| Romper Stomper is the story of a gang of
violent neo-Nazi skinheads, led by the intimidating and charismatic Hando
(Russell Crowe) and his brooding, introspective friend Davey (Daniel Pollock).
The plot centers around the pair's relationship with the rich, sex-obsessed
drug addict Gabrielle (Jacqueline McKenzie), who falls in love with Hando.
After joining forces with another group visiting of skinheads, Hando's
gang victimize two Vietnamese youths when they learn that their favorite
pub is about to be turned into an Asian restaurant. A third youth phones
for help and before long several car-loads of Vietnamese men armed with
pool cues and other makeshift weapons descend on the skinheads and force
them to retreat to their rented warehouse before finally escaping over
the roofs.
They find a new base at another nearby warehouse and plans are made for
revenge against the Vietnamese. During the course of the evening, Gabrielle
suffers an epileptic fit. This repulses Hando so badly he no longer feels
any attraction for her. After she recovers, Gabrielle suggests the gang
burglarize her father's mansion to fund the gang's revenge plans.
The next morning Hando argues with Gabrielle and dumps her. As she storms
off, Davey stops her and gives her the address of his grandmother, where
he will be staying. She goes to a nearby phone booth and makes an anonymous
call to the police, then goes to stay with Davey. Some time later, the
warehouse is raided by the police, resulting in the death of the youngest
skinhead when he recklessly waves a fake gun at them. Hando, who is away
from the rest of the group, can only watch helplessly before fleeing undiscovered.
Arriving at Davey's flat, he finds his friend in bed with Gabrielle. Hando
accuses her of selling them out, but Davey provides her with the alibi
that they were together the whole time. Appealing to Davey's sensitive
nature, Hando convinces his friend to stick by him and the trio goes on
the run.
The next day, Gabrielle overhears a conversation between Hando and Davey
and misinterprets it to mean they are going to leave her behind. Angry,
she sets their getaway car on fire, and openly admits to phoning the police.
Hando attacks her with murderous intent, leading Davey to ineffectively
try to stop him. In a final act of despair, Davey stabs Hando, killing
him. The film ends with Davey cradling Gabrielle on the beach overlooked
by a busload of Japanese tourists.
|
The film was nominated for 9 Australian
Film Institute Awards, winning Best Achievement in Sound,
Best Actor in a Lead Role and Best Original Music Score.
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