokutoulrik7345]

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.

[@adamgilligan3688]

As it has been said " Many soldiers may return from war but none can ever go home."

[@GuroJeromeTeague]

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.

[@whenniceguysretaliate5619]

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.

[@paulnormandin5267]

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.

[@jeremyortiz2927]

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.

[@Ocker3]

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.

[@jeremyortiz2927]

@@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.

[@casbot71]

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?

[@douglasspayne3476]

new sparta???

[@ironhawk4283]

Good question; Dorsai?

[@mookiechreo1653]

I think all the women be fucking super soldiers and yoinks

[@jillvalentinefan77]

That would be a good movie right there.

[@ExtrovertED]

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.

[@ceer001]

I love Soldier! I own Soldier. Must find and watch again!

[@lorensims4846]

One of my very favorites.

[@kyledodson2992]

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

[@wethepplwhorblackerthanblu6442]

🎯🎯🎯

[@colinurbanowicz9702]

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

[@GenerationFilms]

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!

[@wethepplwhorblackerthanblu6442]

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

[@42982justin]

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.

[@douglasspayne3476]

More of us need to hear that than you know. and agreed

[@batbrick3949]

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.

[@davetaylor2088]

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.

[@Dimetropteryx]

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.

[@wethepplwhorblackerthanblu6442]

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 "

[@jamesgordon7971]

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.

[@Zachomara]

I liked this movie before, but after I went into the military, I appreciated it more.

[@LordSeethe]

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.

[@cantonlowlifemedia]

This is my favorite Kurt Russell movie, and one of my overall favorite movies.

[@thorshammer7883]

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.

[@Mikkel-RS]

Which Scorpious? The flesh, or the brain? heh.

[@thorshammer7883]

@@Mikkel-RS The real Scorpius that has been a great antagonist to turned anti hero.

[@TheLordNugget]

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.

[@ArturiusMaxwell]

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.

[@5KAmenshawn]

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.

[@JoshuaKevinPerry]

No. I think I've had enough of Aliens.

[@robertcarmosino6563]

That would be great ! As long as the writers don't go WOKE .

[@5KAmenshawn]

@@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.

[@turdferguson9923]

If done properly, that'd be awesome!!!

[@Gazbeard]

No Xenomorphs in Blade Runner - you're thinking of Androids.

[@HectorChafloque]

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.

[@StockOverflow]

3:39 Props to the movie for using D&D attributes as Unit Statistics! I never noticed that before!

[@chomp7927]

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

[@evilcam]

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.

[@puggsandgunsandthings]

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

[@rogerw3818]

I felt that Todd's best line was "Because soldiers deserve soldiers, Sir".

[@Kerorofan1990]

I bout had a heart attack when you said "A prayer in mourning". I thought you were about to say Kurt Russell died.

[@Knight3rrant]

One of my all-time favorite movies. You provided a great piece examining the sorts of questions the movie can evoke in a viewer.

[@meltedcubetv9379]

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.

[@arbhall7572]

Easily one of Kurt Russels best performances.

[@methos-ey9nf]

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.

[@arsenalxa4421]

I saw this movie during my '06 deployment. It was a curiosity for sure.

[@troycanning4790]

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

[@prdubi]

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.

[@78.BANDIT]

SOLDIER is an underrated movie. I wish they did a sequel.

[@IgoByaGo]

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!”

[@warsprite1888]

