Romper Stomper

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Romper Stomper

R

1993

1h 25m

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Hando (Russell Crowe) and Davey (Daniel Pollock) are the leaders of a racist youth gang who spend their nights attacking Asian immigrants in a rough section of Melbourne. On the run after losing badly in a fight against the new Vietnamese owners of their local pub, the pair hook up with teenage junkie Gabe (Jacqueline McKenzie), who suggests robbing the mansion of her rich and sexually abusive father (Leigh Russell). But the girl's presence begins to drive a wedge between the longtime friends.

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Critics Consensus

Relentlessly grim and gripping, Romper Stomper is a disquietingly authentic glimpse into the inner dynamics of a hate group, featuring an electric performance by Russell Crowe.

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David Stratton

At the Movies (Australia)

In these volatile times, with racism on the march again all over the world, this is a dangerous film.

Aug 8, 2017

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Variety Staff

Variety

Romper Stomper is A Clockwork Orange without the intellect.

Jun 9, 2008

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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.

Jun 24, 2006

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

It is the authenticity, without exaggeration or hyperbole, that makes Romper Stomper so terrifying to watch.

Rated: 8/10

May 23, 2021

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PJ Nabarro

Patrick Nabarro

One can see why Crowe's star sky-rocketed from this point on: his performance is intense and compelling, revealing a genuine, steely-eyed menace.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 29, 2019

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Margaret Pomeranz

At the Movies (Australia)

This is in no way a pleasant film experience. It is relentlessly psychologically violent, almost nauseatingly so on occasion. However it is one of the finest films to be made in this country in recent years.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 8, 2017

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Maksim S

Romper Stomper is a film that, in many ways, feels overrated. Stylistically and thematically, it recalls elements of Dead Man’s Shoes and American History X, attempting to explore extremism, loyalty, and violence within a subcultural milieu. While the premise has potential, the execution falters: the plot is thin, skeletal at best, and fails to sustain engagement across its runtime. The characters are largely unlikeable, with minimal development to elicit empathy or investment, which further undermines the narrative drive. Though the film possesses moments of raw energy and grim realism, these are insufficient to overcome its structural and emotional shortcomings. Ultimately, it is a one-time viewing experience: intense and provocative, perhaps, but neither rewarding nor compelling enough to merit repeated attention.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/01/25

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Oaklee D

The best way I can describe this film is that it's essentially Australia's equivalent to A Clockwork Orange.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/26/25

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Kenny K

Lots of violence. Very little plot.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Oscar A

Buena, pero falta mas historia, no la vuelvoa ver.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

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Anton H

A big dose of high-energy anarchic violence can’t disguise the fact that this is a rather pathetic and sardonic attempt to make a statement about the nature of prejudice-fueled sadism. Angst for the sake of angst has no value in a film, and this offers little more than just that.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/09/24

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John F

Crowe is amazing but the story is a bit too hard-boiled that it winds up sympathizing with its lead character's views, however unintentionally.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/30/24

Full Review

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Geoffrey Wright

Director

Russell Crowe

Hando

Daniel Pollock

Davey

Jacqueline McKenzie

Gabe

Leigh Russell

Sonny Jim

Dan Wyllie

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Synopsis

Hando (Russell Crowe) and Davey (Daniel Pollock) are the leaders of a racist youth gang who spend their nights attacking Asian immigrants in a rough section of Melbourne. On the run after losing badly in a fight against the new Vietnamese owners of their local pub, the pair hook up with teenage junkie Gabe (Jacqueline McKenzie), who suggests robbing the mansion of her rich and sexually abusive father (Leigh Russell). But the girl's presence begins to drive a wedge between the longtime friends.

Director: Geoffrey Wright
Producer: Daniel Scharf, Ian Pringle
Distributor: New City Releasing [us], Academy Entertainment
Production Co: Australian Film Commission, Seon Film Productions, Roxy Films, Roxie Releasing, Film Victoria, Romper Stomper Pty Ltd.
Rating: R
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 9, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 7, 2017
Runtime: 1h 25m
Sound Mix: Surround

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