Romper Stomper (2018) User Reviews (29)

Flawed in many ways but still engaging drama

[wix99 · 7/10 · 16 January 2018]

The first couple of episodes were great but the quality of the acting and the writing seemed to go downhill from there. The final episode was a mess as the writers struggled to tie together all the key plot elements and it became a bit ridiculous.

Overall I still felt this was worth watching. It is a fascinating look at extremism and violence. It shines the spotlight on both right-wing racists and left-wing anarchists. Although these two groups are at opposite ends of the political spectrum they are similar in that they believe unquestioningly in their in political ideals and don't hesitate to use violence to achieve them. The irony is that both sides spend most of their time fighting each other and achieving nothing politically.

I think most people could see the hypocrisy and stupidity of these two groups for what they are. Although there does seem to be a risk that some people who already hold extreme views would see the fictional story as confirming their own biases.

Just Okay - don't expect the same impact as the original

[lincman-73857 · 6/10 · 8 January 2018]

I was excited when I heard of the release of Romper Stomper from Stan however it wasn't without concern as 2018 and 1992 is a very different world. Romper was a favourite movie of mine, brutal, in your face and without political leanings. It showed the skinhead culture, the Nazism, hate, loyalty, mateship and desperation of forgotten disaffected young men coupled with the struggle of hard-working migrants trying to fit in in an unfamiliar world. It resonated with many at the time as it looked at the extremes of our racially infused multicultural Australia.

The reboot sees it brought into 2017. I'll cut to the chase- the first 3 eps did not impress at all. The acting was weak, particularly from the kids in Juvi and the Anti-fac group. Lachy Hulme as Blake and David Denham as Jago held my interest long enough to get to ep 4. From here it did pick up with Toby Wallace's character Kane really shining through - his Hando inspired ruthless leadership under guidance of old gang member "Cackles" brought back some of the old brilliance...but only some. Dan Wyllie was very good as Vic/Cackles and John Brumpton as a struggling but forever angry Magoo was excellent.

Here is where it went wrong from my perspective. The story lines did not have enough depth - Gabe(J Mackenzie )and the Cop(J L Taylor) relationship was not even required and went nowhere. The African gangs seemed like afterthought and didn't add to the storyline. Zoe (Sophie Lowe) and her odd Christian perspective was not built up enough to feel real. Why was Magoo's daughter Asian - why was he still a neo Nazi? Not enough background on the infiltration of Cindy into Anti-fac helping out her foster brother Kane and later Vic - the young actress did get better as it progressed. The Muslim family was true to the typical liberal left styling of the film industry - no sign of extremism, just facing racial profiling at every turn. Farid (J Maroun) and Amir (P Raei) are strong actors but their characters again, like many in this, did not develop. Anit-Fac were portayed as the "good" bad guys, which holds to the current anti populist politics line, however they were portayed as a violent and anarchist mob, but again no real depth. I wanted more insight into Anti-fac - what drove them? The Blue Patriots were not as interesting as Handos old crew - portrayed as a bunch of bumbling nationalist idiots rather than the interesting (and also idiotic) sub culture of neo nazi skins that we saw in the orginal. Gabe and her fathers story was frustrating to watch, including the scene with Gabe and Kane and learning of the incestuous nature of his father (which I thought was either Hando or Davey given she hated her father and had stopped seeing him). The final episode, whilst not terrible, did not round much out (perhaps intentionally) but saw a murderous end at the hands of right wing terror aligned to suicide bomber style of those they detest (ironic?). It was shocking the sheer size of the explosion.

