You are here:

Above the Law

Name: Above the Law
Director: Andrew Davis
Released: 1988
Duration: 99 min

Representation Score

1.8/10

Minimal

1988

Director

Andrew Davis

Runtime

99 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Above the Law is a typical 1980s action film that centers around traditional masculine roles and a predominantly white cast. It lacks diverse representation and focuses on conventional gender dynamics. However, the film provides a critical look at systemic corruption within institutions. By depicting a corrupt police department, it suggests that true justice may exist outside established systems. Ultimately, the film examines individualist vigilantism against a compromised establishment, while still relying on the era's standard casting and gender clichés.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Above the Law have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships, sticking closely to traditional heterosexual norms.

How does Above the Law portray gender?

Limited

The movie emphasizes traditional gender roles with a strong male lead. Female characters mainly support the plot without having significant control over events.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Above the Law?

Limited

The film features mostly white actors, despite being set in a diverse city like Chicago. Characters of color play minor roles without much influence on the main storyline.

How does Above the Law represent religion and culture?

Good

The story highlights institutional corruption by showing a flawed police force. It portrays justice as an individual fight against a broken system.

Does Above the Law include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it explore themes related to neurodiversity or physical impairments.

Present on Screen

The film offers a powerful critique of systemic corruption within law enforcement.
It explores moral relativism by presenting extra-legal justice as a response to institutional failure.

Limited or Absent

The film relies heavily on hyper-masculine clichés and lacks female influence.
Casting is predominantly white, failing to represent the diversity of its urban setting.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ or disability issues.

Official Synopsis

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—expert and thorough bone-crushing.

How are these scores produced? →