Above the Law

Above the Law

Year: 1988

Runtime: 99 min

Language: french (france)

Director: Andrew Davis

ActionDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

A dedicated and resourceful enforcer, Nico Toscani, maintains order on the streets of Chicago, combining martial arts skills with traditional detective methods. When the legal system falls short, he takes it upon himself to deliver justice, employing a distinctive and forceful approach. His unwavering commitment to what he believes is right often puts him at odds with those in power, leading to dangerous confrontations and testing his personal code.

Tense
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
High intensity
Fast pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Above the Law (1988)

Trace every key event in Above the Law (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nico's recruitment and first confrontation with Zagon

Nico Toscani is recruited by the CIA during the Vietnam War and sent on covert missions along the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. He becomes disgusted by Kurt Zagon's torture of prisoners, leading to a stand-off that ends with Toscani leaving the CIA.

Vietnam War era Vietnam-Cambodian border
2

Years later: a family man and detective

Years after leaving the CIA, Toscani is married and working as a detective in Chicago's vice squad. He partners with Delores Jacks Jackson to tackle crime on the streets.

Present day Chicago
3

Bust of drug ring and discovery of C-4

Toscani and Jacks bust two dealers, including Tony Salvano, a Salvadorian kingpin. In the raid, Toscani also uncovers C-4 explosives, signaling a wider threat.

Present day Chicago
4

High-level interference and stand-down order

Shortly after the arrests, federal officials order the release of the detainees and instruct Toscani to stand down. The investigation is put on hold as higher powers weigh in.

Present day Chicago
5

Priest killed in Mass explosion

The parish priest is killed in an explosion during Mass, escalating the case and drawing Toscani deeper into the danger. The attack hints at a larger conspiracy connected to Zagon.

Present day Toscani's parish
6

CIA handler warns of danger and relocation

Nelson Fox, Toscani's old CIA handler, contacts him to move his family to safety, insisting he is in danger. The warning forces Toscani to confront his past and protect his loved ones.

Present day Toscani's home
7

Pressure to surrender the badge

Under pressure from federal authorities, Toscani is asked to surrender his police badge. He faces a conflict between his duty to investigate and political interference from the government.

Present day Chicago police precinct
8

Connect-the-dots: dealers tied to Zagon

Toscani discovers that the drug dealers he busted are linked to Kurt Zagon, who remains with the CIA and is accused of human rights violations by a Central American priest sheltered by Toscani's parish priest.

Present day Chicago
9

Torture scene and escape

As Zagon tortures the Central American priest, Toscani bursts in and a gun battle erupts. Jackson and Lukich are wounded, forcing Toscani to flee the scene.

Present day Church / safehouse
10

Senator Harrison investigates Zagon's group

Senator Ernest Harrison begins an investigation into Zagon's network to expose ties to drug trafficking. The political pressure adds urgency to Toscani's pursuit.

Present day Capitol Hill
11

Toscani tracks Zagon's plans to kill Harrison

Toscani learns that Zagon killed the priest and is planning to kill Senator Harrison, prompting him to go after Zagon with renewed resolve.

Present day Chicago
12

Fox confronts Toscani on the rooftop; Fox dies

Fox confronts Toscani on a rooftop surveillance operation, but Zagon's men interrupt. Fox is killed, and Toscani is captured.

Present day Rooftop, Chicago
13

Toscani held in a hotel kitchen during Harrison rally

Toscani is imprisoned in the kitchen of a hotel during Senator Harrison's campaign rally, unable to act as the net tightens around him.

Present day Hotel kitchen, during Harrison rally
14

Breaks free and eliminates Zagon

Toscani breaks free just before Zagon can kill Harrison and eliminates Zagon and his remaining henchmen in a final gunfight.

Present day Hotel rally vicinity
15

Justice promised; Toscani agrees to testify

After Zagon's death, Senator Harrison pledges justice and Toscani agrees to testify about his covert CIA experiences, setting the stage for possible legal accountability.

Present day Senator Harrison's office

Last Updated: October 10, 2025 at 16:04

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Rogue Justice Thrillers like Above the Law

When a lone hero defies the system to take down deep-seated corruption.For viewers looking for movies like Above the Law, this thread gathers action thrillers where a lone hero uncovers high-level corruption. If you enjoyed Nico Toscani's gritty, personal war against the system, you'll find similar stories of principled vigilante justice and tense confrontations with powerful enemies.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear path of discovery and confrontation. A protagonist, often a cop or agent, stumbles upon a conspiracy that their own superiors are involved in. Betrayed and hunted, they must rely on their unique skills and personal code to methodically dismantle the corrupt organization, leading to a final, explosive showdown.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core DNA of a lone fighter against a monolithic, corrupt system. They are united by a tense, urgent tone, fast pacing driven by relentless action, and the central theme of a personal moral code conflicting with institutional failure. The combination of gritty investigation and violent, cathartic justice creates a specific, thrilling experience.

Fast-Paced Conspiracy Thrillers like Above the Law

Fast-paced thrillers about exposing a hidden truth before it's too late.If you liked the rapid unraveling of the conspiracy in Above the Law, this section features similar high-octane thrillers. Discover movies with a fast pace, high intensity, and a straightforward narrative focused on exposing a hidden plot, perfect for fans of urgent, action-driven stories.

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Narrative Summary

The story begins with a seemingly minor event that quickly reveals a much larger, more dangerous plot. The protagonist follows a linear chain of clues and encounters escalating violence as they get closer to the truth. The structure is direct, with minimal subplots, focusing entirely on the chase and the final confrontation to bring the conspiracy down.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared engine: a fast-paced, high-intensity narrative built around exposing a secret organization or plot. They prioritize forward momentum and clear, direct stakes over complex twists, resulting in a consistently tense and urgent vibe that appeals to viewers seeking an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience.

Unlock the Full Story of Above the Law

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Above the Law Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Above the Law, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Above the Law Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Above the Law

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Above the Law

Above the Law Spoiler-Free Summary

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Above the Law Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Above the Law

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Above the Law (1988) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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