Universal Soldier (1992)

Luc and Scott were killed in Vietnam, but the army has a secret project for reanimating dead people as near-perfect soldiers.

Director:

Roland Emmerich

Writers:

Richard Rothstein (story), Christopher Leitch (story),

Stars:

Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Ally Walker

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Claude Van Damme	...	Luc Deveraux / GR44
Dolph Lundgren	...	Andrew Scott / GR13
Ally Walker	...	Veronica Roberts
Ed O'Ross	...	Colonel Perry
Jerry Orbach	...	Dr. Christopher Gregor
Leon Rippy	...	Woodward
Tico Wells	...	Garth
Ralf Moeller	...	GR76
Robert Trebor	...	Motel Owner
Gene Davis	...	Lieutenant
Drew Snyder	...	Charles
Tommy 'Tiny' Lister	...	GR55
Simon Rhee	...	GR61
Eric Norris	...	GR86
Michael Winther	...	Technician

Storyline

An elite team of soldiers has been used against terrorists where they use astounding physical capabilities to overcome them. Victoria, a reporter, follows them and discovers a part of their secret. When one of the team kills her cameraman she tries to escape. Luc, one of the soldiers begins to have flashbacks and turns sides and helps her as the remainder of the team follows to protect their secrets.

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Plot Keywords:

flashback | vietnam | parents | top secret | chase | 

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Taglines:

Almost human...Almost perfect...Almost under control.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong graphic violence, and for strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Studio Canal [fr]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 July 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Crystal Knights

Filming Locations:

Ashfork, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$36,299,898 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

StudioCanal, Carolco Pictures, IndieProd Company Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min 84 min (heavily cut) (TV)

Sound Mix:

CDS (digital 35 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (analog 35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Roland Emmerich:  [44]  Luc Deveraux's codename in the UNISOL program is GR44.

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Goofs

The amount of ammunition on the ammo belt of Scott's M-60 near the end of the motel segment.

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Quotes

Scott: They're all traitors!

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Connections

Spoofed in So Graham Norton: Episode #5.7 (2001)

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Soundtracks

"Life's Too Confusin' Anyway"
Written by Wendy Kramer and Harry Shannon

User Reviews

Not great but solid action from Van Damme and Lundgren

In a war zone Luc Deveraux stops his officer Andrew Scott, killing innocent civilians. However both die in the struggle. Years later they are part of a reanimation programme all Universal Soldiers – perfect fighting machines controlled like robots. However Deveraux has memory flashbacks causing him to flee with a reporter, his commander also experiences memory residues and takes the remaining soldiers to go after Deveraux.

One of Van Damme's and Lundgren's best films – although that's not saying much. The plot is pretty basic although there is some reasonable moralising about the soldiers. The action isn't fancy but it's solid and, unlike it's sequel, it's not afraid to be violent. While it's not a classic it does allow some good scenes and is a bit better than the usual Van Damme fare.

The cast are mixed. Van Damme is a perfect cardboard robot but doesn't convince when he has become human. He is the brunt of some good jokes too (`what accent?') and gets to bare his ass in customary style. Lundgren is actually quite good and his character develops from robot into war-weary soldier quite well. Ally Walker is so-so but she doesn't convince.

Overall this is enjoyable but it isn't perfect. For action fans it's solid enough to satisfy.