Rating: 
Summary: A Must See
Review: American History X is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. Edward Norton definitely deserved his Oscar for this role. His great acting mixed with the stunning direction and cinematography makes this a truly brilliant film. The story is the best part, it's about having the ability to put aside differences is what makes a true American and that having anger never makes your life better. I recommend it to anyone who believes themself an American.
Rating:
Summary: Black and White becomes Grey
Review: I watched American History X for the first time about an hour ago. Having already seen a number of Edward Norton films, I expected nothing but brilliance from one of my favourite male actors. But I also knew that Norton, as spectacular of an artist as he is, could not single-handedly conceal the flaws of a less talented team of actors, and certainly not a poor script. I also knew that racism and hate were becoming cliche subjects, and that they have been losing the passion they used to inspire in American audiences. Feeling all these things, I popped the movie into the VCR and watched the film. All the skepticism I had had disappeared long before I reached the end credits.A number of movies about the division of blacks and whites have been made through still prejudiced eyes, glorifying one view or the other. This movie's focus on racism and hate is unlike the others because the perspective we see the characters through changes during the movie. The black man is not pure good or pure evil, and neither is the white man. Rather than pointing out the differences between blacks and whites, the movie made me see only their similar struggles and conflicts, and their similar means of trying to resolve hate through suffering and bloodshed. Also in most movies, there is a distinct line drawn between protagonists and antagonists. American History X is filled with such complex, disturbed, and impressionable characters that it is difficult at times to be sure who is who, ethically speaking. For example, Derek's (Norton's) motivating speeches about white supremacy and illegal immigrants are given with such confidence and leadership that at times, I find myself agreeing with his views. But when he is released from prison a changed man, I understand his newfound disgust with white supremacists, and find myself feeling sympathetic toward Derek. These feelings I have, along with the vulnerability and despair of the characters, make me believe absolutely that people are not born hating each other, rather it is taught by those who have the power to influence people. Along with Edward Norton's wonderful performance, I found Avery Brooks' role to be powerful and authoritative, to such a realistic extreme that I felt guilty whenever his lines were punishing, and reassured whenever his words were comforting. I have decided that Avery Brooks should have had a number of Samuel L. Jackson roles. I guess I'll finish saying this: American History X has the power to force us to question ourselves and the people that influence our lives; to ask ourselves 'Do we believe what our role models are saying because we're truly listening, or are we so blinded by their glowing reputations that we couldn't distinguish right from wrong even if we tried?' There are so many more things I would like to say about how I feel about this movie, but I'd rather let you decide where you stand on things. I will probably write a ten page essay later.
Rating:
Summary: Watch it, watch it again, and keep watching it
Review: This movie deserves every bit of the praise that it has ever received. It works on so many levels that one can't help but be impressed. The subject is not one that is original, and the movie isn't likely to change your mind about the personal beliefs that you held before you watched, but I can assure you that it will leave you speachless and deep in thought. The first time I watched the film I remember being repulsed by some of the language and one scene of particularly intense violence (anyone who has seen the film knows what part I'm talking about). But I also remember the credits scrolling past my eyes and the tape stopping and re-winding while I was still staring blankly at the tv screen. The ending is mind-blowing and not your typical Hollywood ending (one of the things that makes the film so amazing). It's unfortunate that the language of the film will likely keep it from ever being a film that is taken into serious consideration in the academic world, because it is a film that every person should watch no matter what their race and their personal feelings on race. Quite simply, Edward Norton puts in the performance of a lifetime, one that nothing he ever does after this could possibly top for its intensity and power. Edward Furlong plays his role extremely well, though his performance is greatly overshadowed by the more elder of the Edwards. The cinematography is excellent, as is the sound and the editing. As it stands, I couldn't point to a single element of this film that I could call a weakness--there's nothing but strengths.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful
Review: I hardly knew what this movie was about when we rented the DVD, but Norton's powerful performance quickly drew me in. As he preaches to his people he can nearly make you believe what he is saying. For the 1st time in my 33 years I began to understand why the Germans were swayed towards Hitler's twisted thinking. Norton's build and his tatoos only added to his character's power.On the night of the murders when he turns around with his hands up and stares at his brother you too become hypnotized by those eyes. The shower scene in prison is compelling although difficult to watch. Norton's change of heart is totally believable.This is a wonderful movie, an important movie which has a message. Maybe at this time in America we need to listen to it.
