Is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1985)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1985, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Crime, Action, Thriller, Adventure, Horror category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Vietnam, 1969. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Action, Thriller, Adventure, Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Vietnam, 1969. War is Hell. For Marine Sergeant Jack Stryker, however, Hell is just the beginning. Trapped outside a Viet Cong village, Stryker takes two bullets to the leg. Sent home from the war, he discovers his ex-girlfriend has been kidnapped by a religious cult with a vicious Manson-like leader. Stryker teams up with some marine friends to form an assassination squad and annihilate the gang of crazed killers."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Brian Schulz, the performance in Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Josh Becker is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 84 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Action, Thriller, Adventure, Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4.7/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 1985 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Josh Becker respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Brian Schulz or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.