Too much of everything

To me, this movie is perfection.

Did you people see the same film I saw?

A Masterpiece!

I will never describe Steven Seagal as being an actor because he has no idea what that entails. He merely fits the bill regarding the requirements of being an action hero. He has the perfect knack for dozing his way through a film. However, in the early days of his movie career, Seagal successfully displayed his skills in the martial arts style of Akido. This was when he was in good shape, physically speaking. The opening scene in the dojo impressed me when Steven Seagal demonstrates his own style of martial arts in front of his students. His hand speed and his timing is on a par with that of Bruce Lee near enough. The story is very standard so I won't mention anything of what happens. Henry Silva makes for a creepy and sinister villain, he was always very good at playing those kinds of characters. The action scenes are capably handled and it helps that the lead is a professional martial artist. In my opinion, Steven Seagal made his best films from 1988 to about 1995 before weight gain cast a shadow over his career. The director of "Above the Law" was the same person who made Seagal's best film, "Under Siege."

"Above the Law" is Steven Seagal's debut film - and one of his best films ever. It's a great action-thriller dealing with corruption and illegal CIA activities. The film was co-written and directed by Andrew Davis, who also directed the equally great first Under Siege film with Seagal. The story is good and captivating and the action is superb and highly satisfying. I like that the film addresses certain "uncomfortable" topics, like torture of POWs, police corruption and the state's involvement in criminal activities (such as the CIA's involvement in opium dealings). I also like that the Italian mob plays a vital role in protecting Seagal's family.Long before he garnered a reputation as an egotist stuck in straight to rental hell, he was an action star worth watching by the action movie faithful. Above the Law was his first official film and it's undoubtedly one of his best. It showcases his considerable skills as a martial artist whilst providing plenty of thrills and high octane action spills. Plot is hardly original, but it matters not in the grand scheme of things, and yes some of the acting from Seagal is stiff, but it never gets dull, the support cast are strong and, well, quite frankly, the film kicks butt! Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

This is by far the best movie Steven Seagal ever made. I think it was his first movie, and because of this, I surmise, he probably left the people alone that had the creative control. He was also younger then, and in better shape then he is now. His most recent movies appear to have action stunt doubles, whenever there is any jumping around required, and that's really a let down. In this movie the martial arts moves are crisp and believable. The writing in the movie was great and some of the lines, particularly by the bad guys like Zagon, I remember to this day. The actors that play the CIA "spooks" are good, as is Pam Grier, Seagal's partner in the movie. A great Martial Arts action movie, and definitely in my top 10 list.

Above the Law (AKA: Nico) is directed by Andrew Davis who also co-writes with Steven Pressfield and Ronald Shusett. It stars Steven Seagal (co- writing the story with Davis), Pam Grier, Sharon Stone, Chelcie Ross, Ron Dean, Henry Silva and Daniel Faraldo. Music is by David M. Frank and cinematography by Robert Steadman.Ex CIA operative in Vietnam, Nicolo Toscani (Seagal), a martial arts expert, is now a Chicago cop. Upon shaking down a drug pusher, Nico learns of a major drug ring in operation, an operation that appears to have links to a foe back in is CIA days.Seagal was once a box office draw, he really was. Long before he garnered a reputation as an egotist stuck in straight to rental hell, he was an action star worth watching by the action movie faithful. Above the Law was his first official film and it's undoubtedly one of his best. It showcases his considerable skills as a martial artist whilst providing plenty of thrills and high octane action spills. Plot is hardly original, but it matters not in the grand scheme of things, and yes some of the acting from Seagal is stiff, but it never gets dull, the support cast are strong and, well, quite frankly, the film kicks butt! 7/10