Above the Law
Plot
Above the Law Nico Toscani is an Italian immigrant, American patriot, ex-CIA agent, aikido specialist and unorthodox Chicago policeman. He is as committed to his job as he is to his personalized brand of justice - dispensing it in his own unique way, often flouting the rules and conventions that govern the official police force. Toscani's latest case involves a gang of international gunrunners who are using Chicago as a hub for their illicit activities. When Toscani's investigation leads him to suspect that these gunrunners are being protected by corrupt officials within the police department, he decides to take matters into his own hands and embark on a solo mission to bring them down. As Toscani delves deeper into the world of organized crime, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with the ruthless leader of the gang, known only as "Giancarlo". This battle-hardened villain will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on the city's underworld, and Toscani must use all his skills, experience, and cunning to outwit him. Meanwhile, Toscani's personal life is put to the test when he becomes romantically involved with a beautiful Russian immigrant, Natalia. As their relationship deepens, Toscani finds himself torn between his duty as a police officer and his desire for love and connection. Throughout the film, Toscani's unorthodox methods and unwavering commitment to justice often put him at odds with his colleagues and superiors, who are more concerned with maintaining order and upholding the law than with achieving true justice. In the end, however, it is Toscani's unique blend of old-fashioned values and modern sensibilities that allows him to bring Giancarlo and his gang to account, and restore a sense of balance to the city. Above the Law is a high-octane action film that pays homage to the classic tough-guy movies of the 1970s and 1980s, while also exploring themes of loyalty, honor, and the tension between personal and professional responsibility. With its memorable protagonist, breakneck pacing, and satisfying conclusion, this film has become a cult classic among fans of action cinema.
Reviews
Camille
I've always felt that Yuen Biao possesses a more upright and endearing quality than Jackie Chan, and he's arguably the better martial artist too. The film itself is decent, highlighting the unfortunate reality that true justice is often difficult to achieve.
Mark
Yuen Biao's character is like a "Hong Kong Judge," and Cynthia Rothrock are both hot-tempered good guys, infusing the film with a frenetic energy from beginning to end. Corey Yuen's consistent pessimism (both the good and bad guys all die, and in another version, Yuen Biao, though alive, is sentenced to life imprisonment) leaves the viewer with a heavy heart. The final scene of Yuen Biao jumping from the plane is truly shocking.
Autumn
Golden Harvest action movies can be roughly divided into three branches. Willie Chan's branch, leaning left, takes the institutional route, producing films like "Police Story" that promote class harmony ("Miracles") and suppress adventurous impulsiveness ("Armour of God II: Operation Condor"). Sammo Hung's branch, veering right, distrusts the system, focusing on punishing evil and delivering final-scene justice in films like "Dragons Forever" and "Eastern Condors." Terence Chang's branch, seeing that his two older brothers have already occupied the left and right, decides to traverse both extremes. The ultimate representation of this extremism is, of course, our protagonist, the lawyer, Shek Ling-Jing! But the most surprising element is Cynthia Rothrock. This woman is not only fierce in action, cuffing four thugs with ease, but she's also quick-witted and can even write upside down. Whether it's the weight of her role, or the audience's initial expectations, you would assume she would team up with the male lawyer and female inspector to form an alliance against evil...
Caroline
Over the top! Yuen Biao stars as Hsia Ling-cheng, using his real name. The law is unreliable here, as prosecutors and police resort to vigilante justice, executing criminals extrajudicially. The main draw is Cynthia Rothrock and Yuen Biao's fight choreography. Melvin Wong, husband of Angie Chiu, plays the main villain and is also quite a capable fighter. The best fight scene is arguably Rothrock's showdown with the white female assassin. It’s almost a total bloodbath of a movie; Lau Siu-ming is killed gruesomely, the kid Fan Siu-wong dies miserably, Cynthia Rothrock meets a brutal end, and Corey Yuen is killed off as well. Wong Kam-sun meets also dies a horrific death when Yuen Biao finishes with an axe to the head .
Jude
In the original Hong Kong version, Yuen Biao, Cynthia Rothrock, and the villain James Wong Jim-suk all meet their demise. In the American version, Cynthia Rothrock survives and leads a rescue mission for Yuen Biao, who is ultimately sentenced to eight years for first-degree murder. The Taiwanese version sees Yuen Biao convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Four stars are for the original's uncompromising approach where everyone, good or bad, dies, and for its poignant anger at how the law can be manipulated for the benefit of the wicked. Most importantly, the action choreography is superb, and Yuen Biao's willingness to perform his own stunts, like the building fall, is remarkable. Suspending a plane mid-air and the high-altitude drop are genuinely impressive. The film also gives women substantial and pivotal roles. The interview in the Blu-ray extras mentions Yuen Biao's concern for his opponents, showcasing his professionalism. The scenes shot in New Zealand, and the cast...
Adam
"Above the Law" explores a world where justice is as unpredictable as the characters it confronts. Nico Toscani's unorthodox methods mirror the chaos of modern law enforcement, leaving us to ponder whether true justice can ever truly be served.
Ava
In a world where justice often feels like a distant ideal, *Above the Law* challenges us to consider what it truly means to commit to one's beliefs. Nico Toscani’s relentless pursuit of truth and his unorthodox methods underscore the dark corners of our system, reminding us that true justice may require more than just adhering to the rules—it might demand breaking a few. This film isn’t just about law enforcement; it’s a reflection on the personal cost of standing firm in your convictions, even when it means wading into moral gray areas.
Sky
A man like Nico Toscani doesn't just follow the rules—he writes them. His brand of justice is as unorthodox as it is relentless, making him a legend in his own right.
