User Reviews

Famed martial arts choreographer Cory Yuen (THE TRANSPORTER 1 & 2, X-MEN and ROMEO MUST DIE) directed a Hong Kong film, loaded with bone-crushing stunts and masterful fight scenes with an assembled cast of martial arts masters from the East and West to cross paths.

ABOVE THE LAW (aka RIGHTING WRONGS) obtained a vigilante story with dark toned aspects that relies on police corruption and the righteous bending the law to seek their own justice. The stunning martial arts choreography by Cory Yuen kicks into high gear to help make this underrated cop-fu classic a fan favorite.

Acrobatic kung-fu genius Yuen Biao (ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA, SHANGHAI EXPRESS (aka MILLIONAIRE'S EXPRESS), THE PRODIGAL SON) plays a court prosecutor whose relentless determination to do away with an untouchable gangster (James Tien- Bruce Lee's THE BIG BOSS, FIST OF FURY) has led him to employ a series of unethical tactics. His investigation becomes complicated by the arrival of a female inspector (played by 5-Time World Karate champion and weapons expert Cynthia Rothrock).

Out of all the '80s era fight flicks I have seen Yuen Biao perform in, ABOVE THE LAW was one of his better efforts as an actor and screen fight performer. He exchanges blows with undefeated kickboxing legend Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham in a (POLICE STORY-style) glass-shattering fight, he also battles Cynthia Rothrock in an engagement of traditional kung-fu, acrobatic fight moves and handcuffs. He has a Jackie Chan stunt moment where he uses his speed and flexibility to dodge speeding cars.

Cory Yuen staged these sequences wonderfully and the legendary fight between Cynthia and Biao shows their similarities in timing and skill, which makes their battle an all-time favorite. Karen Shepard, who is another skilled fighter from America and an expert in the mixed art form of Wun Hop Kuen Do kung fu, faces off against Cynthia with the lethal chain whip. Actor Melvin Wong (EASTERN CONDORS and DESCENDANT OF WING CHUN- the film referred in BULLETPROOF MONK-) also gets screen time to execute some martial arts against Yuen Biao. The results of the screen fights earned the film a nomination for Best Action Choreography at the 1987 Hong Kong Film Awards.

Of course, fans already know that Cynthia Rothrock is kung-fu's queen of action and a master in various forms of combat like Tae Kwon Do, Wushu, Northern Shaolin kung-fu and Tang Soo Do. Her skills made her a celebrated icon in the sport but unfortunately, she remains highly underrated and overshadowed by the mainstream success of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Her roles in countless American movies suffer from bad plots and choreography but her presence in Hong Kong films shine like Jackie Chan, and Jet Li does internationally. Her capabilities give her the advantage over many of today's mainstream martial art stars and it is disappointing that her films in the East do not get the proper recognition.

For a film made in the '80s, ABOVE THE LAW was a great actioner in martial arts cinema, and all the skilled experts did a great job with their performance.

I hope the overshadowing of this classic in the West will end with the new Dragon Dynasty release and capture a wider audience to gain her the type of recognition she deserves as a star.

This film was also one of Cynthia and Biao's best performances in screen combat during that era but the praise goes to Cory Yuen because of his skillful direction and casting of martial arts action figures from both worlds to pull the strings. This film will remain a classic in the cinema of martial arts and an unforgettable clashing of two legends in martial arts that deserve the proper recognition.

Despite having a thin plot, silly dubbing, disturbing brutality, and unnecessary humour, this film stands as an excellent showcase of Yuen Biao's talents. The plot deals with a lawyer becoming a vigilante while running afoul of Cynthia Rothrock. The action scenes are incredible. Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock are placed in some set pieces that are among HK's finest. My favourite was Yuen Biao facing off against Melvin Wong. It's the kind of fight that makes one wonder why he wasn't as popular as Jackie Chan.

This Corey Yuen Kuei-directed actioner stars Yuen Biao as a gifted young prosecution lawyer. Disillusioned with a system that allows crime lords to buy their way out of trouble, Yuen becomes a vigilante and starts to hunt down the bad guys. On his trail is tough Gweilo cop Cynthia Rothrock, determined that nobody should take the law into their own hands.

