Romper Stomper (1993)

80% of critics liked it
(25 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(42,497 ratings)

This controversial drama (which earned an NC-17 rating in the U.S.) was a major box-office success in its native Australia, and it made an overnight star of its leading man, Russell Crowe. Hando (Crowe) is a member of a gang of racist skinheads who lash out with violence against the growing number… More This controversial drama (which earned an NC-17 rating in the U.S.) was a major box-office success in its native Australia, and it made an overnight star of its leading man, Russell Crowe. Hando (Crowe) is a member of a gang of racist skinheads who lash out with violence against the growing number of Asian immigrants settling in the country. While Hando and his partner Davey (Daniel Pollock) lead a bunch of brutal, half-bright thugs, they have convinced themselves that what they do is the noble work of saving Australia for Australians (or at least the white Australians who drove the aborigines into the outback). Into this milieu comes Gabe (Jacqueline McKenzie), a troubled young woman who suffers from epilepsy and was raised in a sexually abusive environment. Gabe becomes something of a gang moll, dividing her time (and her sexual favors) between Hando and Davey, generating considerable tension between them. When the gang's favorite bar is purchased by a group of Vietnamese immigrants, Hando and Davey organize an all-out attack, little imagining that the Asians are ready and able to defend themselves. Romper Stomper was released in America in both its original, uncut form, and in an edited version that earned an R rating from the MPAA. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: NC-17, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Geoffrey Wright
Written By: Geoffrey Wright
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1993 Wide
On DVD: Nov 21, 2000

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Romper Stomper is A Clockwork Orange without the intellect.
Richard Harrington, Washington Post
Exploits the frustration, anger and violence of a despicable subculture while excusing the glorification of its hate aesthetic as necessary "reporting."
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
It's merely another violent art house picture, slumming modishly in the world of psycho-personalities, and exhibiting only occasional flashes of originality.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Crowe is powerful and terrifying, and the erotic chemistry between Pollock and McKenzie is no less intense and enriched by strong performances by both.
, Film4
For all the dynamism and drive, the film walks a fine line between exposure and outright exploitation -- wherein lies much of its appeal.
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly
Crowe first shows his star quality
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
The cheap 'message' of the ending fails to salvage a film that at best is well-meant but misguided, at worst, flashy and garbled.
Michael Dequina, Film Threat
Given his formidable presence and equal talent, it was only a matter of time before New Zealand-born, Australian-raised Russell Crowe made the mainstream American breakthrough he enjoyed with Gladiator.
Matt McAllister, Future Movies UK
Romper Stomper is a convincing depiction of subculture, and one that dares to present these figures as real, troubled individuals rather than stereotypes.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
The film [has] a raw, sometimes discomfiting immediacy... The cast attacks their roles with matching intensity.
Patrick Byrne, Apollo Guide
I like to think of it as a fury-filled documentary on how hate is not just an American preoccupation. Remember, this is the way things are -- deal with it.
Stephen Farber, Movieline
Brutal but powerful.
Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews
At times very powerful and thought-provoking film, but this impression might be diluted with some of less fortunate creative decisions.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Manu G

You've never seen anything like it. Crazy crazy movie but a good one. Lots of fights and crazy skinheads doing some crazy stuff. The film is as strong and devilish as it comes. If you like American History and Animal Kingdom you'll probably like this one too. If you want to… More
You've never seen anything like it. Crazy crazy movie but a good one. Lots of fights and crazy skinheads doing some crazy stuff. The film is as strong and devilish as it comes. If you like American History and Animal Kingdom you'll probably like this one too. If you want to see an excellent historical lesson about hate and how it destroys, see Romper Stomper. Nazi skinheads in Melbourne take out their anger on local Vietnamese, who are seen as threatening racial purity. Finally the Vietnamese have had enough and confront the skinheads in an all-out confrontation, sending the skinheads running. A woman who is prone to epileptic seizures joins the skins' merry band, and helps them on their run from justice, but is her affliction also a sign of impurity?
Sophie B

