Watch Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except
- NR
- 1985
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5.6 (933)
Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is a 1985 action-thriller film directed by Josh Becker. The film revolves around Vietnam War veteran Colonel John Rogers, played by actor Brian Rickman, who leads a group of military renegades on a killing spree. The film is loosely based on a true story and is set in 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War.
The film opens with a group of soldiers being held captive by a group of Viet Cong soldiers in the jungle. Colonel Rogers and his men, who are on a rescue mission, arrive on the scene and launch an attack on the enemy soldiers. The rescue is successful, but the soldiers become disillusioned with the war and the government's handling of it.
After returning to the United States, Colonel Rogers and his men turn to drugs and violent crime. They form a cult-like group called the Delta Boys and begin a campaign of terror against those they see as enemies or those who they believe have wronged them.
One of the main targets of the Delta Boys is a small town in Michigan where some of the soldiers grew up. When a group of local teenagers stumble upon the Delta Boys' secret hideout, they become the next targets of the group's violent attacks.
The lead character in the film is Jack Stryker, played by John Manfredi, a former member of Colonel Rogers' platoon who is now living in the Michigan town that the Delta Boys are targeting. Stryker is a decorated war hero who is haunted by the memories of the war and his involvement in the Delta Boys' crimes. He agrees to help the local sheriff, played by actor Timothy Patrick Quill, stop the Delta Boys.
The film features a number of intense action scenes, including shootouts, explosions and hand-to-hand combat. It also has a strong anti-war message and explores the psychological toll that the Vietnam War had on soldiers.
Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is notable for its low budget and guerrilla filmmaking techniques. The film was shot in and around Detroit, Michigan and the production team had to rely on local resources to create the film's special effects.
The film's director, Josh Becker, previously worked with acclaimed filmmaker Sam Raimi on the cult horror classic The Evil Dead. Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except was Becker's second feature film and he went on to direct a number of other low-budget action and horror films.
While the film was not widely seen upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the low-budget action genre. The film's mix of intense action and social commentary has made it a favorite of fans and critics alike.
In conclusion, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is a tense and thrilling action-thriller that explores the dark side of war and its impact on soldiers. The film features strong performances from its cast and some impressive action sequences, despite its low budget. For fans of action and cult cinema, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is definitely worth watching.
Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is a 1985 crime movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.