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Action Cult Classic

Vietnam vets, a sadistic cult, and a stash of under-the-bed firepower collide in rural mayhem.

THOU SHALT NOT KILL... EXCEPT

1985 · 1h 24m · NR · Action / Adventure / Crime / Horror / Thriller

An army unit on patrol in Vietnam is ambushed and most of the unit is killed. The survivors are given leave to return Stateside and see their families. They decide to visit one of their buddies who had been wounded in the ambush. When they arrive in his town, they run up against a killer cult led by a murderous psychopath.

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Quick Answer
What is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except about?

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is a 1985 American action, adventure, crime, horror, and thriller film directed by Josh Becker about Vietnam veterans who take on a murderous cult terrorizing their town.

Themes & Keywords

Synopsis

Jack Stryker took two bullets in the leg in Vietnam and was carried back by one of his men. When he returns he tries to live a peaceful life in his cabin and resume dating his girlfriend, Sally. Meanwhile, a vicious cult let by Sam Raimi, who believes he is Jesus Christ, has been slaughtering people and doing blood sacrifices. When Stryker finds Sally gone, and her grandfather, Otis, used as a human dartboard, Stryker brings together his army buddies, gives them a stash of guns from under his bed, destroy an outhouse, and create a war zone not unlike Vietnam to destroy the evil cult.
Details & Specs
Director
Josh Becker
Writers
Josh Becker, Scott Spiegel, Bruce Campbell
Release
1985
Runtime
1h 24m
Genres
Action, Adventure, Crime, Horror, Thriller
Also Known As
Stryker's War

Why Cult

Vietnam Vets vs. Cult

Battle-hardened soldiers bring their war skills back home when a sadistic cult threatens their small town.

Sam Raimi as Cult Leader

Sam Raimi chews the scenery as a self-styled messiah leading a spree of blood sacrifices.

Low-Budget Gonzo Action

Expect outhouse demolition, under-the-bed gun stashes, and a war zone that feels like Vietnam—just with more homemade carnage.

Genre-Blending Mayhem

This film gleefully mashes up action, horror, crime, and thriller elements for a true cult cocktail.

Trailer

Questions from the Vault

What is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except about? +

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is about Vietnam veterans who return home and face off against a murderous cult led by a man who believes he is Jesus Christ.

When was Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except released? +

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except was released in 1985.

Who directed Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except? +

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except was directed by Josh Becker.

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

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except has a runtime of 84 minutes.

What genre is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except? +

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is an action, adventure, crime, horror, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except? +

Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is available on SassyFlix.

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