Above the Law

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Above the Law

R

Released Apr 8, 1988

1h 39m

Action

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50%

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20 Reviews

48%

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25,000+ Ratings

A martial-arts expert and former CIA agent, Nico Toscani (Steven Seagal) is working as a Chicago cop when a relatively routine drug-trafficking investigation leads to an international conspiracy. Soon Nico and his partner, Delores "Jax" Jackson (Pam Grier), are the targets of mysterious and powerful criminals, but he refuses to back down. As Nico gets deeper into the case, he must contend with an old adversary: corrupt CIA operative Kurt Zagon (Henry Silva).

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Alexander Walker

London Evening Standard

It's yet another variant on the theme of the rogue cop (martial arts division) who abandons his badge to clean up some dirty work in the neighbourhood.

Aug 16, 2021

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 2/5

Feb 10, 2005

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It contains 50 percent more plot than it needs, but that allows it room to grow in areas not ordinarily covered in action thrillers.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

As usual in Davis films, the Chicago locations are convincing and lived-in.

Rated: B

Aug 31, 2022

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Fortunately for democracy, nothing can stop Nico, who looks like Sylvester Stallone poured into the mould that produced Robert Valentino.

Aug 16, 2021

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Cathy Burke

United Press International

Above the Law has enough off-beat updates on the cops-and-robbers theme to at least make the film visually interesting most of the time.

Oct 9, 2016

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William A

It’s a half star phile. I wish I knew how to quit you.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

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Lanfranco C

An old style action movie with a political backplot.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/24

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Sauron A

I really can't understand why Steven Seagull is famous.All his movies are subpar at best and this is one is really bad.The fight scenes are okay but the plot is stupid. Definitely one of the worst movies from the 80's. 2/10

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/28/24

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Howard H

Good action film. Pam Greer is especially a stand-up in this film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/23/24

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Audience Member

No one is above the law but one man is even though everyone says otherwise Steven Seagal plays a martial -arts expert/former CIA operative Nico He works as a Chicago police officer While working on a drug-trafficking operation it leads to a larger conspiracy It goes from drugs to explosives to immigration Nico and his partner Jax are soon targets of mysterious criminals yet he won't walk away He then has to confront an old adversary, a corrupt CIA operative named Zaigon The movie is actually a lot of fun; Seagal is rough tough but kinda funny Cool action scenes and some nice turns and twists Although the villain gets taken out far too easily But it isn't a complicated movie so it's very straightforward A classic 80s action flick with a protagonist that makes Seagal easy to root for One of the brighter spots in his spotty career

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

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William D

This is one of Steven Seagal's best movies.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/27/23

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Andrew Davis

Director

Steven Seagal

Nico Toscani

Pam Grier

Delores "Jacks" Jackson

Henry Silva

Kurt Zagon

Sharon Stone

Sara Toscani

Ron Dean

Detective Lukich

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Synopsis

A martial-arts expert and former CIA agent, Nico Toscani (Steven Seagal) is working as a Chicago cop when a relatively routine drug-trafficking investigation leads to an international conspiracy. Soon Nico and his partner, Delores "Jax" Jackson (Pam Grier), are the targets of mysterious and powerful criminals, but he refuses to back down. As Nico gets deeper into the case, he must contend with an old adversary: corrupt CIA operative Kurt Zagon (Henry Silva).

Director: Andrew Davis
Producer: Andrew Davis, Steven Seagal, John G. Wilson
Screenwriter: Steven Pressfield, Ronald Shusett, Andrew Davis
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Rating: R
Genre: Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 8, 1988, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.6M
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Surround

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