Above the Law Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aikido master cop fights corrupt CIA agents in Chicago because they messed with his neighborhood priest, who probably knew too much about government conspiracy, and now everyone’s getting roundhouse kicked into oblivion.

🍿 Above the Law: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Nico Toscani

The film introduces Nico Toscani, a Chicago cop with a complex past. We learn of his upbringing in Sicily, his martial arts training in Japan, and his time as a CIA operative in Vietnam. These experiences shaped him into a formidable force for justice, albeit one who operates outside traditional boundaries. He is dedicated to his family and community, reflecting a strong moral compass.

The Drug Bust and CIA Involvement

Nico’s investigation into a seemingly routine drug bust uncovers a network involving C4 explosives and CIA operatives. He is ordered to stand down, but his sense of justice compels him to continue investigating. This sets him on a collision course with corrupt officials and powerful figures who are willing to do anything to protect their interests. The conflict escalates as Nico delves deeper into the conspiracy.

Escalation and Personal Stakes

As Nico closes in on the truth, the stakes become increasingly personal. His family and friends are threatened, and he is forced to operate outside the law. The bombing of his parish church further fuels his determination. He navigates a treacherous landscape of deceit and violence, relying on his skills and instincts to survive and expose the conspiracy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nico Toscani (Steven Seagal): A former CIA operative and Aikido expert turned Chicago cop who fights corruption and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy.
• Delores Jackson (Pam Grier): Nico’s tough and supportive partner on the Chicago police force.
• Zagon (Henry Silva): A ruthless and sadistic ex-CIA agent involved in drug trafficking and political manipulation.
• Sara Toscani (Sharon Stone): Nico’s wife who worries about his safety as he confronts dangerous enemies.
• Lukich (Ron Dean): A fellow detective and friend of Nico who gets caught up in the dangerous conspiracy.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nico Toscani: “You know something Fox. Right now in Europe they’re trying some 80 year-old camp guard for Nazi war crimes. And all around our country they got guys on death row for murdering 1, 2, 3 guys. And they probably deserve what they’re going to get. But you & I… we know a couple of people that are personally responsible for the death of what, 50,000 non-military personnel? Librarians, teachers, doctors, women, children. All dead! We’ve wiped-out entire cultures! And for what? Not one C.I.A. agent has ever been tried, much less accused of any crimes. You guys think you’re above the law. Well, you ain’t above mine.” – This quote encapsulates Nico’s frustration with the CIA’s impunity and his determination to bring them to justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $18,869,631
• Worldwide Gross: $18,869,631

💥 Above the Law Reviews

Personal Review

As a huge action movie fan, I remember seeing Above the Law in the theater and being blown away by Seagal’s Aikido skills. The scene where he takes down the thugs in the pool hall was incredible! The plot was a bit convoluted, but the action was top-notch, and the Chicago setting gave the film a gritty feel. Plus, it was cool to see Sharon Stone in a pre-stardom role. Overall, a fun and nostalgic action flick.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action movies”
  • “Martial arts enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy films with political undertones”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “Above the Law is a solid action debut for Steven Seagal, with a surprisingly complex plot for the genre. Davis directs with a gritty realism, and the fight scenes are impactful. Seagal shows potential, though his acting range is limited. Pam Grier adds depth.
• Variety: “Seagal’s debut is a passable action flick, high on bone-crunching and low on subtlety. Henry Silva’s villain is suitably menacing. However, the script is convoluted, and Seagal’s screen presence, while imposing, lacks charisma. Watchable but not memorable.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the realistic fight scenes and Aikido moves of Steven Seagal.: Most audience members appreciated the nonstop action and felt it was a strong debut for Seagal, and felt it was a good classic action movie.

Overall Consensus: Above the Law is generally seen as a solid, if flawed, action movie, showcasing Steven Seagal’s martial arts skills and establishing his action star persona. Its gritty realism and action choreography are praised, while the complex plot and Seagal’s acting are criticized.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steven Seagal co-wrote the story and co-produced the film, marking his debut as a leading man.”
• “The film was directed by Andrew Davis, who would later direct Seagal in ‘Under Siege’.”
• “Much of the filming took place on location in Chicago, adding authenticity to the crime drama.”
• “Henry Silva broke Steven Seagal’s nose during the final fight scene, requiring Seagal to ice it overnight to continue filming the next day.”

🖥️ How to Watch Above the Law?

Above the Law is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) are also available for purchase through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Streaming availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Above the Law, you might like these similar films:

• Code of Silence (1985): Also directed by Andrew Davis and set in Chicago, it features a lone cop battling crime and corruption.
• Hard to Kill (1990): Another Steven Seagal action film where he plays a cop seeking revenge and fighting corruption.
• The Fugitive (1993): Directed by Andrew Davis, it features a man wrongly accused, on the run, uncovering a deep conspiracy.

🛒 Above the Law Related Products

• Steven Seagal 5-Film Collection (Hard to Kill / Above the Law / Under Siege / On Deadly Ground / Executive Decision): Get five of Steven Seagal’s best movies in one digital collection. Experience his action-packed career from the start with ‘Above the Law’ to later hits like ‘Under Siege’.
• Aikido Techniques DVD: Learn the basic skills of Aikido from a certified professional. Master Aikido the same way Steven Seagal did in Above the Law.
• Chicago Police Department T-Shirt: Show your support for the Chicago PD with this stylish T-shirt. Features the official CPD logo and design. High-quality print on comfortable fabric.
• Collectible Aikido Action Figure: Limited Edition action figure inspired by Nico Toscani’s aikido moves in ‘Above the Law’. Highly detailed and posable figure with movie-accurate accessories.

🎧 Soundtrack

Above the Law features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by David Michael Frank
• “Street Fight” – performed by David Michael Frank

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Steven Seagal Fight Scenes (1988-1996) Above The Law – The Glimmer Man

Love Steven Seagal’s early action flicks? This video is a must-watch, compiling all the best fight scenes from ‘Above the Law’ and other classics. Honestly, it’s a great reminder of why he was such a big star!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=AYP0-KKLJ8o

HK Above the Law 86 Complete ORIGINAL Ending Fight, Cynthia Rothrock Biao Yuen HD

Did you know there was an alternate ending to ‘Above the Law’? This video shows the original fight scene with Cynthia Rothrock, and it’s pretty intense! I think it adds a whole new layer to the movie, what do you think?

Interesting fact about Steven Seagal pt.30

Wanna impress your friends with some Steven Seagal trivia? This quick video drops a fascinating fact about the actor that you probably didn’t know. It’s super short but definitely worth a watch!

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