American History X

Rating:
Summary: Hate is Useless
Review: This is a very poerful and sad movie. It's about a horrible skinhead who commits some murders and gets sent to prison where he realizes his wrongs. When he gets released he sees his brother following in his same footsteps and trys to get him to not make the same mistakes he did. It's a very powerful movie that examines (somehwat) racism and hate and how ridiculous it can be.

Be wary, due to the subject of this movie and xcontent is received an R rating. There is an excessive amount of language inlcuding racist language (obviously) as well as brutal male prison rape seen, so be wary.

If you want something powerful and important, watch it. Norton does an excellent job in his roles. If you want something mindless, than go check out Daddy Day care.

Rating:
Summary: Very good, but unoriginal
Review: This film is neither original nor groundbreaking. I thought it was reasonably entertaining, and I think Ed Norton is a spectacular actor in it! But the mere plot of this film is a racist who turns from a bad guy into a good guy. Yes, that would have been a good idea for a film 50 years ago, but I think we've evolved on since then. That isn't the most worrying thing about this film, though. There's a point towards the end where Edward Norton gets raped in the showers, and it's at this point where Edward Norton decides to drop his irrational hatred towards black people and begin his jouney of righteousness. I mean it's crazy, it would have believe that prison rape is the anwser to all America's racial problems, and that this is how we lead our people to the path of justice and truth, and turn them into righteous soldiers. Well I think the makers of this film are 'dead' wrong! Prison rape is not the anwser to all America's racial problems and it certainly doesn't make you into a better man!

But besides from that, and on a better note, I found Edward Norton's performace as the neo-Nazi skinhead Derek Vinyard very interesting, and even captivating. He carries this film almost effortlessly. If it wasn't for Edward Norton's leading role, then I don't think this film would be anywhere near as interesting as it is.

Rating:
Summary: American History X
Review: Following the openning murder scene, I could not keep my eyes off the screen, because I was watching so much of what I've seen in modern society. The racism was very much familiar. Not just the poor little black slave living in the projects because big bad white america is supressing them, but it shows the hatred of the blacks towards the white and vise-versa. The extremes of their racial hate was provoked by their own anger in general, therefore they imply the negative energy in racism (they come to realise). While the racism was portrayed in an exagerated extreme manner, the over all message hit close to home. There was one steryotype, however, that was particualarly getting on my nerves. The characters constant implication that conservatives are Nazi facists out to supress minorities and those with liberal views are more interested with raical untiy. Give me a break. That aside, I loved "American History X"

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: This movie is powerful. Ed Norton is brilliant! I don't see why this movie isn't more talked about. It won't digest well for the weak hearted. It has kicked me right in the stomach as I grew up with a racist father. Hate breeds ignorance. Watch this movie!

Rating:
Summary: It fails to examine racism.
Review: 'American History X' fails to examine racism in America simply because the average person in not a Nazi skinhead. This movie shows the most extreme side of racism; the side that is so filled with hate that it causes someone to murder. Although certain moments are powerful other moments are very ridiculous.
The basketball game with the whites vs. blacks is embarassing and so is the scene where Edward Nortan tries to stuff meat down his own sister's throat. It is manipulative filmmaking; the filmmaker wants to scare the audience with the evil main character.
Ed Norton is then trown in prison for killing two blacks, and then faster than you can say 'Adolf Hitler' in German, he is changed forever. He is no longer a skinhead, but is a open-minded good guy who wants to save his brother from the skinhead groups. All of this happens so abruptly it is unconvincing. Let me tell you the real reason why Ed Norton's character changed; he did not want to go back to prisom where he would be gang raped.
A genuine film about racism would be showing about average people and their racist beliefs. That is the real racism in America; the subtle stuff that goes on behind closed doors in homes. Not this. This show the very extreme of racism and even that is exaggerated.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, Gritty, Worthwhile Drama
Review: The first few minutes of AHX are intended to horrify and shock you, to show the callousness of people who hate other people simply because of racial or ethnic stereotypes that have been blindly forced upon them. Edward Norton really shows off his acting chops as he transforms from a bigoted, murderous neo-Nazi to a gentle, rehabilitated older brother trying to prevent his impressionable younger brother (Edward Furlong) from following in his misguided footsteps.

The film is both uplifting and tragic, as well as brutally realistic. Without spoiling the ending for anyone who has not seen the film, Norton's pain and guilt will linger with you long after the credits roll. Yet from all the tragedy of the hate and violence that consume the characters in this film comes a ray of hope--with the guidance of Dr. Bob Sweeney (played by Avery Brooks) Norton's character, and ultimately Furlong's character, both have small victories in overcoming the cycle of hate. The ending of the film reminds us, however, that we still have a long way to go in race relations in America.