The plot for this movie is fairly formulaic, but it remains one of the best HK action films of the 80s. The reasons for this are some strong performances from the leads (Yuen has often been unfairly dismissed as a poor relation of Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, while Rothrock must have been sick of playing the same part over and over) and some electric action sequences. The most memorable scenes are; an attempt on Yuen's life by black American karate expert Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham; a bout between Cynthia Rothrock and her fellow US Forms champion Karen Shepherd; the inevitable showdown between Yuen and Rothrock; and the final confrontation between Yuen, Rothrock and the mysterious villain.

I just got that new Dragon Dynasty version of the film, though I'd never seen it before last night. Haven't watched any of the extras yet, though from what I've read here this is the "downbeat" Cantonese cut of the film. I must admit I'm disappointed in the film, though can still justify a decent score. I really liked Yuen Biao as well as the lead villain. I just realized that Bad Egg was played by the director, haha. The film had some big laughs, perhaps occasionally unintentional, but also some great action.

There were a lot of problems with the editing and stunt-work though. I know they make these movies fast and for not much money, but this one seemed cut together more carelessly than most. Also, despite how talented all the stunt people and the leads are in the film's action scenes, there were way too many moments where I saw wires or could clearly see the faces of stunt-doubles. Especially for Rothrock. Sometimes they'd put makeup on the guy. And one of the doubles for her looked like Biao himself. I know you can never be perfect with such things, but it was just much more obvious than in many other films of the genre that I've seen.

On sort of a side note, you ever notice the ramp effect with vehicles in action movies? The most common example would be of a speedboat hitting the low end of another boat and rocketing through the air. You occasionally see this with cars too. Here in Above the Law a.k.a. Righting Wrongs, you see it with a car chasing down Yuen Biao going off of a parked car. Of course the car is in front of a railing up high on a multi-level parking garage. And I don't know my models but it's probably a Mitsubishi since they made it into EVERY Hong Kong action movie in the 80s. But the parked car wasn't particularly low to the ground. The moving car didn't hit any objects to lift it's front end up. It just jumps the other like a ramp. I don't know if this is really a complaint. It was odd, but hysterical.

If we're talking recommendations and I have to exclude anything with Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, or Jet Li, I'd recommend any of the first four In the Line of Duty movies over this. But it's still a decent action movie and any fan of Yuen Biao in particular really needs to see it.

This is a great HK action flick and like most of them, it's all about the action. Essentially the whole industry in HK is more or less like the American B-movie action market, starring the likes of Dolph Lundgren, Van Damme and of course Cynthia Rothrock. The main difference though is the high level of quality in the action of the HK movies. They feature the inane plots and hokey acting of DTV American movies but my god can those guys do good action.

This film is virtually plot free but of course that isn't important. What it does have is action legend Yuen Biao (Best known as one of the three dragons, with Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung). In the 80's Biao was one of the three favourite sons of the genre. Arguably Biao was also the better fighter than Chan, but of course Chan did the most amazing stunts of the three legends. Also at the time perhaps the most popular female action star in HK was Cynthia Rothrock. She was big box office fodder and drew in the punters even before Michelle Yeoh became the number one bad ass beaatch! I have to say I like Rothrock. She is one mean lady and kicks buttock like the best of them. The high kicking carnage dished out by Cynthia, particularly in her HK movies is just hot, really darn hot! Rothrock moved away from those movies in the early 90's and had a brief slew of theatrical films in the US before dropping into the DTV market where she remains a popular draw. The problem is that American cinema doesn't spend the time and energy on the fight sequences like they do in HK. Nowadays the average Rothrock fight scene looks very conventional, while of course still remaining sexy by the sheer fact she is kicking booty. Righting Wrong of course is full to the brim of high octane and imaginative fights and the film never drags. Rothrock is superb in the action department and has some great fights, amongst others a great fight with Biao, while Biao is also superb, showcasing some amazing moves and great stunts. This is simplistic entertainment and a lesson to American movies on how it's done. ***

