American History X (DVD, 1999, Special Edition)

On the day that his older brother is due to be released from prison, student Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) turns in a paper praising Hitler's Mein Kampf to his Jewish teacher Murray (Elliot Gould). He is sent to the principal, Bob Sweeney (Avery Brooks) who assigns him another task. He gives him a day to complete an essay on the events that have shaped his life, including the events leading up to the imprisonment of his brother. The assignment will be called American History X.

Writing this essay provides the cinematic device to tell the story of Danny and his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). Derek has been imprisoned for the killing of two men who tried to steal his car one night. Derek didn't kill them because they were thieves but because they were black, and he had been the leader of a neo-Nazi, white-power group. Derek's hatred of blacks was triggered when his father, a fireman, was killed by drug-dealers (presumed black), who shot him as he attempted to put out a fire in a poor neighbourhood. Hooking up with a local white-power activist Cameron (Stacy Keach), he organises a group of white kids into an organised mob who terrorise local non-white owned businesses.

Derek's racism is directed at anyone he meets - he explodes with rage when he finds that Murray is friendly with his mother, because he is Jewish. So when he finds two black kids (one of whom he had encountered before) messing with his car, he has no hesitation in killing them. One of them survives the initial hail of gunfire but Derek finishes him off as he lies wounded on the footpath.

When Derek is released (after serving three years for manslaughter), he returns home to find his mother ( Beverly D'Angelo) and siblings living in a small, shabby apartment, and that Danny has become involved in the neo-Nazi movement. Derek's own reputation has been enhanced by his crime, but he wants nothing more to do with Cameron's activities, and is determined to stop his younger brother following in his footsteps. The film follows his attempt to explain to Danny how his life has changed, and Danny's own exploration of his family's past (through writing his essay).

Tony Kaye's film is a thoughtful and sometimes shocking account of a skinhead's descent into murder and his eventual attempt at rehabilitation. The film is driven by two outstanding performances, from Edward Norton and Edward Furlong. Norton is simply frightening as the hate-filled Derek, all shaven scowl and bedecked with swastika tattoos. His portrayal depicts a keen intellect corrupted by an unfocussed rage. However, Edward Furlong has arguably the harder role, as it is more subtle and less showy. As a gangly teenager, desperate for a sense of belonging, and looking for someone to look up to, Furlong's Danny looks as uncomfortable in his own body as he does in his surroundings. The film is sustained by the sheer power of their performances.

American History X still resonates nearly ten years after it's theatrical release. Edward Norton gives the most striking performance (with the exception of 25th Hour)of his career, as neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard. The story centers around Derek's incarceration for the murder of two black gang members, and his subsequent dissent from the white supremacy faction. At times the story is perhaps a bit too moralistic and preachy, but Norton saves it from being overwrought. His acting is in the latter half of the film is in extreme contrast to the character we're first introduced to. Vinyard is deplorable to say the least (just check out the scene where he chokes his sister for defending Rodney King) with Norton's energy at mach ten. But after a life-changing experience in prison, Vinyard becomes a remorseful older brother, who feels guilty for dragging his little brother into the neo-Nazi world. The ending is sad, but makes sense in a poetic justice kind of way. It is the age old tale of reaping what you sow and the sins of the father being revisited on the son. Or in this case, the sins of the big brother being revisited on the little brother.

Without giving away the plot of this movie, I will just say that I highly recommend it for anyone old or mature enough to watch an R-rated movie.

No matter your views on neo-Nazism in America, this movie sheds light on the little known and controversial issue, and does it in such a way that is informative while creating captivating, heartwrenching drama at the same time. It pulls viewers into the "skinhead" point of view, and walks you through days in the life of young adult neo-Nazis in California - showcasing personal relationships, hard times with the families, fellow skinhead friends and parties. But the most important bond is that between on older brother, dedicated to his cause, and his younger brother, who strives to be like his role model, and pays the ultimate price for it.

Although this movie is not based on a true story, the same radical racial hatred issues, problems, and outcomes happen on a regular basis among this sub-culture in the United States today. This movie will open your eyes. It will possibly enrage you. It may also make you cry. But if you have an open mind and are eager to learn about the lifestyles surrounding a highly controversial group of young people, please give this movie a try. If you have a problem with profanity, images of hatred acts or nudity, pass on by.

Norton is powerful in American History X.
Norton's role as a young man who turned into a skinhead is convincing. The hate was first sparked by his father who happened to be murdered. His character, Dereck Vineyard, becomes angrier and so full of hate towards blacks that one night he murders two of them that try to break into his car.

Vineyard is sent to prison, serving 3 years. He finally wakes up and realizes his wrongs and wants to make a difference when he is let out.

Dereck's younger brother is headed down the same path of hate and anger towards blacks. When Dereck is let out, he explains to his younger brother how he's lost 3 years of his life and it's not worth what he put his family through. (I won't tell it all as I do not want to give the entire plot away)

I highly recommend this movie for mature audiences. There is a lot of language, violence and sex in this movie. It is not for someone who does not have a thick skin.

Even though this movie in fiction, it is convincing. The acting is excellent.

This movie is an insight of racial hate. Not just the Skinheads, but blacks too.

Filled to the brim with vulgarity, ugliness, nudity, sex and foul language this film is ideal for anyone facing a possible life with a skinhead or white supremist..Film shows just how twisted such groups thinking are and that hate breeds contempt...they use a demented maniac who attacked the USA in a twisted scheme to take over the world as their model for lack of a better term..that fact alone tells you these people need help...Film begins with the sad story of a Family torn apart by the death of the Father..the widowed Mother of 4 is left to raise her Children two boys and two Girls..while the Girls remained normal not surprising. the Boys in the Family developed a blind hatred for anyone not white or American..hello, Hitler wasn't American and was born of incest..after a few confrontations with several black groups the oldest Son kills two black men who attempt to break into his car..the sadist murders lands him in prison where every young hoodlum faces devine justice..only difference is despite himself he learns a valuable lesson, but does it come too late?? Upon his release he struggles to save his family..This film is filled with twists and turns the ending was a complete surprise..Viewers will love the storyline, the acting was stellar..Edward Norton, Avery Brooks and their co-stars do NOT disappoint!! I believe racists and skinheads will not like this film due to the fact they do not want to see themselves as we clear thinking humans see them..few people want to see their own ugliness and this film is filled with alot of ugliness..If you want to save your childs life I urge Parents to sit down with your children and watch this film and watch it in it's entirety, but be aware this film sends a strong message one that needs to be heeded!! I give this movie 5 out of 5 bars only coz I can't give it more!!