Soldier (1998), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is a sci-fi action film that explores themes of obsolescence and survival in a dystopian future. Kurt Russell stars as Sergeant Todd, a soldier trained from birth to be an emotionless, efficient killing machine. When Todd is deemed obsolete by a new generation of genetically-engineered soldiers, he is unceremoniously dumped on a desolate, waste planet. Here, he encounters a community of stranded wayfarers who reluctantly take him in, sparking a journey of redemption and self-discovery as he defends the defenseless against overwhelming odds.

Though Soldier was largely overlooked upon its release in the late 90s, competing with a slew of blockbuster action films, it has since garnered a cult following. The film’s straightforward yet compelling plot, combined with impressive action sequences and solid special effects for the era, makes it a hidden gem in the genre.

Kurt Russell’s restrained yet powerful performance as the stoic Todd is a highlight, conveying a range of emotions with minimal dialogue. The ensemble cast, including Jason Scott Lee, Jason Isaacs, Connie Nielsen, Sean Pertwee, Michael Chiklis, and Gary Busey, also delivers strong performances that enhance the film’s impact. Joel McNeely’s score adds to the movie’s atmosphere, blending with the action to create a gripping experience.

Soldier may not have been a box office success, but its enduring appeal and the quality of its execution have earned it a place among the underrated classics of the 90s, deserving of more recognition than it initially received.