Rating: 
Summary: American History X (1998)
Review: Director: Tony Kaye
Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk, Beverly D'Angelo, Stacy Keach, Jennifer Lien.
Running Time: 118 minutes.
Rated R for some extreme violence, harsh language, and sexual situations.There are certain films that come out that raise enough commotion due to a political ("Schindler's List"), religous (can anyone say "The Passion of the Christ"?), and historical themes that are sensitive issues for many people. Many of these films reveal to be an honest portrayal of the account in which they are trying to explain. "American History X" focuses on the horrors that the root of racism can breed, spreading aimlessly throughout a small California town, and sucking in innocent young adults into a world of fascist and prejudice living. Edward Norton gives the best performance of his young career as a skinead Neo-Nazi who returns from prison to his Venice beach home. His evolution from a young, bright jock in high school to a thug full of hatred is a rigid, cunning depiction--but the film mainly focuses on his metamorphesis into an enlightened parolee and his relationship with a young brother (played exceptionally well by Edward Furlong, star of "The Terminator 2: Judgement Day") who is following in his toxic foosteps. Director Tony Kaye's vision of how racism ravages a middle-class family is staggering until the last few moments of the motion picture, taking the audience through a whirlwind of events that will shock, disturb, and expose the true nature of hate--and also the strength and courage that it takes to break the chain. Truly one of the most important films of the last decade, "American History X" is a bold statement that is not for all--adults and children alike; however, it sends a message and tells a story that should be embraced by all people and is articulate enough with its delivery to create a monsoon of emotion. One of the best films of the latter part of the decade.
Rating: 
Summary: Disturbing . . . Thought-provoking
Review: The most disturbing thing about this film is that the hate and racism are more believable than the sudden ascent from them. Edward Norton's eloquent, passionate portrayal of a skinhead seemed more real than his quieter, more introspective portrayal of an ex-skinhead. He had been driven into the Neo-Nazi underworld by a lack of identity and an undirected rage at society; it gave him an identity, and an outlet for his anger. In prison, however, his character is suddenly transformed from an angry, passionate skinhead into a quiet, sensitive guy. The racism goes away, but the root causes of it are never resolved, and it leaves the rest of the movie with an unnatural, saccharine taste to it. The causes, motivations, and defenses for the characters' white supremacy are there, but there seems to be no reason for the sudden change. It is arguably because Edward Norton's performance as a skinhead was so strong, but his performance afterward seemed empty. Tony Kaye must take much of the blame in this for not providing any motivation for the transformation.
I believed Edward Furlong: he acted consistently throughout as a hero-worshipping younger brother would. His behaviour hinged so much on Norton's, however, that Norton's unbeleivable character turnaround pulled Furlong's solidly grounded and well played character from the believability and realism the acting merited. All in all, a brilliant, disturbing, thought-provoking film; the brilliant performances in the first half of the movie overshadow the salvation in the second half, so you are left more with a chilling view of Neo-Nazism than with an inspiring story of their salvation from hateful views.
Rating:
Summary: Norton's performance is outstanding
Review: American History is one of those films that I had been wanting to see but never got around to it. Let me begin by saying that I went into seeing it with some reservations based on several negative reviews. However, I was blown away by this film and consider it one of the best of the early 2000's. Edward Norton's is outstanding as a reformed black racist, as well as the supporting cast who includes Beverley D'Angelo as his mother. American History is a sad and tragic look at the ugly face of racism. It demonstrates how deep hatred can make a man do things he normally wouldn't do. Not for the faint hearted.
Rating:
Summary: Perhaps the Most Responsible Film in Recent Memory?