This could have been very good, but felt rushed and needed far more character development. With so much brilliant international tv and strong Aussie talent out there this unfortunately missed the mark and its ratings will be strong based on its historical links rather than in its own merits. It was just "okay"..

good production value on a lower budget but very good especially the last episode

[Regi_x · 7/10 · 1 July 2018]

Most of the bad reviews seem to be from idiots who didn't watch past the first episode or are too used to big production CGI nonsense, the story has many falsities such as portraying the antifa as heroes(an embarrassment and I don't know what some reviewers are thinking) but I found the whole thing quite accurate and I binged it all in one day, not as good as the original film but a very compelling story none the less, just watch til the last episode and you will not be disappointed if you have even half decent taste in films and are not some over saturated fool who needs constant action and CGI to maintain interest, it could have done some things much better and could do with some more toned writing to trim the fat but the show does a very good job at not being cliche and it keeps you interested, very impressed with the ending and hope another series is made

Beware the low reviews - a really engaging piece of work

[lindsay-thompson · 17 May 2018]

Be wary of low rating reviews, I saw a post on a forum that is frequented by one of the groups dramatized in this show, sending everyone over here to sign up to IMDB and hit this show with bad reviews and low ratings (suggesting accusing it of being crap compared to the movie / 'bad acting' / 'bad writing' etc.) because they didn't like their depiction in it and want to shut it down.

(After seeing this I checked most of the reviewers who have given it 1 - 2 stars, and most have no other reviews they've written on any other film/show on IMDB other than this, and only became a member to post their review here, which seems pretty suspicious to me).

Of course, this is a controversial show, clearly intentionally so, and it is inevitable that it will be attacked in this way, and it probably expected it (maybe even wanted it). But it also means a lot of the reviews here aren't genuine, which is a shame. (And I have a suspicion this review will get downvoted a lot as well!)

Anyhow, that aside. I watched this show, from beginning to end, over about three nights. I was a fan of the original movie, having been repelled/compelled by it when I was about 14, and I was also familiar with the work of one of the other directors/writers on it who made a New Zealand movie I loved a few years ago.

My honest response at the end of the sixth episode was that it was undeniably a very unique, engaging and at times shocking and powerful show, and one that I'm extremely glad I watched. I agreed with Karl Quinn's review in The Age - I can genuinely say it was one of the most invigorating pieces of television I've seen all year, Australian or not. Some of the acting was really exceptional (Lachy Hulme, Jacqui Mackenzie, David Wenham among others), some of the moments of tension downright unbearable, and some of the more sudden twists I really didn't see coming.

It felt like it got better as it went on (although for me slightly peaked in the middle in some ways), and sustained tension to the end. It also left many questions after it had finished (as it clearly intended to).

I agree with some other reviews that stated there are too many storylines - there are too many, and it became confusing trying to keep up with all of them (and the different characters they involved). This wasn't helped by the first episode trying to throw too many characters at us without really setting them all up properly, so it took a bit to ease into the show (and it took a bit to like some of the characters to be honest - not that I suppose you're meant to 'like' any of the characters in a show like this I guess, but still).

And there are some storylines that don't seem to go anywhere in the end which can be quite annoying (though certainly not unique to this show, it's one of my complaints about TV in general). Also, for my personal taste, there was just too much violence in the end - I'm into action as much as the next person, but you can become numb to it after a while. The tension was really well done, but the violence after a while just felt a bit bludgeoning. I felt there were times they could have made a more powerful statement with less violence.

And of course - Toby Wallace who plays Kane did a really strong job, although he has huge boots to fill in succeeding Russell Crowe, and I just didn't feel like his character was given enough for him to work with to try and fully hit it at that level. It seemed at times his character was an enigma in an interesting way, and at other times an enigma in a confused way.

But overall, as with the movie I found this series thoroughly compelling, and in today's social/political climate, quite brave - often excellently directed and written, with a very intense and memorable score, and a few genuine moments/twists where my mouth dropped at what they did - and what I simply didn't see coming. For me that's a sign of a great show, despite it's occasional shortcomings.

As a side note, I sincerely hope this is a sign of things to come in Australian TV. It needs more bold shows like this to compete on an international playing field, and the ambition that a show like this had is applaudable.

9 out of 10, and if they ever made a second season, I'd hunt it out. Bravo to the filmmakers - please ignore the trolls and keep going.

More Romper Room Than Romper Stomper

[mykl_tour · 6/10 · 3 January 2024]

Romper Stomper was one of the heaviest films to come out at its time and still packs a punch. This sequel lacks are the rawness of the original and gets lost in its own desires for relativity.

