Above the Law

Set in Chicago, the story follows Nico Toscani, an American cop who came to the United States as an Italian immigrant and now works as a dedicated, no-nonsense investigator. A former CIA operative and a master of aikido, he blends high level fighting with sharp street sense to chase down those who slip through the cracks of justice. Nico operates on a personal code that mixes relentless police work with a taint of vigilante instincts, preferring precise, efficient actions over bureaucratic wrangling. As he digs into a web of corruption and organized crime, his unorthodox methods challenge colleagues and criminals alike, testing loyalty and the boundaries of lawful authority. The balance between official duty and personal code is tested. Ultimately.

Directed by Andrew Davis, Above the Law was released in 1988 with a screenplay by Steven Pressfield and Ronald Shusett. Shot in Chicago, the film pairs Seagal's martial arts presence with plot and turns from Pam Grier and Sharon Stone.

Box office wise, the film grossed about 18.87 million worldwide on a 7.5 million budget, marking a solid if not blockbuster return for an action thriller of its era. It helped establish Seagal as a star in late 80s cinema.

Above the Law helped propel Steven Seagal into mainstream stardom by presenting a laconic, supremely capable antihero who blends martial art finesse with street level grit. Its blend of disciplined hand to hand combat and hard edged Chicago setting left a mark on police action thrillers of the era today.

Critics praised the film for its brisk pace and Seagal's imposing presence, but many noted a lean story and brutal violence. The picture navigates themes of corruption, loyalty, and the pressure of wielding power outside standard channels, underscoring the tension between duty and personal justice. It remains influential today worldwide.