One of my favorite movies, not because of the movie (which is good), but because of the issues it raises in society in regards to soldiers and how they are treated both in the military or without the military after. I'm a Veteran, I also have bad PTSD due to some of the stuff I went thru and I wholeheartedly identify with Todd because I Am Him. Well trained, dedicated and unwilling to fail even if it kills me. I've also faced some of his issues. Women protecting their children like a mother hen with her chicks the minute they find out I'm a combat vet, the looks of "is he crazy or is he not" (yes I notice them, I notice everything, it's the way I was trained to be), crying because of fireworks that sound so much like mortars (because they are) during July 4th or a car backfires (that sounds like a gun shot) which is okay but then you have to explain to everyone why your on the floor or sidewalk instead, mood swings that actually make me wonder if I am crazy and just being angry all the time plus not knowing why are just some of the reasons I identify with Todd so much. I almost Never walk into a building that I don't know the escape routes of and habitually sit with my back to the wall where I can see the doors of the establishment which comes as just a reflex that I do without even thinking about it but now that I'm married I have to explain why I'm constantly trying to "hide her" (I'm not, I'm protecting her by staying vigilant but try explaining that to a wife always in a dark corner who is "un-amused" at my table selection). She also has a hard time understanding why I eat a meal in about 5 mins regardless of the size of the meal since in the military every meal is a banquet that must be completed while eating While moving (usually), not a repast to be enjoyed with friends over semi "friendly" conversation. But I got lucky, she really tries to understand me even though it sometimes has pushed her own sanity and definitely hurts sometimes, (thanks for that honey and it's the best gift you've ever given me) and that's why I love her because her love saved me (literally). I would not be typing this without her. I also feel "naked" if I'm not carrying at least 5 pieces of EDC on me on a daily basis....everywhere I go, including the toilet, when I'm home. Otherwise I feel "unprepared" and that's mess's me up more than anything else so I've found it's just better to keep a knife in my pocket everywhere I go for the "comfort weight" and the "peace of mind". These are just some of the issues I've run into and I deal with on a daily basis, so If I'm dealing with these issues 15- 20 years later then I know there is a lot of other brothers and sisters out there who deal with the same issues right now as they get out of the military.

[@GenerationFilms]

This is such a great comment, thank you! Thank you for your willingness to share and help supplement the video with some real life context!

[@custink22]

100% agree with you, ive got a lot of the same issues. I love this movie because it addresses these issues, which is fairly rare in movies, and rarely as accurate. Thankfully my wife grew up with a veteran father so she understands it and helps and supports me...

[@willek1335]

Hi sir. A question if I may. I'm interested to hear your opinions, based on your experience. Experience I lack. I've read a fair bit of academic comments on the absence of PTSD (as we define today) in ancient sources. Their comments comes with their own pros and cons. I'd like to hear your thoughts. As far as baseline ancient society appear to me, I can think of 3 distinct differences to modern society: • Death was all around you. Home and on campaign. You might lose 6 kids before they grow up. Disease was rampant. Hunger was a capricious mistress. Barbarian hordes and raiders could appear on the horizon every other year. Martial prowess and stoicism was therefore valued in war and in civilisation. • Majority of societies were small, and often formed part of your squad. You therefore mattered. Not just a population statistic. Not a number, but an essential individual, with a name and lineage. What you and your kin had wrought oversees directly contributed to your social credibility at home. Loot made you and your family filthy rich. • Gods and magic were not abstract theories, but integral and real parts of the physical world. Your God(s) had a specific purpose for you here and now, before transporting you to the afterlife. Your deeds in war could elevate your status in the afterlife. A couple war related concepts: • Most war consisted of general camp life, raids for loot or lengthy sieges. Despite Hollywood's best attempts, there were relatively few field battles. • Artillery were mainstays in sieges from 1400s. By the 1600s, could be closing in on the extreme, while peaking in intensity during ww1. I have not formed any solid opinion on the question of why signs of PTSD appears to be absent in the historical sources until about mid 1800s. What thoughts do you have? Thank you.

[@warsprite1888]

@@willek1335 (Crosses Arms and gives Willie K a Hairy Eyeball Stare) 1st question is why? Why should I? When I know that you will not like the answers I give you which you are almost guaranteed to not like. What do you get out of it? Morbid curiosity? Are you here for the funeral tour? Or is there another reason? Answer my question and I'll answer yours since I know what it is.

[@warsprite1888]

