American History X

American History X is a severely underrated film, especially from critics. American History X is a movie about Derek Vinyard, a neo-Nazi who is imprisoned and becomes more accepting of other races during his tenure in prison, who's new mission is to stop his younger brother, Danny, from becoming as evil as he once was. Edward Norton, who plays Derek, does an exceptional acting job in this movie. His character knows power, shame, pain, and humiliation and Norton does a wonderful job portraying these sides of his character and he makes Derek Vinyard into a believable, often hated and misunderstood, person. In fact, the entire cast of this film do a great job with their roles and they all help create an atmosphere of tension and drama. American History X comprises of flashbacks, shown in black and white, and present day scenes, shown in color. While the actual film can be quite gruesome and graphic at times, this is one of the few films where I actually believe that without it, the same message and power couldn't be as easily portrayed. Usually I'm not one for gratuitous violence or inappropriate themes but it perfectly fits this movie. Speaking of its message, this film has quite a powerful one. While I'm sure you would think it is simple, American History X tells us to accept one another and that hate is just baggage; it will only bring you down. At the same time though, the film tells us that some people can change and some cannot, it is not necessarily up to us to change others, but that they need to realize that change is necessary. The score is dramatic and occasionally haunting, especially during some of the darker moments of the film. At times, American History X can be difficult to watch but I believe that it is well worth your time. In a way, while this sounds cheesy, this film sort of changed my outlook on life and how we should treat one another. I think it would be apropos to end this review with a quote: "Hate is baggage. Life is too short to be pissed off all the time."

Bottom Line: Buy It/Rent It

Score: 8/10

Year: 1998
Director: Tony Kaye (Detachment, Black Water Transit, Snowblind)
Cast: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien)
Rating: R