1st watched 2/2/2010 – 7 out of 10 (Dir-Corey Yuen): Well done action movie with incredibly well crafted action sequences. The story is about a prosecutor, played by Yuen Biao, who likes to take the law into his own hands whenever he gets the chance. If the court ruling is in favor of the guilty party, he goes after them individually. Cynthia Rothrock plays a cop who's after him for the murder of one of the guilty parties that was let go by the courts. This is an interesting twist on the otherwise formulaic story because you really don't know who to route for. Both parties are just trying to do their jobs but both do add a little persuasion with their fighting skills. A bad cop ends up being the real guilty party and the two stars eventually team up to bring him down but not before many deaths. The fighting sequences are extremely well choreographed and you also feel the passion within the main characters and I think that's what makes the difference in this movie. There is a little humor thrown in as well coming from side characters but mostly the movie is about the action. I'm not usually much for these type of movies but this was so well executed it really surprised me and I couldn't stop watching. Bravo Corey Yuen!! – you took a simple 80's action-revenge movie and made it special despite it's simplicity.

Cynthia Rothrock turned down a part opposite Jackie Chan to play a larger role in this Yuen Biao action thriller. Biao plays a lawyer who takes the law into his own hands when the bad guys shoot a good friend of his outside the courthouse (hence the UK title 'Above The Law'). Rothrock plays an almost identical role to that of the earlier genre classic 'Yes, Madam'. Corey Yuen Kwai takes the action a step further than that in 'Yes, Madam', making Biao and Rothrock look better than ever in a number of impressive action sequences.

Biao's acrobatic talents are showcased magnificently as he flips, kicks, abseils and uses all available weapons (vases, axes and dead bodies!) in an attempt to punish the crimes of others.

This is the definitive Hong Kong action flick of the 80's, easily on a par with 'Police Story' and should take pride of place in any fan's collection.

Also, if possible, get the 'Universe' DVD as this contains both versions of the film and the original language.

Having first seen Righting Wrongs back in 1990 (released here in the UK as Above The Law) I was already a die hard fan of the amazing Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock (along with the rest)! And my love for them was very quickly confirmed with the pure awesomeness of the incredible martial arts action epic!

Directed by the equally talented Corey Yuen Kwai, Righting Wrongs has some of the greatest fight scenes on film, featuring Biao and Rothrock at the top of their game along with the fantastic Melvin Wong, Karen Shepard, Peter Cunningham and more.

This film deserves a worthy place for any serious fan of Hong Kong (or action) in their DVD collection and never tires on repeated viewings!

One of my all time favourite Hong Kong movies, I firmly believe Righting Wrongs (aka Above The Law) is Yuen Biao's finest hour in a modern day action film! Slickly directed by the fantastic Corey Yuen Kwai, the film is a fast paced 80's thriller that sees prosecutor Biao moonlight as a vigilante to deliver some real justice to the bad guys.

And he certainly delivers!

As with most Golden Harvest productions from this era, the team up of Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao usually saw the latter always trying his hardest to shine brighter than his big brothers. With this film however, its all about him - well, until a certain Ms. Rothrock gets in on the action.

Although the film carries plenty of comedy moments, it never detracts from the serious matter at the heart of things and keeps 99% of the action pretty grounded and hard hitting (thankfully avoiding Corey Yuen's usual over-use of wire work). Although Yuen Biao's introductory action scene is a well executed car chase, complete with stunts and a Dirty Harry pose - its Cynthia who gets the better deal allowing to show off her true physicality in a gambling den.

But not to worry of course, as it doesn't take long for the action to come back, giving Biao the showcase he needs to deliver some incredible moves and kicks as the action ramps up in a cat and mouse chase with Cyndy, as well as taking on any number of bad guys!

There is much more to love in Above The Law aside from the fighting of course. One of those things for me is the hilarious relationship between father and son, Wu Ma and the director (Corey Yuen). While Wu is constantly shouting at his son for being a waste of space, you can't help but get a lump in the throat at times when things get rough between them...