@@willek1335 That's what i thought but I'LL give you the nickel tour plus answer your question anyways even though you didn't answer mine in the great hope that someone might actually understand what I'm talking about and Do something about it. The problem is Societal (yes I can use big words and yes I'm an educated soldier, an oxymoron in the military if there ever was one). As in, with Society as a whole. Soldiers have Always suffered from PTSD ( it just hasn't been called that btw, shell shock is one example) and culminates from surviving horrific things whether it be a combat vet who's lost too many friends (me for example) or a mother of two who was raped as a child, both can have it. Sometimes surviving is the harder option because you do it with all of the second guessing of your actions (or un-actions) and guilt (real or imagined) from how things went down that you Cannot Change, the past is the past and is damn immutable to human whims of fancy or pleading. Anyways back to soldiers have Always had PTSD and why modern times have changed soldiering, mostly not for the better: As to your point that death was all around them and played a part in the thought process, it's a valid point but not the only one because every soldier on any battlefield confronts the same on a daily basis usually in more gruesome details with today's modern weapons. So then why don't all of them have it? PTSD I mean and to be honest, we all may , just in differing amounts is all but I'm pretty sure nobody has bothered to look just in case they won't like the answers they get. Soldiers back in the day never used to have to question their orders, Lord such and such said do this, you did that or Lady whatever said to go conquer that neighbor over there, they did it. No questions asked. Why? Because back then things weren't so intermixed (meaning in general terms here as in infrastructure, countries and people in general) because you usually had one or two different subsets of culture in a particular city but Not All of Them All in the Same City. It was very easy to look across a moat or field and say there is a reason why they don't like them, whatever that reason may be (real or invented). Soldiers also back then weren't soldiers all of the time mostly (even though some were soldiers who were soldiers all the time which was usually for life, kind of like a life sentence is for most people in prison) but they were mostly well trained stable boys, smiths or housemen that played at soldier when they needed to but on a day to day basis did something else. They were also a lot closer to home, whereas an Infantryman in this day and age can fight for a certain countries army but never die in the country of his birth since when he "bought the farm" he was located 2,000 miles away in Another country fighting somebody else's war. That by nature changes things, usually complicating them, not making them any easier. Just read your comment on "Relatively few field battles"? And I'll say then your Not counting correctly then cause I can think of several hundred just off the top of my head going all the way back to the Pyrrhic War and most of the ones I remember happened in North America, Europe or Asia plus I'm pretty sure that "low intensity warfare" was invented by a guy named Sun Tzu way back in the day. Heck I think Tennessee alone had like 50 alone during the civil war. Major Fields Battles were pretty rare yes, but skirmishing? Happened all the time whenever two groups belonging to two different lords who didn't like each other managed to traipse across each other and is Still considered a battle since it does not matter the size of the fight that counts (it is still fighting), however it does matter if you win or not. It even happens today in the age of the GPS, with two groups of conflicting soldiers interacting (usually negatively) when they are not supposed to all of the time just because the world is wide open wonderfully whacky place where weird things happen all of the time. I think you'll find that most battles are a situation of move and counter move with another move thrown in to account for your opponents move as well which, by nature, tends to break things up mostly because of whatever landscape the army happens to be moving across at the time. Another thing that you'll find is that "Major Battles" as you term them is kind of misnomer because they are usually just a chain of smaller ones that forced field commanders to commit more assets to create a bigger fight which is usually to attain an advantage over their opponent on the field of battle. A crucial thing back then and it all has to start somewhere which is usually something small, kind of like a wildfire it takes time to build up. These are just some of the reasons why a person from the military could have bad PTSD in today's society and I'd like to get some responses from others on this last part here. I have a question for most people that have read this post to the bottom, it will perfectly illustrate the difference between a civilian who has never served and the mind set of a former military member which goes like this: Do you just consider the word Honor to be a word in the dictionary or not? I do not.

[@gregperez919]

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.

[@Claymore5]

Love this film - it's criminally underrated, after all it was written by the same chap who wrote Unforgiven and directed by the director of Event Horizon and it stars Kurt Russell - what is there not to like...?

[@mikegould6590]

The movie is an underrated gem with a message about military life that goes over most heads. Other shows touch on this, usually with some career soldier, often modified in some way, either being the sole monster or hero, or ridiculed by civilians. "Soldier " faced this directly, and Russell delivers.

[@meauxbull4321]

One of my favorite Kurt Russell movies!!

[@shadowfox19831]

I love this movie. And as a veteran you really touched deeply into what alot of us feel after we get out. Like our purpose is gone.

[@jugganaut33]

Me: this is all bollocks. We’re not like this. Also me: this might not be bollocks. Me to me: you’re in denial you’ve been at this shit a decade.

[@MrGchiasson]

It was amazing. I think Kurt spoke a dozen words in the entire movie...but conveyed deep meaning with every move.