A horrible yet endearing film about people in pain. The neo-nazis are shown in a bad light which they most certainly should be, but the acting of some of the members make me feel sad for them that they have fallen into this path. Great performances and an amazing final scene.
Conner R

The equivalent of American History X, without the redemption aspect. I liked that this feels like an even more realistic version of A Clockwork Orange in terms of an impoverished urban lifestyle, in which gangs rule. Russell Crowe is unbelievably convincing as the head honcho… More
The equivalent of American History X, without the redemption aspect. I liked that this feels like an even more realistic version of A Clockwork Orange in terms of an impoverished urban lifestyle, in which gangs rule. Russell Crowe is unbelievably convincing as the head honcho Skinhead; his reign of terror in this is worth watching alone. I wasn't crazy about the final showdown, but I guess it had to be done in order to be released. The visual style is wonderfully grainy and almost as deranged as its hero.
Dan S

A solid, almost unbearably violent look at Neo-Nazis in Australia and how they start to get into big trouble once their fearless leader (Russell Crowe) goes a little over the edge. While it has its share of problems, including a love triangle that feels awkwardly forced into place,… More
A solid, almost unbearably violent look at Neo-Nazis in Australia and how they start to get into big trouble once their fearless leader (Russell Crowe) goes a little over the edge. While it has its share of problems, including a love triangle that feels awkwardly forced into place, the movie has a lot going for it. Director Geoffrey Wright creates one of the most nihilistic, bleak, and irrefutably depressing backdrops seen in quite a while, really. Authority and control is lurking somewhere but it's never a real threat to these characters. The character Jacqueline McKenzie plays is also very interesting, especially seeing how troubled her relationship with her father is. It's no "American History X" in terms of storytelling ability, but like 'X', it features an outstanding, scary lead performance from its star (in this case, Crowe). Certainly not for everyone, but definitely an intriguing, disturbing look into the diseased minds of groups like this.
Nelson P

Probably the greatest movie about skinheads. Russell Crowe was able to play a despicable hero you cant help but like a little.
Anthony L

A really good film about Neo Nazis that goes off the plot a little too much at the end but still remains as powerful now as it was back in the early 90?s !
Chris W

Russell Crowe is amazing in this dark, gritty, and intense film about Aussie skinheads. Many people give comparisons to American History X, but I really didn't see too much of a connection other than the fact that both films are about skinheads. It's intense, but not as… More
Russell Crowe is amazing in this dark, gritty, and intense film about Aussie skinheads. Many people give comparisons to American History X, but I really didn't see too much of a connection other than the fact that both films are about skinheads. It's intense, but not as brutal as I was expecting it to be. I still highly reccomend it though.
Lee ?

An awesome and aggressively shot movie focusing on a group of Melbourne skinheads, led by "Hando" (Russell Crowe), as they wreak havoc amongst the growing Vietnamese community in their town. A thing I liked about it is that it wasn't a preachy movie, and it has been… More
An awesome and aggressively shot movie focusing on a group of Melbourne skinheads, led by "Hando" (Russell Crowe), as they wreak havoc amongst the growing Vietnamese community in their town. A thing I liked about it is that it wasn't a preachy movie, and it has been critisized for being sympathetic to skinheads by giving them more of a heart, but this adds some realism to the film and makes it more interesting. What "Romper Stomper" is saying is that if you live a life of violence and hate, it will lead to your own self destruction whether you're a skinhead or an Islamic terrorist, it doesn't matter. This is the best Skinhead movie out there IMO. It sets an excellent pace from the start making sure things are on the move and that it never gets dull - and it certainly doesn't! Very real and well acted performances, brutal, dark humored and unforgettable. OI, WATCH IT!
Lady D

Not quite as great as I remember this film being, maybe that's because of my recent viewing of 'This is England', however it's still a good watch and still conveys a message. One of Crowe's earlier films, that showed his talent then.
Nani V

