By Hook or By Crook

  • 1980
  • Not Rated
  • 94m
movieMx RATING
5.1/109
VERDICT
AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: By Hook or By Crook Review

Last updated: January 28, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 28, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is By Hook or By Crook (1980) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and By Hook or By Crook features a noteworthy lineup led by Sammo Hung Kam-Bo . Supported by the likes of Wu Ma and Karl Maka , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of By Hook or By Crook (1980) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.1/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.

Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, By Hook or By Crook stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: By Hook or By Crook

Quick Plot Summary: By Hook or By Crook is a Action, Comedy film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: By Hook or By Crook

Ending Breakdown: By Hook or By Crook attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of By Hook or By Crook reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch By Hook or By Crook?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Action films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Top Cast: By Hook or By Crook

All Cast & Crew →
Wu Ma
Wu MaFlower Kid
Karl Maka
Karl MakaButcher Wing
Dean Shek Tin
Dean Shek TinSkinny Gee
Paul Chung Fat
Paul Chung FatChung Fa-Pai, the Golden Killer
Tang Ching
Tang ChingMillionaire Chin Pai Wen
Lam Ching-Ying
Lam Ching-YingSkinny's Hired Thug Leader
Tai San
Tai SanLady Chin's Lover
Hon Kwok-Choi
Hon Kwok-ChoiGang Leader
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Where to Watch By Hook or By Crook Online?

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By Hook or By Crook Parents Guide & Age Rating

1980 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about By Hook or By Crook age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

By Hook or By Crook has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Action, Comedy), it contains violence, action sequences.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of By Hook or By Crook is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, By Hook or By Crook is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1980 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for By Hook or By Crook. Rating: 5.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is By Hook or By Crook worth watching?

By Hook or By Crook is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find By Hook or By Crook parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for By Hook or By Crook identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of By Hook or By Crook?

The total duration of By Hook or By Crook is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.

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How By Hook or By Crook Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for By Hook or By Crook

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.1
By Hook or By Crook
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