Stryker's War (1985)

Marzell Holmes
Long Beach, CA

Date: 22 January 1999
Summary: Stunning, stirring look at post-Vietnam US

Although I saw this film under the title "Thou Shalt Not Kill Except. . .," I feel that it would be just as effective under any name. The film is divided into two segments, the first taking place in Vietnam and the second back in the US. The gripping battle sequences of the opening section might lead you to believe that this is just a below-average combat picture. But it's when Stryker returns to the US that the film really takes off. He returns from the front a changed man, walking with a limp as he rekindles old friendships (and just maybe a love affair!). But Stryker's world is shattered all over again when his gal pal gets kidnapped by a murderous gang of drug-addled cretins led by Sam Raimi. The stage is set for Stryker ro reunite his old 'Nam unit and go on one last mission -- to wipe out the evil cult leader. The film is exceptionally well-written and nicely shot -- you'll believe they're actually IN Vietnam! And the performances are first-rate, especially by the actors playing Love Machine and Chainman. This is great stuff for fans of the genre, and has become a cult hit in its own right in certain areas. Stryker's troubling return to 'normalcy' closely parallels the experience of many Vietnam vets whose lives were torn apart by guys just like Chainman. Well worth checking out, if you can find a copy.