Fresh off the wave of Right Wing Fascism hysteria, it seemed like fertile ground to revisits the core elements of the Neo Nazi movement from the industrial 1980's to a contempary post-Trump climate. However this is unfortunately, unrealised.

The performances from the old cast esp McKenzie are outstanding. And the girl who played Cassie was the standout amongst the younger cast. This shows lead looks the part, but struggles to manage the Australian accent. He is 'pretty' but there is a lacking of exploring his sexiness, or at least the veneer of masculinity. The gender roles of the Right are foundational to the movement. Russel Crowe's Hanno delivered the binary that was both terrifying but also engaging and in ways attractive to the females in search of the 'Uber man'. This was explored between Gabe (a lost youth) and her attraction to the 'manly' Hanno in the original film. We don't get this dynamic from Kane, or in fact anyone.

This may seem a strange point to start with but it's just the tip of the iceberg re what this series lacks in re the core nature of the attraction to the Radical Right, and thus what is then never explored with the Leftists or even the family of the Muslims. It's all very underdeveloped.

There are numerous plot holes especially when the storyline leans into social media, media, technology etc. The most startling being that these Leftist who are so 'engaged' with media are oblivious to identifying who the runaway is.. let's be real.. when there is a prison break in Australia it's massive news. The fact that this girl was on the run but never identified is beyond unbelievable.

Understanding the Australian environment is also glazed over. Yes there are racial tensions, there is gang violence, some gun violence and yes there are even Neo-Nazi's, but these are meek compared to places like the US. It's as if this show is desperately to make these tension far larger than they are. It just comes off as lame and cringe.

However, in the 1980s, there was a true racial divide, there were punk gangs and there was a lot more gun violence. The landscape was very different, very raw and still a decade before the true globalisations that we have today. It's what makes the Romper Stomper film work.

There IS a way to make Romper Stomper work in a contemporary setting but this is not it. Disappointing.

Compelling and disturbing

[schembrichristopher · 8/10 · 14 February 2018]

The series was better than I thought it would be. It's not without it's flaws; the portrayal of the anti-fascist group as violent provocateurs was fanciful, and the acting from some of the younger cast members was so wooden it was distracting, but once you get over that, it's a pretty compelling watch. Once I started, I continued to binge. It's nicely shot and put together. I've read other reviewers criticising its pace, but I think it's spot on. It maintains a sinister atmosphere throughout and, although that can become tiresome in some cases, it works well in this series. It's disturbing, as it should be. Cast from the original film (Dan Wyllie, John Brumpton and especially Jacqueline McKenzie) are excellent and David Wenham is, as usual, brilliant. I'm looking forward to a second season.

Almost the worst Australia has to offer.

[ned-collyer · 4/10 · 3 January 2018]

The directing, writing, and casting have managed to put on one of the worst displays of incompetence in Australian TV history, and some poor sap paid them. How on Earth did they get some returning talent from the 1992 movie and still stuff it up this bad.

I'm not sure I can blame the actors, although they certainly don't do anything astounding, and seem ill-fitted and awkward in their roles.

Unfortunately, these guys are piggy backing on the iconic movie Romper Stomper (1992). Without the name, I doubt they would even get funding. This is an insult to Australian TV.

The scenarios are unbelievable. Both too tame with the language, and too extreme with the amateur hour violence. The casting is also absolute rubbish. Highlighting this is the pairing of Blake with Zoe.

I'm 24 minutes into episode one, and about to turn it off. After 38 years on this planet, this is the first time a TV series has prompted me to sign up to IMDB and write a review.

* Edit * upgraded to 4 stars. I kept at it and finished the series. The show picked up at around episode 4. The scenarios and dialogue are still complete rubbish, but at least the overall story got better.