Rating:
Summary: Gritty, emotional Drama to the ultimate degree
Review: I don't know if controversial movies tend to be better than ones that are not, but like "Requiem for a Dream" or "Pulp Fiction," controversial films leave nothing behind. They have a tendency to throw everyhting at you at once, in a sort of "... you" kind of style. "American History X" does exactly this.
The film has striking and stirring social issues. The film, about a neo-nazi skinhead, trying to save his brother from the path that lead him to his own demise, is so rash and open that it can shock anyone. It is more than just a story or social issues and racism, but it is also a story of family. This part was what made the film exceptional. The film captivated the pure emotion that a family faces in times of great tragedy and confusion.
I, personally, am drawn to movies about social issues becuase I enjoy discussing social inequalities. In my sociology class, we discussed whether or not a person can be anyone they want if they were in seperate living environments. This film made me re-analyze my original hypothesis. I originally thought that a person can succeed, even under the most pressing circumstances. This movie made me think, maybe it isn't that way.
This movie is a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: Don't judge it by how it starts...
Review: The very first time I started to watch this movie, I quit after 15 minutes or so. The level of racism set forth by Edward Norton at the begining is sickening and disturbing. Then a friend insisted that I watch the rest, then I got it... Ed plays a white supremicist who, if he had joined the Germans in 1942, Hitler would have to tell him to calm down. His little brother idolizes him and, over time, becomes him, basically. Meanwhile, Ed goes to jail, where he's talked to by a black fellow prisoner who's stories and wit turn him around. The movie's plot is trying to turn his little brother's life around before it's too late.
Rating:
Summary: A Surprise
Review: I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, which for some reason I thought was going to be an action flick. Instead, I found a socially powerful, gripping film. The theme isn't new but the sympathetic (but not condoning) treatment of Neo-nazis/skinheads was refreshing. It's not an easy movie to watch, but I'm glad I did, and hope to see it again soon. Edward Norton once again proves that he is a fine actor.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful tale about racism
Review: This is a skin head neo-Nazi movie set in Venice Beach California. There are a few extremely graphically violent scenes. The lead character is a skin head who is very intelligent. He goes to jail for the murder of two blacks. In jail he undergoes a change, and when he gets out, he doesn't want anything to do with the skinheads or Nazis. The problem is that his younger brother who idolizes him is in very deep. I found the story a little oversimplifed but tolerable. It is a morality tale, but the morality probably won't be your morality. In the end a price must be paid to fate. It was entertaining.
Rating: 
Summary: Hate Crimes
Review: AMERICAN HISTORY X is an ambitious film that tackles racism and hate groups. Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is idolized by his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong). When Derek is arrested and sent to prison for the brutal killing of an African American, he is forced to confront his past, in order to make sure that Danny doesn't end up like him. However, upon his release from jail, he discovers that his little brother has joined the same white supremacist group that he belonged to...This drama offers an unflinching look at a controversial subject. Norton just great as a man who is sorry for his past, and who longs for redemption for himself, by rescuing his brother, from a life of hate...But is it too late? Norton plays a 2 sided coin, one good, one bad, each with intensity. Furlong is good too but not as good as Norton. There are fine performances from Beverly D'angelo, Avery Brooks, and Stacey Keach, here as well. Directed by Tony Kaye (and Norton, this refers to the rumored trouble on the set between the 2 men over the film, though you would never know it, from the final product) the film is nearly perfect. The DVD has a trio of deleted scenes, the theatrical trailer, and cast/crew information. This is a film that needed to be made. I highly recommend the film with ****1/2 stars. Be sure to see this film.
Rating:
Summary: very emotional
Review: After watching Fight Club I noticed Edward Norton is such a great actor. So I picked up American History X because he's in it and that kid from Terminator II is in there too. Edward Norton's acting is very cool, and the only problem is edward furlong, he's too whiny looking and should be replaced by a more hardass looking kid.
Some parts of the movie can be disturbing and sometimes emotional. Overall it's a great movie.
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