American History X

Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Elliott Gould, Fairuza Balk
Directed by: Tony Kaye
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Box Office: $
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A Neo-Nazi (Edward Norton) is involved in the murder of two African-Americans, and is sent to prison. There, he gains wisdom and realizes the futility of his previous life of hate. After ending his jail sentence, he returns home to find his little brother (Edward Furlong) living the same racist life he previously lead.

Review:

Tim: This is a powerful and important film about racism in the United States through the eyes of a Neo-Nazi supporter/skinhead. It works because the film gets to the very roots of racism and it is shows how racism tears apart families and lives. Racism is a terrible plague upon this country and watching films like this will hopefully instill its viewers with more tolerance and compassion.

Edward Norton deserves respect for taking the role of a murdering racist skinhead. He does this with remarkable conviction. You won't believe how impressive he is. His transformation from jail is every bit as amazing. It is performances like this that set him apart from other actors. He earned a much deserved Academy Award nomination for his role.

This film is oftentimes difficult to watch. The scenes of racism are particularly hard to swallow. The second murder is particularly vomit-inducing (for the weak of heart, turn away when you see the curb). There is quite a bit of violence in the film, although it is essential to the overall message. This is not an easy film to watch, but it is well worth a few feelings of discomfort. More movies like this need to be made- incredibly entertaining, powerful, and without shoving it down your throats, is educational. You cannot ask for more than this in a movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



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