Russell Crowe looks way different in here. Very scary guy.
Michael S

unfortunately overshadowed by a little film called American History X.
Dean M

Russell Crowe has an excellent performance in this Aussie film as the hell-raising skinhead leader of the gang. Because he won the AFI Award for best actor.
Kalel J

Gritty and scary in it's realism, Romper Stomper is a film that deservedly obtains it's high rating through it's display of malicious characters in a malicious setting. Romper Stomper - think of it as a modern day 'A Clockwork Orange', only with reason behind… More
Gritty and scary in it's realism, Romper Stomper is a film that deservedly obtains it's high rating through it's display of malicious characters in a malicious setting. Romper Stomper - think of it as a modern day 'A Clockwork Orange', only with reason behind the attacks of the gangs; this is a film that gives insight (albeit faded at points) into the mindsets of Neo-Nazi 'soldiers' and their beliefs towards their countries. While the message of the film isn't as resounding or as personal as 'American History X', it is an ideal that strikes a very different chord - society in general. This comes to fruition as we listen to the ranting of lead character Hando (played excellenty by Crowe) who tells of cheap labourers forcing the native workforce out, and while it may seem wrong and barbaric, ultimately it is true. However, the films never takes the emotional road that it could have, but instead opts to magnate closer to obtaining a shock factor, which works brilliantly in conveying this life, but ends up ruining the narrative of this film. And, it is this non-existent narrative that ruins a potentially excellent film; we are given an insight, but never given a story or rythm, and because of this the messages of this film become muffled. The directing and acting is where the film truly picks itself up though, as Crowe becomes absorbed in his character of anger in scenes that are shot to levels of very high standards by Wright. Ultimately, Romper Stomper is a striking fare that will shock but never move, and because of this it becomes a film that is easily lost. It's depictions are barbaric, but these events and people are real and it's a sad thing that sections of society have deterioated this much (but, that is where films like this can help).
Michael G

An incredible and disturbing film. Russell Crowe at his best.
Cameron J

Un-un, this skinhead movie ain't none of that "American History X" stuff. There's no sophistication or morality. In fact, this film is so brutally neo-nazi that it really has no reason to be about neo-nazis. I guess they were just looking for a logical reason for… More
Un-un, this skinhead movie ain't none of that "American History X" stuff. There's no sophistication or morality. In fact, this film is so brutally neo-nazi that it really has no reason to be about neo-nazis. I guess they were just looking for a logical reason for Russell Crowe to go around screaming, swearing, abusing his girlfriend and making racist assaults because they made this movie back before Mel Gibson made for an interesting biopic topic. Ha, I rhymed. But seriously though, if the skinhead thing is just a device for logical placement of brutal violence and other edgy material, it still doesn't keep this content from being periodically gratuitous and rather disturbing. Other flaws include a lack of development, an extremely repetative soundtrack, too much noise when there's not too much quietness, messy camerawork, abrupt events and very inconsistant character focus. In spite of this, the film features such strengths as a good score, good sound effects complemented by good sound editing, (except for the gunshots, those were ridiculous) some snappy film editing, strong characters, tensity and good acting. Possibly the greatest powers behind the film are the three leads: Daniel Pollock, Jacqueline McKenzie and Russell Crowe. The chemistry between them is crackling and carries the compellingness of the film, as do the solid performances executed by the three. McKenzie's character Gabrielle seems the most developed, primarily because McKenzie excellently conveys the struggles of her character. Pollock's character Davey seems forced as a major character come part 2, but his brilliant performance conquers the spotlight and keeps you invested in him as the hero, making it a painful shame that he took his life before his career could flourish as it very likely would have. Finally, we have Crowe, who does a remarkable job as our antihero, smoothly transitioning from strong protagonist to viciously effective villain without leaving you feeling the drastic change in his character's role too much. This was one of the rightful first steps for Crowe on his journey to becoming the heavyweight actor he is today. Ultimately, "Romper Stomper" is flawed and with disturbing content worthy of its controversy, but the compellingness led by the solid performances of the leads make it a strong classic thriller.
Greg A

