Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except Poster

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except 1985

★ 4.730 votes84 min📅 1985-10-13

Josh Becker's gritty 1985 action-thriller *Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except* plunges into the raw tension of a Vietnam veteran's fragile return to civilian life.

Director: Josh Becker

Cast

Brian Schulz
Sgt. Jack Stryker
Robert Rickman
Sgt. Walker J. Jackson
John Manfredi
John Manfredi
2nd Lt. David Miller
Timothy Patrick Quill
Timothy Patrick Quill
LCpl. Tim Tyler
Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi
Cult Leader
Cheryl Hausen
Sally
Perry Mallette
Otis
Ted Raimi
Ted Raimi
Chain Man
Scott Spiegel
Scott Spiegel
Pin Cushion
Josh Becker
Josh Becker
Crushed Hood / Shot Cult Leader (uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (1985) about?

The film follows Jack Stryker, a Vietnam veteran recovering from severe injuries, as he tries to rebuild his life in a secluded cabin. His fragile peace is disrupted when he reunites with his girlfriend, Sally, forcing him to face the lingering shadows of war.

Who directed Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except?

Josh Becker, known for his work in action and horror, directed this intense 1985 thriller.

Who stars in Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except?

Brian Schulz takes the lead, joined by Robert Rickman, John Manfredi, Timothy Patrick Quill, and Sam Raimi in key roles.

Is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (1985) worth watching?

While unrated, the film's mix of action, crime, and horror makes it a compelling watch for grindhouse fans. Its themes of trauma and survival resonate, though its brevity may leave some wanting more depth.

How long is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except?

The movie runs for 84 minutes, offering a tight, high-energy experience.

🎥 Trailer

About Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (1985) — A Vietnam Vet's Fight to Escape the Past

Josh Becker's gritty 1985 action-thriller *Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except* plunges into the raw tension of a Vietnam veteran's fragile return to civilian life. Jack Stryker, a soldier who barely escapes the war with two bullet wounds in his leg, seeks solitude in his remote cabin, determined to leave the horrors of combat behind. His fragile peace shatters when he reconnects with his girlfriend, Sally, forcing him to confront the ghosts of his past. Packed with explosive energy, the film blends crime, adventure, and horror into a tense narrative that questions whether violence can ever truly be silenced.

With a cast led by Brian Schulz and Robert Rickman, *Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except* delivers a visceral exploration of trauma, survival, and the limits of forgiveness. Shot with a raw, unfiltered style, the movie immerses viewers in a world where morality is as fragile as the protagonist's resolve, making it a cult favorite among grindhouse enthusiasts and action fans alike.