[@greatskytrollantidrama4473]

"Kill them all ,Sir." Greatest line ever.

[@Joe-rx7ht]

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.

[@jessiebedlam6094]

For 23 years I was told were I fit in. I knew who outranked me, who I was over and my peers. Now I’m thrusted into a society where everyone thinks they are special snowflakes. I try to stay in my lane but people crash into me and then I am the bad guy when I verbally assist them back into their lane.

[@CptFugu]

Amen.

[@HDBujutsu1775]

After 27 years in and multiple combat deployments I felt and still feel totally separated from civilians. We’re two separate forms of human.

[@cookieenthusiast6213]

I'm glad you brought up this movie. I have it on VHS, yes VHS. I like it for the same reasons you point out. The action is good but the parts of the movie that I keep in my head are those that show the contrast of soldier and civilian mentality. The movie does it so well, with succinct conversations and actions in a scene. It doesn't get preachy like so many other movies that try to do the same thing. The "...When do you feel fear and discipline? Always!..." line resonated like a ringing bell. The civilian family learned something from Todd. When their son killed the snake that might have bitten them, in bed, they saw how the need to be tough might be important on a barren inhospitable waste disposal planet. I really liked that part as it seemed like the tuning point where civilians had a peak at soldier perspective and also knew that Todd's action was one done through fondness and not disregard for the child's welfare.

[@artboymoy]

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.

[@JoshuaKevinPerry]

Instead he was made a parody of a man. A buffoon..

[@KamalikaMukherjee81]

An underrated gem. Watched it on HBO at home and how I wished I could watch it in a movie hall. Kurt Russel's acting was top notch.

[@QarthCEO]

The former hippies should be ashamed of themselves for how they treated soldiers returning from Vietnam.

[@IrishAmerican17]

Now, many of those "former hippies" are Congressional representatives and people of power, like Jane Fonda and Nancy Pelosi.

[@thomasb1889]

While how returning Vietnam vets were mistreated was bad I think the crickets that the Korean War vets got was even worse.

[@QarthCEO]

@@thomasb1889 I would rather have been ignored than spat on and called baby killer.

[@thomasb1889]

@@QarthCEO I missed out on Vietnam but I have heard Korean War vets say exactly that, at least someone acknowledged them. Both stink.

[@cal5000]

That story always sounded like bullshit.

[@2011Kestrel]

This is my favourite Kurt Russell film. With all the great moments in this movie, the thing I remember most was the look in Kurt Russell’s eyes.

[@darthhodges]

Star Trek also attempts to bring up this problem in the Season 3 Next Generation episode "The Hunted".

[@backdoor5993]

Before listening to your commentary I didn't completely see the underlying concept of this movie. Thank you for explaining it to me. As a vet, I related to Todd but I didn't understand how deep that relation was. I watched the movie again and it was crystal clear to me how my feelings of disassociation (i.e., disenfranchisement) have shaped my reactions to how civilians behave. After being in the military I couldn't understand the civilian mindset. In the Marines, we lived to serve. Regardless of the personal costs, we owed our country and each other our lives. It has taken many years to come to peace with civilian life and even though there are sometimes struggles I have mostly come to understand the civilian mindset. I'm willing to die for you, and you're willing to dump me on a deserted planet when I'm no longer useful, that about sums it up. Even with that knowledge, I'm still willing to die to preserve our way of life. SemperFi!

[@christophereason7863]

Just watched this again recently. It really is a fantastic perspective and performance of vicious training to indoctrinate a servant/soldier. Yet as you said he is still a feeling human. His superior will and humanity coupled with his training and experience win out. He loves that Boy...

[@jamesalder8628]

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.

[@GenerationFilms]

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!

[@fritzk3627]

I love how they tied this works to Bladerunner. Check out his awards and battles for insight…

[@chromedog68]

Also a few Star Trek (some battle honours are from Wrath of Khan references) and Warner bros cartoon references (q-36 weapon proficiencies) and DOOM (BFG-9000 weapon proficiency).

[@efnissien]

There are nods to some of Russell's other roles - O'Neill Ring award (Stargate), MacCready Cross (The Thing), Cash Medal of Bravery (Tango and Cash) and the wonderfully named 'Plissken Patch' (Escape from New York/L.A.)!

