An Australian film about Lebanese gangs has been pulled from Greater Union cinemas in Sydney after violent outbursts at early screenings.

The Combination is the first Australian film release of the year and has been receiving rave reviews for its gritty portrayal of life in Sydney's west.

The distributor for the film was informed of the decision by Greater Union last night.

Allanah Zitserman from Australian Film Syndicate says Greater Union decided to stop screening the film after several brawls occurred at western Sydney cinemas after the movie was shown.

"I understand there has been some isolated incidents at the Parramatta Greater Union by a very small minority group that has forced Greater Union to make the unprecedented decision in the third day of its release to pull the film," she said.

Ms Zitserman says the film's cast and crew are devastated by the decision, but can understand why it has happened.