The only problem I ever had with this movie is the soundtrack, it just feels out of place and awkward and it puts a damper on a good racial drama. Russell Crowe is the head of a skinhead gang. He is incredibly destructive ordering his gang to attack the new Asian immigrants moving… More
The only problem I ever had with this movie is the soundtrack, it just feels out of place and awkward and it puts a damper on a good racial drama. Russell Crowe is the head of a skinhead gang. He is incredibly destructive ordering his gang to attack the new Asian immigrants moving into his neighborhood. But he is not so smart in that his little attacks have made him the target of his enemies that far outnumber him and left to his own devices it might as well be anybody that he is attacking. One point in the film when he is attempting to convince his friend that he should murder his ex-girlfriend I am thinking to myself "he's just not happy unless he is killing or getting others to kill for him." It is true that this movie may not be very smart in terms of trying to deal with "what is racism? are you actually racist or have you been fed racist propaganda so long that you can't tell the truth for yourself?" Definitely not a "This is England" or "American History X" approach in storytelling. Yet in its simplicity there is a charm to it, this is the story of a micro-dictator and the downfall of his regime.
Mike T

As many people have identified, Romper Stomper is a film that shamelessly flaunts its influences... most predominantly, Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and Scorsese's Mean Streets. I consider both of those films to be masterworks partially because their ferocity was backed by… More
As many people have identified, Romper Stomper is a film that shamelessly flaunts its influences... most predominantly, Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and Scorsese's Mean Streets. I consider both of those films to be masterworks partially because their ferocity was backed by insight, which is something that cannot be said for Romper Stomper. Geoffrey Wright takes an ambiguous stance in order to avoid making this skinhead story into a message movie. I'm fine with that, considering it never comes across as "pro-racist" in my opinion. However, the nonstop ugliness and cruelty of the film feels senseless because of the sub-par writing. Focusing entirely on tone and atmosphere, Wright fails to construct believable relationships and motives out of the people that occupy his story. As a result, the maliciousness becomes wearisome and it is evident that the aim of the picture was to stir up controversy rather than fulfill its audience. That being said, Russell Crowe does deserve positive recognition. He dominates his role with all the finesse expected from a professional of his caliber.
Nicky M

Interesting story around a group of Skinheads in Australia led by a young Russel Crowe manages to humanize an unpopular group. Does lead into the misunderstandings and hate and the possible results. Good pace and well acted and makes ya think... If not for a few changes in life...
Stefan P

Since Romper Stomper has been labelled as a cult classic I expected a movie that was at least near, in sense of quality, one of the greatest dramas of all time - American History X. In fact, this movie shouldn't be compared to Tony Kaye's masterpiece (yes, I'm aware of… More
Since Romper Stomper has been labelled as a cult classic I expected a movie that was at least near, in sense of quality, one of the greatest dramas of all time - American History X. In fact, this movie shouldn't be compared to Tony Kaye's masterpiece (yes, I'm aware of the irony, I just did compare them, but you get the point). The story is uninteresting and lacks depth. In many scenes it seems that the viewer is supposed to feel sympathy for the characters which is absurd considering how simple-minded they are. I didn't like the visual style either and the ending left many loose ends.
Marcus W

It's impossible not to compare this with American History X, as they share a theme. But where that had a great plot/character and Edward Norton, this has a gritty low-budget feel which suits the film and makes the violence that bit more harrowing. It also has a young Russell… More
It's impossible not to compare this with American History X, as they share a theme. But where that had a great plot/character and Edward Norton, this has a gritty low-budget feel which suits the film and makes the violence that bit more harrowing. It also has a young Russell Crowe, here being very uncuddly. Like AHX, this also shows the consequences of such beliefs but in a far more direct and relentless way.