Performance & Direction: Going by the Book Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Going by the Book (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Going by the Book features a noteworthy lineup led by Jung Jae-young . Supported by the likes of Son Byung-ho and Shin Gu , 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 Going by the Book (2007) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Going by the Book
Quick Plot Summary: Going by the Book is a Comedy, Action, Crime film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Going by the Book
Ending Breakdown: Going by the Book resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Going by the Book reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Going by the Book Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Going by the Book incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a comedy, action, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Going by the Book adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Going by the Book?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Going by the Book
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $15.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: Going by the Book
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Going by the Book Online?
Streaming HubGoing by the Book Parents Guide & Age Rating
2007 AdvisoryWondering about Going by the Book age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Going by the Book is 102 minutes (1h 42m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Going by the Book stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2007 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Going by the Book worth watching?
Going by the Book is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Going by the Book parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Going by the Book identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Going by the Book?
The total duration of Going by the Book is 102 minutes, which is approximately 1h 42m long.
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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.
