RAZOR EATERS (2003)

Danny Berdan has a reputation. He's a hard bitten cop who gets results even if it means he has to break a few faces in the process, but no ones ever come close to ruffling his hardened exterior. His latest case appears to be nothing more than a group of brain dead, bored kids letting of a little steam, until a motorist is found dead next to his burnt out car. As Berdan gets closer the gang become increasingly more violent, even honoring themselves with a gang name, the Razor Eaters. Murders, kidnapping, robbery and even bombings become part of the daily grind for the Razors, but do these boys have a higher purpose and will their story become Australian legend via the hours of video footage the Razors ensure is shot during each and every brutal moment.
The gang is ran by Zach (Richard Cawthorne), a charismatic leader who oozes self confidence and an overwhelming belief in the gangs actions. His group consist of Roger, apparently insane and very violent. Anthony who's an ex junkie and murder virgin, Orville who likes to see things go 'BANG' and Rob who captures the gangs mayhem on video. As the movie progresses and the word of the Razor's brutality spreads via the media, pockets of people start to appreciate what they are trying to achieve. Murder is a terrible thing but when it's the dope dealer on the corner that sells crack to kids or the arms dealer who supplies weapons to the desperate, the public see the group as undertaking a role that has been long neglected.

This well crafted, gritty story is loosely based upon the exploits of a real Australian gang called the 'Hedge-Burners' who, despite the rather less than intimidating name, struck terror into the heart of Melbourne whilst documenting their exploits on video tape. The Razor Eaters story structure jumps between the gangs archive video footage (watched closely by Detective Berdan), behind the scenes police investigations and the present day, yet despite the possibility that the story might plunge into an incoherent mess, Young's screenplay and direction holds the plot's course steady and never allows the viewers focus to be snatched away from the engrossing story.
The 'film-in-film' premise has been used to good effect in previous productions such as 'Man Bites Dog', 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'The Last Broadcast', but the social commentary that runs through the core of Razor Eaters ensures that the viewer feels compassion and understanding towards the gang even if the brutality isn't always justified. This is an essential element that the film makers have crafted into their production and one that ensures that the entertainment factor remains high through the telling of a compelling and sometimes emotional story rather than a piece of violent exploitation.

Score

8 / 10