Beverly D'Angelo, Elliot Gould, Stacey Keach, and Fairuz Balk also play convincing supporting roles in this powerful drama that is well worth watching. Although it is certainly not intended for young children with its violence and graphic rape, AHX is one of those films that should be mandatory for older teens (17-18), especially those who might be pre-disposed to hate a certain religious or ethinic group due to their environment. As another reviewer aptly stated: "hate is learned and can be unlearned." The un-learning of hate is precisely what this film is all about.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most powerful films of our time
Review: In a word, this film is fabulous.

It is an emotionally engaging, heartrending experience, essentially unlike anything I have ever seen before.

It is a shame that this movie remains relatively unknown--it is certainly comparable to some of the greatest "classic" films that people tout much more openly: the stark, unflinching way in which it addresses some of the darkest elements not only of our society, but of the individual, is unforgettable.

This is THE film for anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking, stirring, and unbelievably raw work.

Norton (who, incidentally, ended up contributing a great deal in the post-production process after the director effectively abandoned the project) delivers a fabulous and haunting performance.

NOTE: This film is not for everyone. Approach with an open mind, or stay away.

Rating:
Summary: I wonder...
Review: if we will ever have a movie exemplifying the racist attitudes of the people of Israel?

The problem with this movie is it portrays ethnocentricism as a white pathology, which is completely contrary to what we find in this world. How many people like Norton's character really exist in our modern world? Very few. If we are going to make a movie about ethnocentric behavior, the portrayal of an Israeli soldier would be much more relavent and believable.

Ultimately, this movie provides no insight to real life racist behavior. It simply promotes the hollywood myth that egalitarianism is the normal human tendency, and only white people prefer their own race or tribe over others. Meanwhile, the whole world is errupting in ethnic wars and indoctrinated Americans don't have a clue as to why.

Rating:
Summary: This film was flat out amazing!!
Review: Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) loses his father Dennis (William Russ), who is a firefighter , that died putting out a firefighter in a crack house. Ever since then, Derek has been filled with hate, rage, violence, and racism. He joins up with Cameron Alexander ( Stacey Keach) who is the leader of the Nazi movement in Los Angeles. One night Derek catches three African American men breaking into his car, and he kills them. Derek is sent to prison for six years. While inside, Derek reluctantly becomes friends with an African American prisoner named Lamont (Guy Torry). Over time, Lamont causes Derek to realize that all his hate and anger never made his life any better. Now he is out and a changed man. Unfortunately , his brother Danny ( Edward Furlong) is headed in the exact same direction Derek was, and loves the life of a Nazi. Now it is up to Derek to save his brother and teach him the true meaning of redemption.

"American History X" is one of the best films that I have ever seen. The story is amazing, all the actors are outstanding, and the script provides for shocking scenes and great dialogue overall. The film takes an extremely controversial look at racism and shows just how damaging it can be. Watching the film unfold will leave you in awe. The parts dealing with Derek's past are shot in black and white to give them more of an ominous appeal. The present is shot in color to give the appearance of hope. Edward Norton gives the performance of his career as Derek Vinyard. He plays both sides of the character great. He is very convincing as a skinhead, and after prison shows that redemption is possible. Edward Furlong in my opinion did the best job in the movie. Furlong supplies extremely realistic emotion to let the audience know the inner conflict that his character is dealing with. The reason the character has such an impact on the film is because he is only trying to be like his brother. The rest of the cast was filled with excellent actors that include Stacey Keach, Avery Brooks, Ethan Suplee, Beverly De Angelo, and Fairuza Balk.

"American History X" is a highly controversial and disturbing film. It has shocking scenes and a realistic look at racism. But the story and characters are emotionally driven, and Derek's fight towards retribution is inspriring! It is an entertaining film, but an important one as well. A truly memorable classic.

Rating:
Summary: Neo-nazism can be fun...
Review: Strong, powerful, emotional, and interesting. These are just a few words to describe the film "American History X", starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong.

I found the plot to be very entertaining and something I haven't seen from Hollywood in awhile. The acting was excellent, as you'd expect from these great actors.

The DVD itself features three deleted scenes, Cast & Crew profiles, and a Theatrical trailer. The only thing out of those that really held my interest were the Deleted scenes, which were so good that they should have been kept in the movie.

I give American History X five stars
*****