Post by Quorthon on Aug 28, 2005 12:19:42 GMT -5
Romper Stomper
Drama
1992
Color
Film Victoria/20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: R
Directed by: Geoffrey Wright
Australia
In the world of motion pictures, there always appears to be a couple tiny genres with only a few films to claim as their own, and often they end up being more like cult phenomenon’s than anything else. One of these tiny genres would be that of the “Nazi Film.” Movies that, in some way or another, revolve around the ideologies of National Socialism or racism. Well, here’s one that stars none other than Russel Crowe.
This film is a disturbing and violent story about a group of angry little skinheads in Australia—and their hatred for the growing population of South-Asian immigrants. The lovable skinheads are led by an increasingly hostile Russel Crowe as he makes decision after decision that seemingly worsens their lives—not that they had a lot going for them in the first place. The film quickly leaves behind any of the depth you’d generally find in a film of this kind and ventures into an ever darker pit of violence and despair.
Here’s the breakdown:
The Good:
--The graphic nature of the film and edginess do an excellent job to draw you in.
--The acting is quite good.
--Nice character depth for the main individuals.
--Interesting story.
--The shocking moments never seem to cease—the film has the power to shock or surprise you almost through and through.
--Decent atmosphere.
Didn’t Hurt It, Didn’t Help:
--A film this visually striking doesn’t waste time with “middle-grounds.”
--Despite that, the cinematography is about average.
The Bad:
--The graphic violence may be an incredible turn-off for a lot of people. But, if you’re the kind of person that enjoys movies that explore Nazi’s and their ideologies, then you’re prepared for something graphic.
--The characters are about as far away from being humanists as you can get—there is almost constant disdain, mistreatment, and cruelty being shared by most everyone with most everyone else.
--The end of the movie is rather shallow and somewhat disappointing. More detail would probably be a spoiler—but I viewed it as a letdown.
The Ugly:
--The raging punk-music soundtrack. Like fingernails on a chalkboard, it is.
--The depth of the characters and their beliefs in the Nazi ideals are looked into only briefly and, eventually, that part of the story is left behind almost entirely. This is a shame because then all the violence that Crowe and company perpetrate becomes less about ideology and more about being violent towards those different from themselves. Some of the films strength gets washed away with that.
Memorable Scene:
--When daughter betrays father—and we find out it’s more than just her being a bitch.
Acting: 8/10
Story: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Character Development: 8/10
Special Effects/Make-up: 8/10 (Generally, the only effects were blood and gunshots)
Nudity/Sexuality: 3/10 (a couple sex scenes, nothing too graphic)
Violence/Gore: 9/10 (this film has little gore, but plenty of violence)
Dialogue: 8/10
Music: 2/10
Direction: 7/10
Cheesiness: 1/10
Crappiness: 0/10
Overall: 8/10
It’s a powerful and striking movie, although dark and exceptionally dreary. Like dark films? You’ll enjoy this—if in fact, enjoyment is possible with a movie so damn dark.
Drama
1992
Color
Film Victoria/20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: R
Directed by: Geoffrey Wright
Australia
In the world of motion pictures, there always appears to be a couple tiny genres with only a few films to claim as their own, and often they end up being more like cult phenomenon’s than anything else. One of these tiny genres would be that of the “Nazi Film.” Movies that, in some way or another, revolve around the ideologies of National Socialism or racism. Well, here’s one that stars none other than Russel Crowe.
This film is a disturbing and violent story about a group of angry little skinheads in Australia—and their hatred for the growing population of South-Asian immigrants. The lovable skinheads are led by an increasingly hostile Russel Crowe as he makes decision after decision that seemingly worsens their lives—not that they had a lot going for them in the first place. The film quickly leaves behind any of the depth you’d generally find in a film of this kind and ventures into an ever darker pit of violence and despair.
Here’s the breakdown:
The Good:
--The graphic nature of the film and edginess do an excellent job to draw you in.
--The acting is quite good.
--Nice character depth for the main individuals.
--Interesting story.
--The shocking moments never seem to cease—the film has the power to shock or surprise you almost through and through.
--Decent atmosphere.
Didn’t Hurt It, Didn’t Help:
--A film this visually striking doesn’t waste time with “middle-grounds.”
--Despite that, the cinematography is about average.
The Bad:
--The graphic violence may be an incredible turn-off for a lot of people. But, if you’re the kind of person that enjoys movies that explore Nazi’s and their ideologies, then you’re prepared for something graphic.
--The characters are about as far away from being humanists as you can get—there is almost constant disdain, mistreatment, and cruelty being shared by most everyone with most everyone else.
--The end of the movie is rather shallow and somewhat disappointing. More detail would probably be a spoiler—but I viewed it as a letdown.
The Ugly:
--The raging punk-music soundtrack. Like fingernails on a chalkboard, it is.
--The depth of the characters and their beliefs in the Nazi ideals are looked into only briefly and, eventually, that part of the story is left behind almost entirely. This is a shame because then all the violence that Crowe and company perpetrate becomes less about ideology and more about being violent towards those different from themselves. Some of the films strength gets washed away with that.
Memorable Scene:
--When daughter betrays father—and we find out it’s more than just her being a bitch.
Acting: 8/10
Story: 8/10
Atmosphere: 7/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Character Development: 8/10
Special Effects/Make-up: 8/10 (Generally, the only effects were blood and gunshots)
Nudity/Sexuality: 3/10 (a couple sex scenes, nothing too graphic)
Violence/Gore: 9/10 (this film has little gore, but plenty of violence)
Dialogue: 8/10
Music: 2/10
Direction: 7/10
Cheesiness: 1/10
Crappiness: 0/10
Overall: 8/10
It’s a powerful and striking movie, although dark and exceptionally dreary. Like dark films? You’ll enjoy this—if in fact, enjoyment is possible with a movie so damn dark.
