Romper Stomper

This is a little known early film starring Russell Crowe about a subject matter that the filmmakers don't shy away from, from beginning to end. The issue of racial hatred explodes onto the screen from the opening salvo to the ending fight scene, and keeps the movie moving with the high energy of a bull in a china shop. Crowe shows here the commanding presence of a well-trained and exceptional lead actor who will be one of the best actors to come along in a long time.A group of young neo-Nazi skinheads, in Australia, fight against the expansion of the Vietnamese community in their township and then when the fighting turns amongst themselves none of the group are speared. The harshness of the situations that are presented is so realistic that at times you want to cringe away from the screen not to see it. Having the skinheads be the catalyst for the violence against the Vietnamese was an easy choice and the audience, during the telling of the story, feels for both side of the argument.
If you enjoyed the film American History X, you'll find this movie interesting to see how the same issues are seen from another countries view point. This is a strong film, with very intense issues, to see and it shouldn't be taken lightly with the violence level that is shown. Once you get past the violence, the underlying story of friendship and love carries the rest of the film, but unfortunately the violence starts in the first few minutes of the movie and goes through to the closing credits.