[@madmack7501]

Such an underrated movie. As a veteran I struggled with assimilation back into the real world, I still think back to a time in my life when all I had to do was not die. I always remember a quote “ the sheep will always fear the sheepdog because he has teeth like the wolf” this movie depicts that very well. Todd was always doing things the way military programmed him to do with very little understanding of how it would be perceived by anybody around him. Veterans everywhere eventually come to accept that they will never really be accepted by non veterans and will always find a connection with other veterans because only they understand. Once they stop trying to fit in and accept what they are, do veterans really find peace. It took myself a number of years and a marriage to accept the bastard of society I was.

[@2011Kestrel]

“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” - Douglas MacArthur

[@X_Malice_X]

Jesus, both you and the movie really hit all the notes of soldiers coming home.

[@cameronhaigh1891]

There is a book called legacy of heorot that deals with the theme of the role of a soldier among a peaceful colony

[@kfeltenberger]

That was an amazing book on so many levels!

[@SzymonNatanRajca]

Now I need to check it out ;)

[@BourneCreations]

One of the biggest transitions from military life back to civilian is the lack of loyalty and unity of effort. Too many times I have had bosses talk the talk, but fail in taking care of their employees or keeping their word. In the military you trust other servicemembers will do everything they can (even give up their lives) to help you complete the mission. In the civilian world most coworkers will fail at this. I got out in 1994 and have yet to find any job that had comes even close.

[@BourneCreations]

@@thepsychicspoon5984 That has been my experience pretty much on it's head. Huge companies, and mom and pop shops, it didn't matter. I can count on one hand how many civilian bosses I had that were worth a shit. That was one of the most depressing things to realize switching between both worlds.

[@spartan5876]

One of my favorite action movies. A lot of thought went into the treatment of Todd’s character. Thanks for reminding of this very entertaining movie.

[@chuckmoore8668]

I haven't seen this movie in years, but I just realized something. If any sci fi super soldier has a chance of beating the Chief, it's Todd. Think about it. Their training is very similar, though Todd has the advantage there since he was trained from birth vs the Chief at age 6. You take Chief out of the armor or put Todd in it. The fight would be extremely close!

[@midnightmosesuk]

A very underrated film, it's one of my favourites and probably Kurt Russel's best after Big Trouble in Little China. I think you're right in what you say about the film but, for me, it's also about overcoming trauma. To make him into a Soldier Sgt Todd was subjected to terrible experiences, he was an abused child, this was done to supress his humanity and force him to become violent. All he'd ever known were "fear and discipline" and at many points, because of Kurt Russel's excellent acting, you can see the internal pain he was experiencing. It's only after he was exiled that he was forced to confront that pain. He understood why he had been rejected by the village and agreed with it but it still hurt. To return he had to change and to do that he had to confront the monster he had been made into, and the trauma that had molded him. When, eventually, he returns to war, he's no longer driven by fear and discipline but love for the people who took him in and that ultimately makes him stronger than before. When he eventually kills the last of the new soldiers you can see how painful he finds it now, he no longer acts like a war robot, he kills as a human being and is sorry to do what he has to do. He recognises the trauma and fear in his enemy as he now has a sense of empathy.

[@bocagoodtimes1460]

I loved this movie! ( yep that line is classic)

[@TheLeugim66]

As a veteran I would have to say that any time we talk about how we treat soldiers, and how we could help them, we also need to talk about how our society treats each other. In the military no matter how you feel about someone else, you’re taught to get better and help them get better so that you can take care of each other. You’re taught to be part of a whole that is constantly improving and adapting. “You’re only as strong as your weakest member.” Something that is striking in civilian life is how out for themselves so many people are. They aren’t taught to help or to take care of each other, if someone falls it’s on them to get back up or be left behind. Many people are even taught to step on each other on their way to the top. That’s a really jarring thing for many veterans, and I can personally say that it takes a lot of work and support to get past that. On a side note, it’s easy to see the failure in thinking between the two groups in this movie. The veteran soldiers are all part of a tight knit group that works together and supports each other, a family basically. The super soldiers, and even the civilians to an extent, see anyone that doesn’t fit their thinking or further their own agendas as someone to be crushed or tossed aside, as garbage. Anyway I just felt like getting that out there. Great video though, I feel like you get it. Also, if you’re someone who’s going through hard times: remember you’re not alone. Don’t go through difficulties by yourself, and don’t feel ashamed to ask for help. Needing help is never something to feel bad about.

