Review of Romper Stomper (1992) by Leigh C — 07 Feb 2009

One of the best Australian films ever made. It works because of its simplicity - it's a very straightforward narrative with no more than the perfect amount of subplots - and because it's fascinating to watch the downfall of these hate-filled skinheads. Russell Crowe throws himself into the role and not only shows signs of a great career to come, but performs just as well as all his more recent mind-blowing performances.

The film is shot with the typical gritty handheld documentary style, but it also has just the right amount of creative cinematography (like the upside-down tracking shot as characters escape from a roof) to elevate it beyond its low budget origins.

Fans of American History X should see this because they are both equally compelling takes on this fascinatingly frustrating subculture.