Introduction
Released in 1992, Romper Stomper follows the exploits and eventual demise of an Australian skin-head group who claim to be neo-Nazis. The plot follows the line of a number of various incidents whereby the group targets Vietnamese immigrants who appear to be taking over their working-class suburb in Melbourne. There were no recognizable historical characters present in the film, however, the main character is said to be based on a neo-Nazi leader of the 1970s. The events depicted in the film are also said to of happened in Melbourne during this same time period.
Context
Romper Stomper (1992) is particularly controversial due to the fact that the protagonist believes in the ideologies of Nazism. It is very brutal, racially violent and sometimes it even crosses the line of extremities. The film was made in 1992, at a time when Australian society was just beginning to accept other cultures. The time period in which it was made has an enormous impact upon the viewpoint of the film. In the early 90s, there was still a lot of hate-fuelled violence happening in both Melbourne and Sydney (and still is today), with the Vietnamese being victimized by it. It could be assumed that the detestation for this culture had stemmed from the Vietnam War, where most of the fathers of the leaders of these neo-Nazi groups had died in.
The message of the director was pure and simple and is reflected in the American film entitled American History X (1998). This message is: “Life is too short to hate”. The director wanted to show a sub-culture within society that has its own beliefs due to the Vietnam War, which Australia should have had no interest in participating in. What that war had done not only affected American society in the years after it, but also other parts of the world, including Australia, as this film shows.
Use of History
Although Romper Stomper (1992) is a fictional representation of social realism, the historical aspects of it could be considered fairly accurate. Australia is a nation made up of many different people from various different cultures. A large majority of these people come from Asia, particularly Vietnam. After the war, it was difficult to find work in Vietnam, so those who wanted to flourish needed to go to Australia, which is geographically close. After they had earned enough money, they would then have their entire family sent over. The film shows this, and in that regard, it is entirely historically accurate.
One can learn much about American society by viewing this film. Although it is set in Australia, it would be important to note that both American and Australian societies are quite similar, in terms of their belief systems. This film shows that racism exists everywhere, and history tends to teach those who wish to learn it – all about it.
Personal Assessment
Romper Stomper (1992) could be recommended to anyone who detests racism. Although it is relatively unknown in America, it should be recognized not only for the fact that it turned Russell Crowe into a household name, but it also assisted in helping Australian society to understand that regardless of where we are from, we can all share the land in which we live. Perhaps the most important aspect of the film also signifies that even those who hate the world so much still have the ability to love one another. This means that eventually, without a doubt, anyone who hates can learn to love.
References
Wright, G. 1992, Romper Stomper, released by Village Roadshow.
Kaye, T. 1998, American History X, released by New Line Cinema.