Alright, this may be a longshot. I found, on this board, someone who helped someone with a similar problem, and he knocked it out of the park. So here goes:
I have been searching for a movie nearly my entire life, I just don’t know what its called. Its definitely science fiction. I first saw it in the early 90’s (not to say it wasn’t from the 80’s, who knows, maybe you do?!). Definitely american, and sorta dark in theme. The story is very foggy, but a scientist builds a suit of armor (maybe several?) and its powered by some kind of liquid (although that could be completely wrong). So the villain either steals one or creates his own menacing version. The two fight it out, and the hero’s armor starts losing some of the liquid (that is why I think it may power the suit, but I was young and didn’t understand hydraulic fluid yet, haha). I believe the hero wins, but at the cost of his life. HERE’S THE IMPORTANT PART I KNOW FOR SURE:
The ending. A teacher/museum curator is guiding a group of school children (or any age?) through an exhibit, where there hero’s suit of armor is on display (showing that he will always be remembered.)
Okay, that said, I have asked everyone I know (who claims to be a movie buff) and have done a lot of research, but to no avail. I’m willing to pay $ if someone can actually answer this. Its been driving me crazy for a LONG time. Thank you!
I think I remember that one- he was a scientist trapped in a sandblasting chamber and almost killed by the badguys, who then used him to test prosthetic limbs. His skin was replaced by a super- tough spacesuit designed for mars. They also installed a chip in his brain that made him go psycho if anyone touched him. I have no idea why. When he went rogue, they sent mercenaries with guns that shot superheated acid. As you said, he died but killed the bad guys- the last scene is a tour guide explaining that he was a hero who died exposing critical vulnerabilities in the spacesuit.