Soldier
Performance & Direction: Soldier Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Soldier (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Soldier features a noteworthy lineup led by Kurt Russell . Supported by the likes of Jason Scott Lee and Jason Isaacs , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Soldier
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Soldier is a Science Fiction, Action, Drama film directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Kurt Russell.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Sergeant Todd is a veteran soldier for an elite group of the armed forces. After being defeated by a new breed of genetically engineered soldiers, he is dumped on a waste planet and left for dead. He soon interacts with a group of crash survivors who lead out a peaceful existence. The peace is broken as the new soldiers land on the planet to eliminate the colony, which Sergeant Todd must defend. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Kurt Russell's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Soldier
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Soldier concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Kurt Russell, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Soldier reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Soldier?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Kurt Russell or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Soldier
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $75.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Soldier Budget
The estimated production budget for Soldier is $75.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Soldier
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Where to Watch Soldier Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoSoldier Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Soldier age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Soldier is 99 minutes (1h 39m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Soldier is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soldier worth watching?
Soldier is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Soldier parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Soldier identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Soldier?
The total duration of Soldier is 99 minutes, which is approximately 1h 39m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