[@benjaminholcomb9478]

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.

[@jasonwilliams1085]

As military in a civilian world, you'll mellow over time. You will remember the best of your training, & excell.

[@ethancolebarrett]

One of the secrets...Soldier teleported bread.

[@nukiesduke6868]

This review randomly popping up made me want to watch it again. What's funny is I got to the endurance part where he was showing his new and improved guys and just realized the guys competing against them were a good 15-20 years younger. When Kurt's character started running and he gave him a massive head start before calling Caine up my first thought was "This guy is over a decade younger than Kurt, OFC he's going to be faster." Age was a bigger factor than being "genetically altered"

[@derekdrake8706]

One of my favorite movies as a kid. Very underrated film.

[@chrish4274]

Two points: 1) The key to Todd's lone-wolf showdown with the invaders is, "Soldiers deserve soldiers." He turns down any help out of respect for his adversaries. A warrior killing another warrior is honorable. But killing or being killed by a civilian is the height of dishonor. To a true soldier, it's unthinkable. 2) Russell's performance has always struck me as one of the best. To portray a man who has had all emotion beaten out of him, who never so much as raises an eyebrow or smiles, and yet shows a range of emotions with blank expressions is real cinema magic. One of my favorite films.

[@alliegamerbunny]

thanks for reviewing this film i have always liked it and your cometery on it opened up mutiple avenues i had not already considered

[@johnwicksbarber6182]

Kurt Russell has always been one of my favorite actors. This movie is awesome and I loved his character in the original Stargate movie as well.

[@Fenris77]

Definitely one of Kurt Russel's best movies ever made and a movie that deserved an A-listing...

[@soulbreakerthelastmanalive]

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.

[@alexandersantiago656]

You really spoke well on the process that happens when a brain is wired for specialized tasks and then is removed from an environment where it’s useful. I was in the service for six years before I got med retired, the only things I was good at or passionate about were no longer in reach. I knew I had the knowledge, but my body had reached its usefulness and I was offered a desk or the door. I chose the door because I thought freedom would be better than watching my fellow airmen live out my dreams while I filed paperwork. Now that I’m in the civilian world, I realized just how much I had changed. I never saw combat, but I operated in the nuclear realm which can be high stress. It’s weird being in a world where your sense of duty and your drive to succeed as a team are just things to be taken advantage of by the civilian world. Being an outcast is hard when your only sin is trying your hardest and just not being good enough. I can’t trust or rely on anyone the way I could when I was in, and now that I’m out I can’t rely on most of the people that I would have died for. Existing in a limbo between service and the civilian world is hard enough, but realizing that you are a cog that no longer fits into the machine is harder. It makes me emotional when people talk about having a hard time transitioning to the civilian world, probably because I thought you had to see war to feel that way, but in reality anyone who served can feel this, combat just validates it for those who never served. I sometimes wonder if there is something wrong with me, and maybe there is, but it’s not because I’m broken, it’s because I was built for a purpose I can no longer serve.

[@glennbrymer4065]

Your observations and the way you said all of it was very on target for the most part. Very freaky to listen to you. You nailed a lot of it. I went in at 17, young & dumb. I lasted about 16 months, Retired out at the age of 19. No longer young & dumb. You spoke a lot of truths. I'll be 70 soon, but I'm still 19. Very strange, listening to you. Thank you. You did good.

[@DHBucsFan]

This is one of my favorite movies, so I'm glad to see you guys cover it, and yes, the "I'm going to kill them all, sir." line is great, but for me, the best line is right before that; "soldiers deserve soldiers sir." It's that recognition that not only would the civilians be overmatched, but that they shouldn't be caught up in this and have to commit the acts of violence that Todd and the other soldiers will visit upon each other in the upcoming battle because that is not what they are meant for. Soldiers are meant to fight wars, against other soldiers, soldiers deserve soldiers. Sir.