A young Fan Siu Wong gets an early role as a cute, skinny teen who unfortunately meets his end courtesy of the nasty Karen Shepard. This results in one of the highlights of the film as Cyndy gives chase and we get one of her best ever fight scenes! In fact, if I'm to be honest, there is many a highlight in this amazing action thriller.

A firm favourite of many Hong Kong movie fans, Above The Law may look a little dated, but it still delivers 100% on hard hitting fight action, stunt work and entertainment with a great villain in the fantastic Melvin Wong - complete with an intense end fight..!

Overall: One of Yuen Biao's and Hong Kong cinema's best, with incredible fight action that never fails to impress!!

After 20 some odd years of watching HK action films, I have come to idolize the work of Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao and Sammo Hung. Since all three emerged from the Peking Opera, they have turned out some GREAT films. Keep in mind that HK action films are all about the ACTION, with little or no regard to plot, dubbing, etc...always have been, always will be (in my humble opinion). Yuen Biao turns in a solid performance as always, but if you want a Yuen Biao "showcase", it's got to be "Dragons Forever" (1987, similar story, except Jackie is the lawyer). The real show here is Karen Shepard and Cyndy Rothrock in a GREAT action sequence...every bit as good as Michelle Yeoh (Khan) vs. Zhang Ziyi in the opening fight sequence of Crouching Tiger, HD. Karen and Cyndy have made some mediocre films (Terminator Woman, Tiger Claws, China O'Brien, etc.) but NONE of those were even close to the performance turned in by both women in Righting Wrongs...a direct result of HK choreography. You will need to turn off your "believability" switch for some of it, but all in all, a fun time.

This was quite enjoyable. Lots of great fight sequences as expected. Many deplorable events. Much sorrow. Cynthia Rothrock does the Cynthia Rothrock things and Biao Yuen does the Biao Yuen things. What more did you want?

There were some inexplicable moments. Didn't you want to question that person? What's with that train set? Why are we in an airport hanger? Why is _that_ guy working at an airport hanger?

I thought the ending was very suitable. (Apart from completely not understanding the setting for the final scene.) There is a thing that happens in a lot of these films where the film is going along and things make sense, and suddenly...they stop making any sense whatsoever, but there's an over the top action sequence and then it just ends.

This is certainly what happens here.

Righting Wrongs is Hong Kong 's answer to Charles Bronson's Deathwish series. Yuen Biao is a lawyer/prosecutor who has a strong belief in justice and sometimes takes the law in his own hands(and feet) to the bad guys. Cynthia Rothrock is an attractive police woman who also has some deadly martial arts skills. They end up teaming up and the result is tons of excellent choreographed fights, stunts and car chases by Corey Yuen( Jet Li's action director of choice that worked on all of his American films). As far as action goes, it doesn't get much better than Hong Kong in 1986. Compared to American action films, there is much more action and far more creative and complicated action scenes . The pace for this film moves very quickly with tons of top tier fighting from Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock. Righting Wrongs makes great action packed entertainment,well performed all around and solid film overall.

I've been a fan of YB for as long as I have JC, it's hard to believe he's never quite "made it" in the same way as JC & SH. In my opinion he's as good at fighting , acrobatics and stunts as JC & SH put together and that's saying something. I'm a huge fan of JC & SH. This movie is perfect for Yuen. He's able to shine in his own right with some unbelievable moments of genius! SEE IT NOW!

Never have I been as impressed by a movie as I was today!! I rarely have to go back as many times as I did.. just to see a stunning a bit of choreography, movement or kick. The leads were not only believable, but endearing, specially the treatment to the female cop. The women were simply impressive! This is how you make a female lead.

This movie is as memorable, as it is unpredictable. It's not only action, but it has a great plot (in a weird way) and message, executing it perfectly. The villain and it's motivations don't have to be over explained (which would probably detract from the whole thing), but it works! There are great twists, revelations, as well as moments and lines of dialogue. When you have the villain talking, and the hero doubting himself for a second in the way this movie did.. you know you have a great rivalry. The pacing and their expressions, even for a Chinese movie, work as intended. You can understand and even put yourself in the character mindsets. You can even know what they are thinking even if they are not saying it. The angles of the camera work. Everything about this movie is great!

