[Word is in that theater chain Greater Union have reversed their decision to pull The Combination from screens and will resume screenings on Wednesday.]
Could current Australian gang film The Combination be the next Romper Stomper? That's the early buzz but it's just gotten a lot harder for Australian audiences to judge for themselves thanks to theater chain Greater Union yanking the film from its screens after it triggered outbreaks of violence at screenings.
Using a series of actual race-riots that rocked Australia four years ago as its starting point, The Combination is the story of poor young immigrant gangs - particularly those of Lebanese descent - and their clashes with Australia's white suburban population. How true to life is this film? Not only does it incorporate a good amount of actual news footage but it turns out that one of its lead actors - Ali Haider - has been held in custody on assault charges since November. As for the writer / director, himself of Lebanese descent, he says he based the film on his own experiences and decided to make it after becoming frustrated that the only parts he was ever offered were rapists and muggers.
Check the trailer below the break.