Review: It's always difficult to speak in the superlative, much more so when picking the single "best" of anything--but in terms of social responsibility, it's hard to think of a more impressive film than *American History X*. It examines, in a nuanced way, racism, class struggle, urbanity, xenophobia, prison politics, the war on drugs, corporate power as a backer of fascism, and the role of the state in all of this mess. The acting is superb (Avery Brooks and Ed Norton really deliver), and the writing is top notch. In terms of filmic technique (editing, shot composition, lighting, and the like), it is at all times competent--but nothing brilliant like a Soderbergh, a Stone, or a Bertolucci (though the monochrome sequences are fantastic, formally). However, "content" trumps "form" in this case (doesn't it always?)--indeed, the severity of this film's content, a more important subject can not be conceived, demonstrates the relative emptiness of "formal" films--like Figgis' formally interesting but contentless *Timecode*. Highest Recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: American History X and the Importance of Siblings
Review: Family relationships represent some of the most important relationships one creates in a lifetime. These connections shape personalities, thoughts, and actions. American History X depicts the life of one family involved with racism and how Derek's (Edward Norton) actions affect Danny's (Edward Furlong) life. Although American History X examines other issues such as racism and hate crimes, the movie clearly intends to show the importance of sibling relationships.
The prevalence of racism within the movie leads some critics to think that the theme somehow ties to racism. Richard Corliss, a movie reviewer for Time, draws the conclusion that, "you've got to be taught to hate. Derek's father makes racist remarks, so the liberal minded lad turns into a Neo-Nazi; then Derek sees his beliefs are wrong, so skinhead Danny does too" (100). Certainly both Derek and Danny had some influence from their father (William Russ) regarding their racist feelings. However, their mother (Beverly D'Angelo) remained neutral about her feelings toward races throughout the movie, and their sister (Jennifer Lien) clearly did not condone her brother's thoughts and actions. Also, Mr. Sweeney (Avery Brooks) endlessly tried to make the brothers change their ways. If one can learn to hate, why can one not also learn to accept?
The entire movie depicts how Derek's life affected Danny's. The fact that Derek greatly affected Danny's life is not so farfetched. According to Erica Goode and Betsy Wagner, authors of the article, "The Secret World of Siblings" claim that, "Sibling relationships shape how people feel about themselves, how they understand and feel about others, even how much they achieve" (44). Derek's only worry after leaving prison is how to get Danny away from this hate filled life. Although he never got Danny away, he did succeed in changing Danny's views towards racism. When the audience can determine that Derek helped to turn Danny racist and then can turn around and also say Derek helped Danny stop his racist ways, the movie really shows the strong bond between two brothers.
Another reason why the importance of sibling relationships represents the theme of American History X refers to the fact that we see most of the movie from Danny's standpoint. Edward Norton was quoted in the Detroit Free Press as saying, "The flashbacks are quite clearly viewed through his little brother's eyes, and he has idealized him" (Lawson). If Tony Kaye, director, had made this movie any different way, perhaps the fact that Derek helped to change Danny would not stand out as much. But because the flashbacks take place in Danny's memory, the audience can see how much Derek means to him.
One film reviewer, James Berardinelli, states, "American History X is in no way a comprehensive look at racism, hatred, or inner city violence. Instead it examines the various ways these elements tear at the fabric of a family" (Berardinelli). Berardinelli is right. If screen writer David McKenna wanted to make a movie on racism, why would he incorporate a family? The inclusion of a family plays an emotional angle. When viewers finish watching this movie, they have sympathy for the family that lost a son. They do not feel animosity towards Derek. Derek tried to do everything possible to remove Danny from the environment. If this movie meant to discuss racism, including the brother relationship and its impacts would be unnecessary. Director Tony Kaye makes picking out the theme of the movie difficult for the audience. The overwhelming amount of hate and violence displayed within the movie begins to overshadow the importance of Danny and Derek's relationship. However, as reported on the Hollywood Jesus website, screenwriter David McKenna said the following when speaking about the inspiration behind the script, "While American History X was made with a no-holds-barred look at the very real underbelly of racism, this is not a film about skinheads or white power. This is a searing contemporary tragedy that grips one working-class family" (Bruce). This movie clearly intends to reveal the strength of a relationship between two brothers.