The ending, however, is abrupt and disappointing, and it feels like some story lines were not followed through. It makes you wonder why they were ever included in the show.

better than expected

[mc_martyj · 8/10 · 3 January 2018]

(three Eps in so far) I really wanted to see this as some uber left propaganda film and call ir rubbish. I REALLY did. but unfortunately it's better than that. It's not anywhere near as good as the film, let's get that straight. The use of a very similar score is annoying but manageable. The cinematography is nicely managed and at times both bleak and beautiful. This feels more underbelly than Romper Stomper, and the side stories are pretty thin, but overall it's good. It's not ground breaking and it's not brilliant, but it's not the pile of trash I thought it was going to be. Very obvious that at least one of these reviewers didn't watch it at all. The fake news element was handled very well, the leeches at the news are as slimy as they need to be. will update this later once I've seen the whole season.

Okay

[dougmacdonaldburr · 5/10 · 19 April 2021]

This is okay. At some times it is a bit over the top and unrealistic, but, I am happy to keep watching it for now. I don't really like any of the characters, but, that is okay. I think I will watch the rest of the episodes, but, I doubt that I will ever rewatch the show again after that. I haven't seen the original movie yet, but, I think I will watch that after this. They were both created by the same writer and I like Russell Crowe as an actor. I have seen a lot worse tv shows than this, but, it is not one of my favourites either.

Great Show Well worth watching.

[wolfmanproductions · 9/10 · 26 February 2018]

Yeah Its definitely is not a big budget TV show but has a solid story and within its own means a very captivating drama series. I can understand that it's not to everyone's liking but I was very impressed and eagerly await for a second series. to put it short if your interested in a story and not just special effect budgets and over paid actors that most are use too then its well worth a watch.

Absolute junk

[kirkbyscott · 1/10 · 20 October 2018]

Bad acting, poor plot, unrealistic depictions. It's just poorly done. Lacks the dark intensity of the film.

Polarising and illuminating

[creevey · 10/10 · 3 January 2018]

The show provides many insights into racism, extremism, and their modern iterations, without apology. And I applaud it for that.

While delving into the modern far right and left wing, it doesn't succumb to the false equivalency they've been subjected to in recent times. "Anti-fasc" while anarchistic and occasionally violent, are shown to be at the very least compassionate (helping a homeless child), and respectful (when asking for support, offering to let them prove themselves first). On the converse Patriot Blue are shown to use tactics not uncommon to their real life counterparts. Intimidation and demands (not requests) of loyalty are common, and brutal. While they may be two sides of the same coin, one side exudes humanity, the other, inhumanity.

Further, the media does not get off lightly, David Wenham is (as usual) excellent. His depiction of a journalist clearly inspired by, shall we just say A.B. is accurate to a tee. While generally quite eloquent, when his facade has been challenged a different kind of monster emerges, and Wenham has nailed it.

Character development, while occasionally slow, is very well done, with the occasional twist. The tragic story of the main character had me feeling exceptionally lucky, and Toby Wallace does a fantastic job with him. A relatively nuanced performance, and the almost imperceptible tics he provides the character makes you feel as though you both do and don't know this person, and that's intentional.

Confronting for some, challenging for most, this show should be judged on its' merits, as such a recommended viewing for anyone (within the age restrictions obviously). But remember, if this show makes the hair on your back bristle, ask yourself; why?

terrible tv show.

[alexgordon-45807 · 1/10 · 1 January 2018]

B-grade actors, very poorly made and just hard to watch,

Reflects the current world accurately

[stevegunter-41218 · 8/10 · 10 January 2023]

So this follows on from Russell Crowe's Romper Stomper which is a vastly underrated cult classic. Some of the original actors return and it follows the life of Andho's son as he descends into the same right wing politics.

Some of the acting (Blake and Jago) is a bit over the top but overall it is a thought provoking and scary view of Right Wing versus Anti Fac factions in Australia and how the politics of hate is encouraging these Nazi esque views.

It is a very topical and scary vision of the world we live in now.

Kane in particular is well acted and his intense performance is a masterpiece.

The score fits very well with piece and the only issue I have is the many storylines all trying to be woven together to the Ep6 finale - it feels like there could have been another 4 episodes to develop to the finale.

