Romper Stomper

Gladiator's Russell Crowe gives a break-out performance as white supremacist leader Hando in this Aussie A Clockwork Orange. Crowe and his pack of skinhead vigilantes try to stem the influx of Asians into their Melbourne community, but find themselves at the wrong end of the bat when both the immigrants and the law organize against them. While the accompanying documentary (Skinheads--Reality and Fiction) on this 2-disc set gives needed insight into the supremacist phenom, as does the film's frightening soundtrack (presented in either DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1), Romper Stomper itself never does, and thus what could have been a compelling effort is reduced to a very violent, though well-done, B-movie, which earns its stars mainly for its exceptional performances and gripping narrative. Recommended, with reservations. (S. C. Sickles)