I could still see the stunt men replacing the women in some places, one scene with editing or transition that doesn't work, and some other minor stuff. But I don't care.. this 1986 movie deserves a solid 9.

Jason Chan (Yuen Baio) a young lawyer trying to prosecute some unsavoury drug dealers has to drop the case because his star witness has been killed by the defendant's hired killer. Tired of working in such a corrupt system he makes a secret agreement with the judge to pursue these criminals vigilante style. Unfortunately for him he's being pursued by Cynthia Rothrock, a hard as nails CID inspector, who thinks that he's involved in knocking off these unscrupulous criminals and is determined to catch him. She secretly follows him just as he turns up at a crook's home who's just been murdered,and unknown to him the killer was Rothrock's shady boss Melvin Wong.

Yuen Biao (pity he didn't make more of these type of films solo as he is really good here) and Cynthia Rothrock make a fiery team in this highly impressive action crime thriller that moves like an well-oiled machine and has an absorbing plot that has enough twists to keep you tense. The action is grand, has energetic fights and a killer plane stunt at the end. In addition to this, this film has enough emotion and lightness to balance high crunch action. Highly recommended.

Cynthia Rothrock is a phenomenal martial-arts dynamo (although in some scenes she is stupidly replaced by a male stunt man), and Yuen Biao is....well, Yuen Biao, if you've seen him in even one Jackie Chan movie you already know what he can do. The sheer action involving these two almost redeems the rest of the movie. ALMOST. As film-making, it's sloppy and confusing and just plain bad. Plus, the downbeat ending leaves a bad taste in your mouth and kills any fun the viewer might have had until then. (**)

This movie kicks serious butt. Like the majority of Hong Kong flicks, the script is rushed and uneven, the acting is secondary, and the "plot" is occasionally laughable as it lurches awkwardly from set-piece to set-piece. But none of this matters -- Yuen Biao is completely insane, and brings a vitality to his action scenes that a "big star" like Jet Li can't hope to match. The chase and demolition derby in the parking garage is alone worth the price of admission. Cynthia Rothrock holds her own, for the most part, showing energy and interest that will fade rapidly in the coming years as she "graduates" to low-budget American fare. (But check out the obvious stuntman on the railing leap!) Great goofball fun. If it's playing at a Chinese festival, see it in the theatre with a crowd of like-minded fans.

No pun intended - you have to take the movie, my rating, my review ... actually just everything with a grain of salt. You have to understand the insanity that the movie represents ... Yuen Biao is a force to be reckoned with. The movie stars with a bang ... multiple bangs. And it never really stops ... I mean there are some scenes where people are talking ... and you know do some research and police work ... but it is just a breather for the audience ... to prepare them, to give them a moment to relax, before the mayhem kicks back in.

There is no sense in trying to make ... sense of things! The movie does not care about things like logic ... I mean in the first ten minutes you get a shootout, that should have led to multiple arrests to say the least ... and a prosecutor going Dirty Harry on them instead ... not to mention explosions that would never happen in reality ... that work again! Reality combined with logic ... put those words aside, if you want to watch this movie and have a good time ... a grand time actually! Because this is or can be as much fun as any other movie! If you are in the mood for it.

Add Cynthia Rothrock to the mix ... who funnily enough gets Yuen Biao as a stunt double in a few scenes ... and the movie goes off the rails! Well there are more people and there are more deaths that one can count ... and depending on which version you watch - there are good and bad endings ... though one would argue if the good ending is actually that ... but does it really matter? You are here for the insane stunts ... you are here, because the action is so over the top ... you just have to see it to believe it.

Taking the law into your own hands ... an absolute no go ... unless you are starring in a HK action movie that is of course. And have the actor who later will become the star of Story of Ricky ... as a tiny little kid, who is quite charismatic already to be honest. The movie really takes no prisoners and I would have loved it, if I would have been able to watch it on the big screen ... even so: what a ride .. what a crazy experience this was ...

