cwbellor Before Russell Crowe became a big old charming softy, he was a maniacal ticking time bomb ready to fight any defenseless kid who got in his way. And if you're an adolescent Vietnamese boy in Romper Stomper, you are most at risk. Crowe plays Hando, the head of a handful of Hedonistic Hellions in this Indie Aussie Flick. If you can ignore the deep irony of neo-Nazis in a country like Australia, you will probably find the plight of these white boys quite endearing. You see, after white settlers gently brushed Aboriginals aside to make room for a new colony, white Australians could rest assured that they found a nice dry arid place to set their bums. But watch out! Here come the Vietnamese and suddenly, young angry delinquents like Cackles, Bubs and Champ start to feel a little insecure about their majority status. Initially, things are going peachy for Hando and his hounds. They can bully immigrants, smash and grab, get sloshed and admire Nazi memorabilia. But then the perpetual targets of their hate decide that they are fed up with being sadistically victimized. They decide to attack Hando's heathens on their own turf and re-enact Australian history. Only this time, the Asians are playing the white settlers. After the skinnies get pwned by a friggin flash mob of angry Vietnamese, they are little more than refugees in their own depressing urban wasteland. All they can do to achieve a bit of levity after such a demoralizing defeat is force two men to kiss for a bit of impromptu entertainment. But gay-bashing just doesn't have the redemptive impact it used to have for these goons, and they are forced to sit and reflect on the error of their ways. But unfortunately, there's no mirrors in their souls. After squatting for a while in a garage, they decide it's time to get some revenge! But before they can launch their counter attack, they have to make a supply run. They burglarize the home of a pedophile prick all for the purpose of spreading the gospel. Witness Sonny say, "God sent us." It would appear, however, that the house master is a staunch atheist and doesn't appreciate the noble efforts of sinless Sonny, charitable Champ and benevolent Bubs. Hark the Hando angel sings! This film is a light-hearted romb & stomp from down under. It's a cautionary tale about the perils of neo-nazi love triangles.

dworldeater Romper Stomper is an early film starring (now international) star Russell Crowe. This indie Austrailian flick is a brash and gritty tale of neo nazi skinheads that terrorize the Asian immigrants in Melbourne. I have heard Romper Stomper described as A Clockwork Orange with skinheads. That description is pretty accurate. The film is much like the subculture that this is about. It is very chaotic, violent, gritty and nihilistic. Crowe gives one of his best performances as the leader of the skinhead gang Hondo. He is hard as nails and is very brooding, intense and intimidating. Russell Crowe brings it big time in this very intense, rough and tumble film. The portrayal of these youths does not glorify their actions,nor does it condemn them outright. Although it does show the consequences for their hateful and violent actions. Romper Stomper is much more authentic than and I prefer this to American History X(which also is a good film, but way different). It is no surprise that Romper Stomper has become a cult classic, it is a very good film and has aged well.

The Grand Master Romper Stomper is certainly not a movie for everyone. It certainly deserved its R18+ classification in Australia due to its unsettling violent content and sex scenes. It will offend, it will shock and upset some viewers. It's certainly not one for young children. Those that watch Romper Stomper and put aside the controversial content will find that it is a powerful movie. Romper Stomper was also notable for garnering recognition for Russell Crowe.Romper Stomper centers on a group of Neo Nazis led by the charismatic and volatile Hando (Russell Crowe). Hando's best friend and second in command who Hando relies upon is Davey (Daniel Pollock, who committed suicide before the film's release). The gang befriend Gabrielle (Jacqueline McKenzie) a lost cause who is a drug addict and is sexually abused by her affluent father. The gang frequently wreak havoc throughout Footscray in Melbourne, Victoria and target the local Vietnamese in the area. Hando and his gang bash up a group of Vietnamese teenagers at the start of the movie with Hando warning one of them, "This is not your country". After a violent confrontation with a large number of Vietnamese which sees a lot of the Neo Nazi's brutally bashed and their warehouse set on fire, Hando, Davey, Gabrielle and the remaining members struggle to fight for survival to stay alive and not get at each others throats as well as avoid the police and any further retribution.Though this is one of Russell Crowe's earliest roles, Romper Stomper is definitely one of his most memorable movies, right up there with L.A. Confidential (1997), The Insider (1999), Gladiator (2000), A Beautiful Mind (2001), and American Gangster (2007).Director Geoffrey Wright pulls no punches in bringing Romper Stomper to the screen, but he has certainly done a commendable job. Romper Stomper has netted a lot of controversy in Australia and worldwide due to its content but it still remains as one of the best Australian movies.Romper Stomper is a movie that may be unflinchingly unpleasant to watch but the rewarding factor is that it is a powerful movie with powerhouse performances all round, particularly from Russell Crowe.9/10.

raisleygordon Unless you're curious to see Russell Crowe's feature debut, and/or are really, really into violence, I see absolutely no reason whatsoever to view "Romper Stomper". Russell Crowe (and the fact the film is about gang violence) is essentially one of the reasons I wanted to see the movie. Sadly, I didn't much value the film. Yes, it was made in Australia (and was made on a low budget), but so what? That's no excuse for a poorly made one. I enjoyed parts of it, but the film as a whole almost tested my patience. The gang members (including Gabe, the only female) are completely one- dimensional. In fact, if you think about it more, they seem to exhibit no dimensions, whatsoever. Oh yeah, the girl has a couple seizures throughout the film. Why? Don't ask. It's never a good sign when a movie feels like an eternity and you find yourself wondering now much time is up. Too much stomping here, and not nearly enough romping. Or is it the other way around?** out of ****