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Russell Crowe, Daniel Pollock, Jacqueline McKenzie, Alex Scott, Leigh Russell ... see more see more... , Daniel Wyllie , James McKenna , Neil Foster , Ann Morell , John Raaen , John Brumpton , Don Bridges , Tony Lee

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 (Crow... read more read more...e) 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

Flixster Users

72% liked it

42,497 ratings

Critics

80% liked it

25 critics

NC-17, 1 hr. 32 min.

Directed by: Geoffrey Wright

Release Date: January 1, 1993

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DVD Release Date: November 21, 2000

Stats: 1,939 reviews

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Russel Crowe And Daniel Pollock (aka davey&Hando) Romper Stomper Hando romper stomper gang Daniel Pollock Bubs =] Romper Stomper Davey and Hando James McKenna **Bubs** Romper Stomper Hando And Davey Davey-Romper Stomper Davey & Bubs Romper Stomper romper stomper..skinhead gang fight Boozy Skinheads About To Steal A Car Romper Stomper Romper Stomper Romper Stomper
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Flixster Reviews (1,939)

  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    July 16, 2011
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    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 ... read morean 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?
  • StarCrossedVoyager
    May 11, 2011
    StarCrossedVoyager
    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.
  • ythelastman89
    January 31, 2011
    ythelastman89
    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 Ski... read morenhead; 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.
  • fb619846742
    October 18, 2010
    fb619846742
    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 plac... read moree, 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.
  • nelsonpickens
    May 26, 2010
    nelsonpickens
    Probably the greatest movie about skinheads. Russell Crowe was able to play a despicable hero you cant help but like a little.
  • SirPant
    September 18, 2009
    SirPant
    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 !
  • cosmo313
    December 31, 2008
    cosmo313
    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... read more I was expecting it to be. I still highly reccomend it though.
  • WrenchLT
    February 4, 2008
    WrenchLT
    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 ... read morefor 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!
  • 76Majikat
    September 20, 2007
    76Majikat
    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.
  • LitelBluHli
    August 10, 2007
    LitelBluHli
    Russell Crowe looks way different in here. Very scary guy.

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Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
June 9, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

Romper Stomper is A Clockwork Orange without the intellect. Full Review

Richard Harrington
January 1, 2000
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." Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
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. Full Review

May 4, 2010
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. Full Review

May 4, 2010
Film4

For all the dynamism and drive, the film walks a fine line between exposure and outright exploitation -- wherein lies much of its appeal. Full Review

Lori Hoffman
March 16, 2007
Lori Hoffman, Atlantic City Weekly

Crowe first shows his star quality

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
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. Full Review

Michael Dequina
December 6, 2005
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. Full Review

Matt McAllister
March 13, 2005
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. Full Review

Michael Dequina
January 13, 2004
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

The film [has] a raw, sometimes discomfiting immediacy... The cast attacks their roles with matching intensity. Full Review

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