(1986) Above The Law/ Righting Wrong (In Chinese With English subtitles) ACTION

Best Yuen Baio martial art vehicle since he was still in his prime, directed by his brother Corey Yuen Kwai about vigilante lawyer seeking retribution after friend was killed, which is nothing more than an excuse to showcase well choreographed and staged martial art fights between actual ex- kickboxer champion Cynthia Rothrock and Yuen, another ex-kickboxer champion Karen Shepard and Cynthia Rothrock, Yuen and ex-kickboxer champion Sean "The Sugarfoot" Cunningham. Topping it off with Yuen jumping out of a flying plane into the ocean, several feet down. Influenced action scenes to other US action vehicles such as "Cobra" and "Die Hard With A Vengeance""! Footnote: The original English title was supposed to be called "Above The Law" but was was changed to "Righting Wrongs" to avoid confusion of Steven Seagals 1986 own version also called "Above The Law". And an alternative ending was also available for English audiences.

I appreciate an action flick that wastes no time. Within minutes, from the very opening scene, we're treated to excellent stunts, fight scenes, and considerable violence. The plot kicks off with just enough story to provide foundation for the film before throwing still more action and martial arts fun at us with no hesitation; Yuen Biao and Cindy Rothrock's characters are introduced separately, yet with equal flourish. 'Righting wrongs' works hard and quickly to endear itself to us, and it never really lets up - this is fantastic!

Director Corey Yuen, screenwriter Barry Wong, and film studio Golden Harvest all carry substantial weight, and their attachment is pretty much all the assurance one needs to as just how good the movie is. Once more, to emphasize: the stunt work is truly outstanding, and the fight choreography. I won't say the action is non-stop, because that's not true - but it mostly is. One exceptional sequence after another is built as much to give an opportunity for more action as it is to propel the narrative. And between the expertise of the filmmakers, producers, stunt coordinators, and the cast themselves, every instance of aggressive vigor comes off with a dazzling finesse and excitement.

The action is the chief strength of 'Righting wrongs,' but it's not alone. Like so many other martial arts flicks, there's a significant element of comedy bursting through many scenes. Moreover, the appendage of the word "arts' isn't just a descriptor; there's a gratifying, stylish virtuosity throughout the film that's just as electrifying as the action itself. And for as lightly as the plot begins, the story devised between Wong and co-writer Szeto Chuek-hon is strong, sharp, and smart - engaging and satisfying beyond the utmost visceral thrills. There's a measure of welcome complexity to characters and personality, and the dialogue is characterized by no small measure of wit. And even as the scene writing focuses on fights and stunts, there's wonderful variety from one moment to the next so the picture never lags or loses its edge.

And we're still not done, because while stunts and action are the clear priority, the ensemble also demonstrate fine capabilities as actors. Performances are given to meaningful range and nuance to bring the characters to life, and carry the narrative. The original music composed between Romeo Diaz and Stephen Shing is itself varied and duly enjoyable as it helps to build the mood for any given scene, and the theme song "Proud" sung by Jacky Cheung is actually a real blast, too. 'Righting wrongs' is superbly well made from a technical standpoint, with marvelous care for everything from costume design, set design and decoration, cinematography, and shot composition, to blood, effects, props and weapons, and more.

I cannot overstate: I love this movie. The only point where I'd acknowledge a glimmer of weakness is in those few instances when the film wishes to impart more emotional weight to a scene, as this simply isn't crafted with that type of gravity in mind. Yet everything else about the feature is conjured and executed with such astounding, absorbing polish and heart that it's impossible to tear one's eyes away. Once more, it's the martial arts and stunts that stand out the most, and alone make this worthwhile, but the same grand, vitalizing thrust is applied to every aspect. Put simply, 'Righting wrongs' is a tremendous action-thriller that I call a must-see - even if you have to go out of your way to watch it, these are 100 classic, essential minutes.

Highest possible recommendation!