Overall though well worth a watch.

trite, poor writing, bad acting,

[prosper1 · 2/10 · 6 July 2018]

What a mess. a shame and a stain on Australian film. too many plots that never tie up. the whole mess with proper writing and direction might have made a 90 min. straight to video bit.

not a loveable or memorable character, despite having scores of actors with speaking roles. the producers and creative team should migrate as it is unlikely they'll ever get work down under again. i can never blame actors as they neither write or direct pictures and i will give a shout out to the camera crew.

otherwise don't waste a moment here. there is so much good to see instead.

i suspect friends in high places commissioned this mess and likely prevented good drama from being greenlit. pity.

heads should roll over this travesty.

Keeps getting better.

[merlinmunstache · 9/10 · 24 July 2018]

I always liked the original and was curious as to what this show would be like after so many years. I have to say for a series that, what I imagine didn't have a huge budget. Is really compelling drama. It doesn't throw any punches (excuse the pun), and whilst some of the acting isn't great, it's counter balanced by so really good performances. The first episode is a bit messy at times, with too much thrown in (I went back and watched it again after binge watching the rest of the episodes, as to be honest I didn't watch them week to week). Point being, stick with it, as it just gets better.

Unwatchable

[chris_homard · 1/10 · 5 April 2018]

I just can't understand the reviews saying this is worthy of watching. Acting is appalling. The cast are lifeless. The plot goes nowhere. The story is told poorly. How did anyone give them the rights to the title of "Romper stomper"? They really have butchered the memory of the original title. Australian film and television really has taken a dramatic fall of late.

The Fascists are trying to diss this excellent Mini-Series.

[mckeownpatrick · 10/10 · 17 September 2018]

Don't listen to them and watch a well made and very thoughtful drama that will make your head spin until the very end. Good actors and good characters with multiple stories to tell. Not to be missed and it's a 10 out of 10 for me. Well done Australia.

Third-rate parasitic rubbish

[graham-705-127874 · 1/10 · 29 April 2018]

Essentially what we have here is a third rate tv series playing on the name of a cult movie from a previous generation.

The production is, at best, average and the cast appears to consist of Home and Away rejects.

One of the previous reviewers compared the series favourably to Underbelly, I can only assume they either work for the production company or have never seen an episode of that.

I suspect that without the Romper Stomper name that this mediorcre piece of work would have been unlikely to receive airtime, it really is that bad.

TV at its best!

[madeinheaven47 · 10/10 · 17 June 2018]

Crazy story line and flawless acting! Cant undestand how you can mark this show down! Definitely a must watch TV show!

It's worse than Home and Away

[dmqdanmc · 2/10 · 7 January 2018]

This could have been something great, but instead it is just another Australian flop.

Low reviews by facists

[travyb-39982 · 9/10 · 28 August 2021]

Great series. Don't believe the low reviews. First, there is no possible way this is 1 star. They give themselves away by being so obvious. This is a great series. They don't like the way the fascists are portrayed. But I think it shows the humanity of both sides. Watch it and see the similarities with what is going on now.

Terrible acting and confusing storyline

[hannah_hill · 2/10 · 1 March 2018]

I was so excited for this remake, considering the current political tensions in Australia there could have been so much interest and depth to this series. Instead we're presented with a cast of B grade actors with a muted and expected story line. In the first episode I think we're introduced to about 20 characters and 10 different story lies so that you have no idea who to care about and honestly aren't interested in any of them. I only made partway through the second episode before turning it off. Such a shame, Australian cinema has so much more to offer than this shallow snooze fest

Better than expected

[brettoneillau · 9/10 · 24 October 2018]

The series was pretty good, I'm not sure if they are making a season 2 or that was it? hopefully they are. I actually think its more like american history x than the original romper stomper.

As someone else said there are some dodgey reviews in here which you can tell all flooded in one after the other at some point.

Pffft

[w-95794 · 2/10 · 12 January 2018]

As I expected ,another shocker for Aussie TV,mediocre on every level,Stan stop producing this junk and spend the dollars on more showtime content that people want to watch,with actors that can act and writer's who can write .