American History X (1998)
medium level violence, medium level coarse language, adult themes
| Director: | Tony Kaye |
| Actors: | Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, Edward Norton, Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Furlong, Fairuza Balk |
Derek Vinyard wasn't born a racist, but he learnt quickly how to become one. Seeking retribution for his father's murder and burning for a way to vent his rage, Derek (Oscar nominee, Edward Norton) turned into the charismatic skinhead leader of a local white power movement. From theft and assault, Derek's violent actions escalated into all-out war, culminating in the brutal murder of two teenagers. In his eyes, race-hate justice has been dealt. Now after three years in prison, everyone awaits Derek's return; his gang; his violent girlfriend - and his greatest fan, his brother, Danny (Edward Furlong). But what they are about to encounter is a man who no longer views hatred as a badge of honour. Ashamed of his past, Derek is in a race to save Danny and his family from the violence he's brought down upon them.
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 119mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
| Run Time: | 119mins |
|---|---|
| File Size (Approx): | 1.1 GB |
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Member Reviews (45)
45 Member
Reviews
Ian
says
Given the subject matter the "message" of this movie was always going to be predictable and the final outcome inevitable, but there was still some great dialogue and acting performances along the way, especially from Edward Norton.
Of course there were still plenty of Hollywood stereotypical characters following the standard storylines, but having just one departure from the stereotype made this movie memorable. It showed an articulate and intelligent viewpoint that is usually entirely suppressed, so it will be confronting for the average viewer, even if it delivers them back into their comfort zone in the end.
Kt
says
Shitty intro( by that I mean unnecessary sex scene)......APART FROM THAT A MUST WATCH!! Defs in my top 20
spotlight
says
Difficult to watch - but it was an incredible, thought provoking film. Only think I could watch it once though...
Amie
says
A very dark and sinister look into the life of an American skin head, Fantastic!
Tom
says
A confronting, violent, dark but absorbing drama with an ultimately positive message of redemption.
McLovin
says
Not at all what I was expecting, this is an excellent story of redemption and of the power of ideas. "Romper Stomper II: Davey's Story".
Yakka
says
Edward Norton is a powerdul charater in this very well scripted and acted movie. The movie address racial issues between whites and blacks. It is a great movie and well worth watching. It contains a high level of violence so be warned, its not for the faint hearted, enjoy.
Peter
says
What can i say... a very good movie however very dark in its genre, if you want an insight into the not so popular culture in moden America then this is for you, personally i'd prefer to invest 2.5 hours pulling hair follicles from my nutsack with tweesers. Still if its on your to-do list then enjoy!
Ben W.
says
great movie a must see big 5 star for this one.
irine22
says
Edward Norton at his best and a great performance by Edward Furlong. This definently gave Norton his step into the big time. He plays two kinds of people so well, one of my favourite actors now. The themes in the movie are very true, however, hate does not extinguish hate, only love can...
RoyF
says
Film is amazing and thats because of themes they explore in this movie but the acting from Edward Norton. with the subject and his character have to deal and find himself again in jail is shown amazing and then going out and with his skinhead friends and the ending to is sad but amazing. i loved this film and the black & white scenes are just awesome and is cool and i really liked it.
Rachel C.
says
I have always enjoyed edward norton and his films and also edward Furlongs movies... This one i have seen more then once.. i love it becuase it is true in a way of this happens every day every where.. I do advise it is graphic but a hell of a movie and story...Once again i would watch it over and over and never get sick of the characters...
Tab H.
says
Extremely raw and powerful. Sadly we have the same brand of creeps in this country.
Brian M.
says
Extremely violent and confronting this story of racial hatred and prejudice is tough.Will it appeal to the neo-Nazi?. Unfortunately, probably-so I was very uncomfortable with some scenes (the store raid, for one)
The actiong, especially from Edward Norton, Furlong, Elliott Gould and Beverly d'Angelo is superb and the cinematography, which I note was done by the director himself was brilliant. Just too depressing and, at times, unconvincing. How did Norton get out of jail so soon puzzled me. And the school principal was poorly drawn and acted. Worth watching but don't invite any skinheads.
Tamas K.
says
Cliiford G.
says
Great movie, well acted a great storyline.
revhead
says
I love Edward Norton in everything he has done and this performance is no exception. A damn sight better that the Aussie try on this subject (romper stomper) with Russel Crowe. Fine performances by every one in this movie make it more believable. Keep up the good work Edward.
Laura H.
says
My husband loved this one.
Barbara S.
says
Yuliya K.
says
great film a must watch.
Barbara S.
says
Vanessa S.
says
great movie
Vanessa S.
says
great movie
Jacqui B.
says
Brilliant, I don't think I blinked the whole way through this movie.
Peter R.
says
Paul G.
says
Very full on movie. Very racist and violent but the movie has a powerful story and is well worth a look.
Ian T.
says
Leesa A.
says
Some good exploration of the drivers behind blind racism and its inevitably destructive consequences. Some of the scenes will make you flinch. Engaging.
James Parry
says
Bronwynn
says
I rate this movie 1 star because it was certainly not fun to watch. The moral of the story racism is bad, is why the film is rated by others as good I assume. That still doesn't make it any more enjoyable to watch. Nortons dad was a hero, killed by a murderer, who happened to be black. Norton blames all the evil in the world on the american negroes, killes 2 of them when they rob his house, goes to jail, gets raped, and is saved by a black man. When he gets out, he tries to convince his angry pals how wrong they are. They don't listen much, and hate him too. His little brother bites the dust soon after, by another murderer, who happens to be black, and 'is still in school.' I don't know how many murders happen in US schools, but seriously, are they as bad as this?
Howard Gibson
says
This one is a powerful movie that is totally free from sentiment. It tackles a difficult topic and takes it head on. Prepare to have your own innermost prejudices questioned.
Deborah Higginson
says
Well done, Eward Norton was brilliant in this movie and it's a shame that it really happened but it did. Very engrossing and kept you wondering all the time what would happen next. I liked the way the future and the past were combined, the best movie I've seen in a while.
Deborah Higginson
says
Craig Hill
says
Excellent performance from Edward Norton in a very powerful movie
Ron Dawson
says
Pretty good
Amitabh Singh
says
Roberta Bryant
says
Karen Dorrington
says
Powerful Movie.
Karen Dorrington
says
Extremely Powerful Movie
Jarad Burmeister
says
Michael O'brien
says
Chris D
says
An intelligent study of racial tension, this film manages to examine differing viewpoints without forcing opinions onto the viewer.
Daniel
says
Extremely powerful movie, Edward norton in the best performance of his career. Well written and directed and the theme of the movie really gets to you. Hard to explain the feeling it leaves you with, a must watch film!!
Cinefile
says
joester the toaster
says
Solid effort. Powerful performance from Ed Norton who continues to impress. This film is confronting and, at times, uncomfortable to watch - especially as Derek's racist views are espoused so eloquently. This film is all the more worthy of watching because of its challenging subject matter.