American History X takes a broad look at the issues surrounding a family stuck in the middle of racist thoughts. The final presentation of the movie forces the audience to take a deeper look into Danny and Derek's relationship. As long as Derek plays the hero type in the end, the audience forgets the racism aspect of the film. American History X simply uses the aspect of racism in order to explore the bigger issue, the importance of sibling relationships.
Works Cited
Berardinelli, James. Film review, 1998. 5 April 2004 Bruce, David. "Racism in America = Hating Others." 1998. Hollywood Jesus. 8 April 2004 http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/american_history_x.htm. Corliss, Richard. "Thug Chic." Time 2 Nov. 1998: 100. Goode, Erica E., Wagner, Betsy. "The Secret World of Siblings." US News & World Report 10 Jan. 1994: 44-50. Lawson, Terry. "Actor Stays Above the Fray Surrounding Skinhead Movie 'American History X.'" Detroit Free Press 12 Nov. 1998.
Rating:
Summary: this is what i think about the movie.
Review: hi.
well when i first saw this movie, i could not believe how good of a movie it was.. and usually i don't cry during movies, but this movie made me cry alot, it made me not want to hate anyone anymore, and that hate is not good no matter who you are.
It just tells us how racism can break up a family, and how hate is not good, it can be learned, and it can be unlearned. This movie is such a great message to everyone, its a great movie to watch.. and you can learn so much fron watching this movie. by watching this movie it made me think how much your young brother or sister can learn from what your doing.. and want to do it to. i know because i have an older sister who is 18, and i've always wanted to do the things she did or does i'm 16 years old, and i'm kinda still watching what my sister does, ..it the same thing that happeneds in the movie. but as it says in the movie some legaches must end, that true. this movie is the far the most best movie that i've ever saw. thank you.
bye:nancy.
Rating:
Summary: American History X
Review: Tony Kaye disowns this masterpiece, he should never be allowed to direct again. Okay this is well documented about the director's unorthodox antics, with the studio.In my opinion he walked away from a daring film, not seen since the likes of 'A Clockwork Orange'. He is not Stanley Kubrick or Terrance Malik on the perfection stakes. He just has a major ego and is a pretenious exhibitionist.
Aside all of this and Edward Norton's alleged post production tinkering. This is one of those rare films shock and compell you
at the same time.
Rating: 
Summary: propoganda
Review: The first half is good, mainly because Derek tells the truth about jews and how we bend over backwards for minorities that ahate us anyways...but this is basically an anti-white movie that is full of crap.
Rating:
Summary: Strong subject, good film
Review: It is a bit melodramatic and tries too hard to tackle a whole bunch at once, but this is a good film from both artistic and socially redeeming standpoints. There is some horrible violence and a ton of swearing in this racially charged movie, but both my teens have seen and enjoy this movie because of the message "hate is baggage". If the idea of a coming of age film set in modern times tackling hard core social/race related issues sounds interesting to you, then you'll appreciate this work. If you're put off by films that aren't happy go lucky with sweet outcomes, then you'll probably want to pass. As for owning it, it's a hard call. It's kind of depressing, but it's also a slice of life from many and it does carry a strong message. I'd suggest renting first, but I do give the film a good recommendation.
Rating: 
Summary: Worthy but flawed
Review: Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) is the young leader of a neo-Nazi skinhead group who is sentenced to three years in prison for killing a car thief. His impressionable younger brother (Edward Furlong), who looks up to him, is assigned by his principal (Avery Brooks) to write a report about the factors that shaped Derek. Derek emerges from prison a changed man and attempts to set himself and his brother on the right path. This film is a serious but flawed examination of racism. It certainly has its heart in the right place, but it has a perfunctory feel about it. Norton's performance is brilliant, but while he plays both the fiery racist and the weary survivor with consummate skill, the transitions between these states seem to be missing. Derek's abandonment of racism seems to be based on the fact that it didn't protect him from abuse in prison, thereby providing a practical, utilitarian motive for his change rather than a moral one. To compound this problem, while Derek's racist rhetoric is delivered forcefully with a passion that becomes convincing if one allows oneself to be seduced by his fervor, an equally impassioned view from the opposite side is never articulated.
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