Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once Poster

Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once 1975

★ 6.03 votes81 min📅 1975-06-23

"A student of death becomes a master of revenge in..."

In Tsai Yang-Ming's 1975 martial arts drama *Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once*, a young man's life shatters when his parents are brutally murdered during a funeral procession. Left for dead, he's taken in by Shaolin monks, where his grief hardens into resolve.

Director: Tsai Yang-Ming

Cast

Chan Sing
Chan Sing
Yao Hao
Lu Shu Chin
Yao's Fiancee
Michael Chan Wai-Man
Michael Chan Wai-Man
Brother Fa
Chin Kang
Chin Kang
Lord Eagle
Lung Fong
Lung Fong

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once (1975) about?

This 1975 martial arts drama follows a young man whose parents are murdered during their funeral, leaving him orphaned and driven by grief. He seeks refuge in a Shaolin temple, but his quest for vengeance clashes with the monks' teachings of peace, setting the stage for a brutal reckoning.

Who directed Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once?

Tsai Yang-Ming directed *Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once*. Though less widely known than some contemporaries, his work here weaves action and drama into a compelling narrative of loss and retribution.

Who stars in Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once?

The film features Chan Sing as the grieving protagonist, Lu Shu Chin as his fiancée, Michael Chan Wai-Man as Brother Fa, and Chin Kang and Lung Fong in pivotal supporting roles.

Is Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once (1975) worth watching?

While it doesn't boast a widely known director or cast, *Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once* delivers a satisfying blend of action and drama. Its tight runtime and themes of vengeance and redemption make it appealing for fans of 1970s martial arts films, even if it's not a household name.

How long is Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once?

The film runs for 81 minutes.

About Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once (1975) — Revenge, Shaolin, and the cost of justice in Tsai Yang-Ming's martial arts drama

In Tsai Yang-Ming's 1975 martial arts drama *Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once*, a young man's life shatters when his parents are brutally murdered during a funeral procession. Left for dead, he's taken in by Shaolin monks, where his grief hardens into resolve. Rejecting his fiancée's pleas to abandon vengeance, he immerses himself in brutal discipline, trading monk's robes for the sword of retribution. Directed by Tsai Yang-Ming, this gripping tale blends raw action with deep emotional stakes, exploring themes of justice, loss, and the fine line between righteous fury and unchecked fury. The film's tense atmosphere crackles with the clash of personal vendetta against spiritual discipline, making it a standout in 1970s martial arts cinema.

Starring veterans like Chan Sing as the vengeful survivor and Lu Shu Chin as his conflicted fiancée, the cast delivers performances steeped in gravitas and tension. *Thou Shall Not Kill... But Once* isn't just another revenge flick—it's a meditation on the cost of vengeance, wrapped in the physical poetry of Shaolin combat. The 81-minute runtime keeps the momentum relentless, balancing fight sequences with moments of quiet introspection that linger long after the credits roll.