Above the Law

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Above the Law

R

1988

1h 39m

Action

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Popcornmeter

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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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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Hal Hinson

Washington Post

Woefully short on originality, intelligibility and anything resembling taste.

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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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 39 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $18,600,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

Full Review

thiago s

Filme bacaninha, o roteiro é mais ou menos, as cenas são bacaninhas, como a cena do maluco sendo jogado do prédio e outros cenas de tiro, a história é mais ou menos, o elenco é bacana, só o Steve seagan ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são mais ou menos, e o filme deveria ter mais cenas de ação.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

04/12/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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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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