Strike Back

  • 1981
  • Not Rated
  • 87m
movieMx RATING
5.1/106
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Strike Back Review

Last updated: February 19, 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: February 19, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Strike Back (1981) 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 Crime.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Strike Back features a noteworthy lineup led by Dave Balko . Supported by the likes of Hanns Zischler and Rolf Eden , 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 Strike Back (1981) 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, Strike Back stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Strike Back

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1981, Strike Back is a Crime, Drama film directed by Carl Schenkel. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Dave Balko.

Ending Explained: Strike Back

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Carl Schenkel, Strike Back attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Dave Balko, 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 crime themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Strike Back reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Strike Back Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Strike Back incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Carl Schenkel, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Dave Balko's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Strike Back adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Strike Back?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Crime films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: Strike Back

All Cast & Crew →
Advertisement

Where to Watch Strike Back Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

FlimmerkisteTV Amazon ChannelFlimmerkisteTV Amazon Channel
Franatic Amazon ChannelFranatic Amazon Channel
Filmpalast Amazon ChannelFilmpalast Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store

Strike Back Parents Guide & Age Rating

1981 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Strike Back age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Strike Back has not been officially rated yet. Based on its genres (Crime, Drama), it contains mature themes, violence.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Strike Back is 87 minutes (1h 27m). 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, Strike Back is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1981 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Strike Back. Rating: 5.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Strike Back worth watching?

Strike Back is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Strike Back parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Strike Back identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Strike Back?

The total duration of Strike Back is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Strike Back

How Strike Back Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Strike Back

No reviews found for this filter.

🛡️

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.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.1
Strike Back
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/strike-back-255682" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Strike Back</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Dave Balko

View full filmography