Romper Stomper

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?

This showed up on prime recently so I checked it out. It's interesting looking back at reviews from when it aired. There's all the mention of unrealistic events and characters. What is going on in the world now makes this look tame.

There definitely are some issues with the acting, and it's clearly low budget. But I don't believe it's worthy of one star ratings. Overall it's decent.

I think the show would have been much better off not using the Romper Stomper name. That also clearly has an effect on people's perception of the show.

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.

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.

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.